Treatment for alcoholism

Alcoholism, or alcohol addiction, is one of the most widespread addictions today. It affects every aspect of an individual’s life, as well as the lives of those around them.

Alcohol addiction is a persistent craving for alcohol, coupled with an inability to stop drinking despite its harmful effects. It is estimated that around 10–15% of the adult population struggles with problematic drinking. Research consistently shows that alcohol use disorder severely damages both physical and mental health. Without proper medical treatment, alcoholism can reduce a person’s lifespan by up to 15 years, with the average life expectancy of an alcoholic ranging between 55 and 60 years.

Because alcohol is legal, widely available, and relatively inexpensive, it is often not perceived as a drug. However, when misused, it can cause severe physical and psychological dependence. Once alcoholism takes hold, withdrawal can be extremely challenging due to the intense symptoms that arise when an individual attempts to stop drinking. However, recovery is possible with the right support and treatment.

For these reasons, treating alcoholism requires comprehensive medical care in a specialised addiction treatment clinic.

What characterises alcoholism?

There are 3 main factors that define alcoholism :

Psychological addiction to alcohol

It is a condition characterised by an overwhelming desire—or craving—for the effects of ethanol. Alcohol acts as a depressant, slowing down all bodily functions and inducing a state of relaxation.

Physical addiction to alcohol

It is a metabolic addiction characterised by symptoms such as morning sickness, trembling of the hands and legs, voice tremors, discomfort, nervousness, dizziness, sweating, and similar effects.

Increased tolerance to alcohol

In other words, an alcoholic needs a larger amount—or dose—of alcohol than before to achieve the same level of intoxication.

When considering these three factors together, it is extremely difficult for an individual to overcome addiction on their own. Before seeking professional treatment—whether independently or with the encouragement of loved ones—many alcoholics attempt to stop drinking by themselves, but often without success. This is because psychological dependence draws them back into the addiction, creating a so-called “vicious cycle” from which they are unable to break free without help.

What are the signs and symptoms of alcohol addiction?

Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder, occurs when chemical changes, due to long-term and chronic use of this psychoactive substance, cause the brain to change and adjust its normal functions. Then addiction occurs.

It is a fact that alcoholism is accompanied by certain signs on the basis of which an alcoholic can be recognized:

Consuming alcohol in larger quantities than intended;
Frequent and persistent cravings for alcohol;
Continued alcohol use despite its negative impact on health and life;
Unsuccessful attempts to stop unhealthy drinking habits;
Needing to drink larger amounts of alcohol to feel its effects;
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms after stopping drinking;
Alcohol consumption interfering with daily responsibilities, such as work or school;
Abandoning other activities, hobbies, and interests in favour of drinking;
Developing a tolerance to alcohol;
Spending increasing amounts of time obtaining, consuming, and recovering from alcohol (intoxication);
Failing to reduce or stop alcohol consumption, even after recognising and admitting the need for professional help;
Drinking alcohol in situations that pose a risk to one's health and life, as well as to others.

Alcoholism is a progressive disorder, meaning its effects and the risk of health complications worsen with prolonged alcohol use. This is why it is essential to seek treatment as early as possible.

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Alcohol Dependence and the Stages of Alcoholism

People often begin drinking out of curiosity or for enjoyment. Alcohol’s effects on the brain can create the illusion of easing mental distress and enhancing mood. However, this is merely the first stage of consumption.

If drinking continues, it can develop into a habit, then a necessity, eventually leading to alcohol addiction. In this progression, alcoholism unfolds in four stages, each of which takes a serious toll on a person’s well-being.

Stage of Moderate Alcohol Consumption

At this stage, a person drinks alcohol occasionally or infrequently. It is often considered the socially acceptable phase, as the individual still maintains control over their drinking. However, as with any psychoactive substance, over time, they may require larger amounts of alcohol to achieve the same effects.

Transition Phase

In this stage, a person drinks more frequently and in larger quantities than in the moderate phase. This is a critical point where alcohol consumption becomes harmful and risky. While addiction has not yet fully developed, the individual becomes accustomed to increasing amounts of alcohol. The transition phase serves as an intermediate stage between moderate drinking and alcoholism. Often, the person is unaware that they have reached this point and continues to drink without realising the extent of the problem.

