Part 10: Self-Control and Psychological Adjustment of Alcohol Abuse

2. Alcohol abuse

Humans have a long history of drinking alcohol. Moderate drinking can produce feelings of relaxation and pleasure. However, uncontrolled and excessive drinking over a long period, leading to addiction, not only harms the individual but also society. It is a serious form of maladaptive behavior that requires self-correction and social intervention.

Symptoms of alcoholism

(1) Immediate effect

A blood alcohol concentration of less than 0.05% indicates mild intoxication, with a relaxed and cheerful mood. Mental clarity is reduced, and pathological intoxication may occur, manifesting as delirium, motor excitement, and impulsive behavior.

(2) Acute poisoning

When blood alcohol concentration is greater than 0.1%, cerebral cortical inhibition is relieved, leading to increased and disordered speech and behavior, euphoria, irritability, nystagmus, ataxia, dilated pupils, and coma.

(3) Chronic poisoning

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, insomnia, nightmares, weakness, palpitations, sweating, emotional instability, personality disorders, ataxia, tremors, delirium, etc.

(4) Withdrawal symptoms

Alcoholic hallucinations: primarily characterized by terrifying audiovisual hallucinations, such as vivid and horrifying visions. Patients may see repulsive reptiles and snakes crawling and attacking, as well as bloody hands and the threat and killing of knives and swords.

It should also be noted that alcohol, when combined with other medications, can amplify their effects. Some people, in pursuit of this effect, combine heavy drinking with the use of other drugs or sedatives, which can have very serious consequences. Certain medications, especially barbiturates, when used with alcohol, can cause stupor, coma, or even death.

Control of alcoholism

(1) Self-therapy

a. Change misconceptions and bad habits about drinking. People used to view drinking as a symbol of masculinity, a sign of boldness and courage, and a measure of the depth of a relationship. These ideas need to change. We must recognize the harm that excessive drinking causes to health, family, and society.

b. Gradually reduce alcohol consumption. Alcoholics can develop a plan to gradually reduce their alcohol intake, decreasing a certain amount each day until they quit completely. This process may be lengthy, but with persistence, success is possible.

c. Find alternative activities. When you feel like drinking alcohol, try other activities such as drinking tea, exercising, or reading. This can both distract you and cultivate healthy lifestyle habits.

(2) Social support

Family and friends' support is crucial for quitting alcohol. Those trying to quit should share their determination with family and friends, requesting their supervision and encouragement. They can also join support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (APA) to exchange experiences and support each other. Experience has shown that, when psychological and physiological mechanisms are sound, APA can be highly effective.

(3) Drug treatment

This includes treating the alcoholic's underlying medical conditions, substance dependence, acute and chronic poisoning, and various complications. Drug treatment must be administered by a physician in a medical setting.

(4) Clinical psychotherapy

Cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy are commonly used for treatment. For example, if an alcoholic lacks the willpower to quit drinking on their own, aversion therapy can be used under the guidance of an experienced clinical psychologist to help them quit drinking.

It should be pointed out that although there are many ways to control alcoholism, the effect of using any one method alone is not ideal and the relapse rate is relatively high. Only by using the above methods in combination can significant results be achieved.

3. Drug use

The dangers of drug addiction

Drug use has a very long history. The harm drugs inflict on humanity is immense. For addicts, the only worthwhile activity in life is obtaining drugs. They will stop at nothing to achieve this, resorting to lying, stealing, robbery, prostitution, smuggling, and so on. Human virtues, the pursuit of ideals, and the drive to succeed vanish. Instead, human weaknesses and flaws are concentrated in them; they become lazy, degenerate, unambitious, and shameless, using their meager means to buy drugs, neglecting the needs of their families, abusing their wives and children, experiencing sexual dysfunction, leading to marital breakdown and family dysfunction. Children from drug-addicted families are prone to personality disorders due to the dysfunctional family environment, becoming impatient and aggressive, or entering society prematurely, picking up bad habits, and becoming indirect victims of drugs.

Drug addicts are also prone to various physical illnesses, and their health and lifespan are significantly lower than those of healthy individuals. The behavior of drug addicts also poses a significant threat to public safety; traffic accidents, smuggling and violence, gang fights over drug deals, rape, prostitution, and other crimes have become serious problems in Western societies plagued by drug abuse.

How to prevent drug addiction

(1) Consciously resist drugs

Extensive public education is needed to make people fully aware of the harmfulness of drugs, to understand that drugs are like vicious demons, and that surrendering oneself to these demons means the end of everything. As one scholar said, a drug addict may temporarily gain pleasure from drugs, but he loses his human dignity. He cannot enjoy the joy of pursuing his career, the pleasure of engaging in activities he is interested in, the sweetness of love, or the tenderness of family. In short, he abandons all the good things in life in pursuit of only the temporary pleasure of drugs. Then comes addiction, an inability to live without drugs, and being tormented by them to the point of near death.

(2) Purify the social environment

Enforcement through laws and administrative measures is essential for successfully controlling the spread of drugs, thus providing people with a clean, drug-free social environment where they can live and work happily and in peace.

(3) Direct withdrawal method

For drug addicts, direct withdrawal methods can be used, either by force or voluntarily cutting off drugs. After a period of painful suffering, the addiction is overcome. This method is only feasible for moderate addicts. When used on severe addicts, the withdrawal symptoms are too intense and can sometimes be life-threatening, so alternative methods should be used.

For those trying to overcome drug addiction, psychological support is essential. This includes helping them adjust their attitudes towards themselves and society, rebuilding their interpersonal relationships, and regaining their confidence and courage. Family members should avoid hostility or contempt and instead help them learn to communicate effectively. When facing psychological conflicts, feeling distressed or anxious, addicts can find emotional release by confiding in others and engage in positive, constructive behaviors to change their situation. This approach can help them completely break free from drug dependence and prevent relapse.

It should be noted that although there are many ways to prevent and treat drug addiction, the effect of using any one method alone is not ideal, and the relapse rate is relatively high. Only by using the above methods in combination and persisting can more obvious results be achieved.