Pre-Toxic Phase

At this stage, the individual has developed a dependency on alcohol, meaning they have become an alcoholic. This phase marks a critical turning point in the progression of addiction and comes with significant physical, psychological, and social consequences. The key characteristics of this phase include:

Increased Tolerance to Alcohol - The individual develops the ability to consume significantly larger quantities of alcohol than before. This is the result of the body adapting to alcohol's presence, often leading to an increase in intake. Increased tolerance can create a false sense of "control," while in reality, the body is suffering serious damage.
Mental Dependence on Alcohol - The individual begins to feel an overwhelming need for alcohol, which goes beyond mere habit. Alcohol becomes central to their life, often used as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or personal issues. The person believes that alcohol will "solve" their emotional or practical challenges, when in fact, it often exacerbates them.
Alcohol Abuse - The individual loses control over the amount and frequency of alcohol consumption, leading to a range of problems that affect every area of life. Family relationships suffer due to conflicts, neglect of responsibilities, or violent behaviour. Work or school performance declines, evident through reduced productivity, absenteeism, or conflicts with colleagues. Alcohol abuse frequently leads to legal issues, such as driving under the influence, disorderly conduct, or other forms of risky behaviour.

This phase is a clear indication that the individual requires professional help to break the destructive pattern of behaviour and prevent the severe consequences of addiction.

Drug Addiction Phase

At this stage, the individual has developed complete physical and psychological dependence on alcohol. If they do not consume alcohol, withdrawal symptoms (abstinence crisis) occur. This phase is marked by severe consequences of alcoholism, which are felt not only by the alcoholic but also by their family, friends, and others in their life. In this final phase, the impact on all areas of life becomes evident.

What Are the Addictive Mechanisms of Alcoholism?

Addictive mechanisms evolve alongside the stages of alcoholism. These mechanisms reinforce and perpetuate the addiction, making it incredibly difficult for an individual to break free from the “vicious circle” of the illness without professional help.

Individuals developing an addiction often rely on various defence mechanisms to justify their behaviour, avoid confronting reality, or minimise feelings of guilt. These mechanisms form part of a psychological strategy that enables them to continue engaging in destructive habits.

The most common addictive mechanisms include:

Downplaying and Minimising the Problem - The individual constantly downplays the significance of the problems related to alcohol consumption. Statements such as, "It's not a big deal, I only drink occasionally," or "I can stop whenever I want," serve as a way to avoid taking responsibility and confronting the seriousness of the situation.
Denial - This is the complete denial of the existence of a problem. The individual might say, "I don’t have a problem with alcohol," even when the consequences of their addiction are obvious. Denial is a powerful defence mechanism that makes it difficult to recognise the problem and seek help.
Rationalisation - Justifying one's behaviour and finding excuses for alcohol consumption is a common strategy. Typical statements include, "I drink because of stress at work," or "I drink, but I can stop whenever I want." Through this, the individual tries to ease their inner conflict and justify their actions to themselves and others.
Projection - This involves distorting reality to minimise personal responsibility. For example: "I haven’t drunk much," or "Others have overdone it, not me." Projection serves as a way to shift the blame or divert attention away from one's own behaviour.
Repression - This mechanism involves forgetting unpleasant or traumatic events related to alcohol consumption. The individual may say, "I don’t remember what happened," which allows for a temporary relief from feelings of guilt or shame.
Social Comparison - The individual compares themselves to others to minimise the significance of their problem. Typical statements include, "I’m not the only one who drinks; others drink too." This strategy creates an illusion of normalcy and reduces the sense of responsibility for their own actions.

These defence mechanisms not only make it harder to recognise the problem but also delay seeking professional help. Identifying and understanding these behaviour patterns are the first steps toward breaking free from the vicious cycle of addiction.

What are the consequences of alcoholism?

One of the main reasons people drink, and why addiction develops, is the desire for the effects (consequences) alcohol produces. The consequences of alcoholism can be divided into short-term and long-term effects.

Although both types of consequences are harmful to the alcoholic and their surroundings, particular attention should be given to the long-term effects of alcoholism, which definitely require treatment.

Short-Term Consequences of Alcoholism

There are numerous short-term effects of alcoholism, or alcohol misuse, which are particularly pronounced when a person is intoxicated. These effects vary depending on the level of intoxication the individual is experiencing.

When consumed in very high doses, alcohol can be fatal. This further emphasises the importance of seeking treatment for alcoholism at the earliest stages of the condition. Some of the effects of alcohol intoxication include reduced heart rate, respiratory problems, choking in the stomach area, memory loss of recent events, and, in extreme cases, death.

Long-term consequences of alcoholism

After consuming alcohol over a relatively long period, long-term negative consequences of alcoholism begin to occur. Alcohol, as a psychoactive substance, damages the entire body.

All the long-term harmful effects of alcoholism can be divided into physical, psychological, and social categories.

Physical consequences of alcoholism :

CNS (Central Nervous System): damage to the brain and nervous system, lesions, cognitive function impairment, polyneuropathy, encephalopathy, alcoholic dementia, Korsakoff syndrome
Cardiovascular Issues: high blood pressure, heart diseases, stroke
Liver: fibrosis, cirrhosis, fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis
Kidneys: acute kidney failure, chronic kidney disease
Pancreas: chronic pancreatitis, hepatitis, type II diabetes
Gastrointestinal Tract: gastritis, stomach and duodenal ulcers, stomach bleeding, cancers
Skin Diseases: alcoholic erythema, postprandial erythema, dermatoses (pellagra), permanent erythema, rosacea
Immune System: increased susceptibility to infections and diseases such as tuberculosis and pneumonia
Increased Risk of Cancer: higher risk of developing certain types of cancer, including carcinomas.

Psychological (mental) consequences of alcoholism:

Social consequences of alcoholism

The signs of withdrawal typically include at least two of the following symptoms:

In addition to these, withdrawal symptoms also include decreased intellectual and work efficiency, aggression, difficulty in communication, tension, and depression. All of these symptoms may worsen within the next 2 to 3 days from the onset of withdrawal. In some cases, they can last for several weeks.

Severe forms of withdrawal include alcoholic hallucinosis and epileptic seizures. The most severe symptom, or consequence of withdrawal, is delirium tremens.

What is delirium tremens?

Delirium tremens (alcoholic madness) is by far the most severe complication of alcoholism. Unfortunately, it is a common form of psychosis in alcoholics that occurs as a result of the toxic effects of alcohol.

Delirium tremens occurs as a result of the sudden cessation of alcohol consumption, within 48 to 96 hours, following prolonged and heavy drinking. The likelihood of delirium occurring in chronic alcoholics is estimated at 5% to 10%. It is more common in the older population, as they already have underlying brain damage.

The clinical picture of delirium tremens includes confusion, disorientation in time and space, hallucinations (such as mice, bugs, etc.), psychomotor agitation, intense fear, insomnia, memory impairment, tremors, sweating, elevated body temperature, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, and dilated pupils.

The risk factors for the development of delirium tremens are:

Delirium is an emergency and concerning condition with a high mortality rate. Early recognition of symptoms is crucial, which is why the treatment of alcoholism, and specifically delirium tremens, must be carried out as soon as possible.

Treatment of delirium tremens

Treatment involves the parenteral administration of benzodiazepines and hypnotics, along with rehydration, antibiotic, multivitamin, cardioprotective, anticoagulant, and other necessary therapies. Treatment is carried out in a hospital setting, and the most appropriate treatment for alcohol withdrawal is provided in the intensive care unit.

Complications of delirium tremens include: respiratory insufficiency, respiratory arrest, pneumonia, cardiac arrhythmia, acute myocardial infarction, liver function failure, renal insufficiency, and epilepsy.

Despite intensive treatment, the mortality rate of patients with delirium ranges from 5% to 15%. Today, with modern diagnostic and treatment measures, it is around 5%. The most common causes of death are respiratory insufficiency and cardiac arrhythmia. Delirious patients are also at high risk of late complications of chronic alcoholism, with the most frequent being liver cirrhosis and brain damage (Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome and alcohol-induced dementia).

Alcoholism Treatment at MedTiM Clinic

At MedTiM Clinic, we take the treatment for alcoholism with the highest level of seriousness, as we recognize that it is a complex issue requiring a carefully structured and holistic approach. Our aim is to offer each patient personalized care that ensures a successful recovery, a smooth transition through withdrawal symptoms, and lasting stability.

Inpatient Treatment Under Specialist Supervision

Our clinic recommends inpatient treatment, which allows for the implementation of all necessary therapies under the continuous supervision of a medical team. This ensures the complete safety of the patient throughout the entire process, as well as an effective recovery through a multidisciplinary approach. As part of this program, patients undergo detoxification, regeneration, pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and occupational therapy. Upon completion of the inpatient treatment, a blocker is provided to further reduce the desire to consume alcohol.

Holistic Approach to Alcoholism Treatment

Treating alcohol addiction requires a comprehensive and holistic approach that includes psychological, pharmacological, and social treatment. Our goal is not only to address the symptoms of addiction but also to tackle the underlying causes, allowing the patient to achieve lasting results. At our clinic, each treatment is carefully tailored to meet the individual needs of the patient.

Treatment at MedTiM Clinic Includes the Following Therapies:

Detoxification - The first step in treating alcoholism is detoxification, a process that removes toxins from the body, during which the patient undergoes a controlled withdrawal from alcohol under medical supervision. This ensures a safe transition from addiction to recovery, minimizing the risk of withdrawal symptoms.
Pharmacotherapy - Medication therapy helps reduce cravings for alcohol, stabilize emotional well-being, and lower the risk of relapse. This therapy is tailored to the individual needs of the patient and provides effective support throughout the recovery process.
Psychotherapy - Psychological support through individual and group sessions helps patients confront emotional challenges and learn new ways to cope with stress. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the primary approaches that assists patients in identifying and changing behavioral patterns that lead to alcohol consumption.
Alcohol Blocker - Patients are recommended an alcohol blocker, which reduces the feeling of pleasure associated with alcohol consumption. This further helps patients avoid relapse by eliminating the physical reward linked to alcohol.

Medical Treatment for Alcohol Addicts

The alcohol addiction treatment program at MedTim Clinic lasts for 14 days and includes intensive recovery phases. The treatment involves detoxification and body regeneration, pharmacological support, and psychotherapy treatments, with constant medical supervision throughout the entire process.

The combination of detoxification, pharmacotherapy, and psychotherapy provides a comprehensive approach that helps overcome alcohol addiction and achieve long-term stability. This program not only addresses the physical consequences of addiction but also enables patients to confront emotional and psychological challenges. After completing inpatient treatment, patients are offered continuous support through regular check-ups and counseling to ensure lasting abstinence.

Alcoholism significantly damages both physical and mental health, particularly harming internal organs such as the liver and cardiovascular system. MedTim Clinic offers comprehensive treatment programs, including innovative therapeutic methods for body regeneration and recovery.

The multidisciplinary approach at MedTim Clinic includes:

Treatment of alcohol addiction: Detoxification, rehabilitation, and continuous psychotherapeutic support, including individual and group sessions.
Management of somatic issues: Focus on treating the consequences of alcohol abuse, with an emphasis on liver regeneration and maintaining cardiovascular health.

Liver Regeneration – A Key Step Towards Recovery

Long-term alcohol abuse can lead to serious liver damage, such as fatty degeneration, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis. MedTim Clinic offers advanced therapies for liver regeneration, including:

Addressing Cardiovascular Disorders – Strengthening the Heart and Blood Vessels

Alcohol abuse significantly impacts the cardiovascular system. At MedTim Clinic, we offer:

MedTim Clinic provides comprehensive care, helping patients restore their health and begin a new life free from addiction.

Alcoholism Treatment Costs and Information

If you’re interested in the cost of alcohol addiction treatment, please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone or email. Our team is available to provide all the necessary information about the treatment process and associated costs. Our medical advisors are always on hand to assist with any questions you may have.

Investing in alcoholism treatment is not only a step towards better health but also a pathway to a brighter, addiction-free future.

Overcoming Alcoholism with MedTiM’s Multidisciplinary Approach

With advanced equipment and contemporary methods, we offer precise diagnostics and effective therapies. From liver regeneration treatments to strategies that enhance cardiovascular health, our approach to treating alcohol addiction and its consequences is based on proven techniques that adhere to the latest global standards.

The setting in which treatment occurs is crucial to the healing process. Our high-quality services include:

Through the use of cutting-edge methods, our alcoholism treatment program includes:

A Holistic Approach to Health

Our treatment process embraces a holistic approach, integrating physical health with mental and emotional recovery. The focus is on:

This comprehensive approach to alcoholism treatment not only offers essential professional support and stability but also fosters the adoption of healthy habits and emotional balance. By combining medical therapies with a nurturing environment, patients are empowered to regain control of their lives and establish a strong foundation for a future free from alcohol.