Free from the All-Consuming Shadow: The Path to Life without Alcohol Dependence. English Version

© Svyatoslav Levchenko, 2023

ISBN 978-5-0060-7696-9

Created with Ridero smart publishing system

Introduction

Let us talk openly and sincerely about something that affects many of us – alcoholism. None of us wants to face this topic, but sometimes, to understand and solve a problem, we need to start with a conversation. This book is our compass in the world of alcohol addiction and an attempt to understand it better.

We will explore this complex phenomenon with love and care, using simple words and friendly language. There is no place for reproaches or condemnation – only support and understanding. I will tell you success stories, share tips, and help you understand that living sober is not only possible, but also wonderful.

Let us begin this exciting journey together – into a world where being honest with yourself and supporting loved ones can change your life for the better.

Chapter 1: What is alcoholism really?

When you drink alcohol, you depress the frontal lobes, stimulate the amygdala and destroy the hippocampus. The frontal lobes allow you to control your willpower. The amygdala is responsible for aggression and instinctiveness, and the hippocampus for the symphony of brain control, for the desire to actively control it, actively make decisions, retrieve information from long-term memory and it turns out that by drinking alcohol you depress the frontal lobes, which could slow you down from drinking alcohol, you you accelerate the amygdala, which says consume more, “let’s drink,” and destroy the hippocampus, which could open its eyes to all this.

Isn’t it an amazing combination?

I was very much inspired by the article – video from Vadim Zeland’s book “Transurfing of Reality” – “Cultural Use of Dichlorvos”. My opinion is that the most important idea of this book is that drinking alcohol is normal, normal for society; you drink to relax, because it is so hard in the everyday routine and you really want to get away from it, you drank and everything is high. This is the biggest misconception, when I drank alcohol, I did not find a reason why before, I continue to drink, for example, on Monday I drank a bottle of beer, and on Friday stress without cause creeps up, and again I want to relax. Therefore, I will say that the desire to drink again is caused by alcohol itself because it puts you in a state of anxiety. Those. recovery does not end with one day, when you felt bad after a binge, but after some time, when you came to your senses (sobered up), you still become irritable for some time. I observed similar symptoms myself within a week. Wow, I’m sure that you, my dear readers, didn’t even pay attention to this.

Non-drinkers and non-smokers cope with stressful situations much easier. I urge everyone who reads this book, even if you read it drunk, then dear, come on, you will sober up and start a new life. You and I know that you have great potential that it’s time to unleash.

You don’t need to think that you have everything under control, you don’t, I very rarely, like you, met people who REALLY can control their alcohol consumption.

I’ll voice my favorite quote from E. Malysheva – there is no norm.

1.2 Let’s look at the factors in the development of alcoholism

1.2.1 Genetic predisposition

Genetic inheritance plays an important role in the development of alcohol dependence. If a person has relatives who are alcohol dependent, they have an increased risk of becoming an alcoholic. Some people may have biological abnormalities that make them more vulnerable to being caught in a vicious cycle.

1.2.2 Stress and Psychological Problems

Alcohol is often used as a way to cope with stress and psychological difficulties. People may turn to alcohol to temporarily forget about their problems or to reduce their anxiety and depression. However, drinking alcohol does not take you out of a stressful state, but rather drives you deeper into it.

1.2.3 Sociocultural factors and environment

Sociocultural factors, such as cultural traditions and social acceptance of alcohol use, may influence the development of alcohol dependence. If alcohol consumption is common in a society and considered normal, people may start drinking under the influence of sociocultural pressure. In addition, the environment plays a role: if a person is surrounded by people who regularly drink alcohol, this can become an incentive to start using and develop an addiction.

My dears, let’s carefully select the environment with which we communicate, because we are adopting their habits.

1.2.4 Finding Solace and Coping with Problems

Many people turn to alcohol to cope with pain, grief, loss or other difficult emotional states. Alcohol seems to provide a temporary path to solace and oblivion. However, using alcohol as a coping mechanism can create addiction as the person begins to view it as an integral part of solving their problems.

But you must admit – this is more and more stupidity, trying to get away from the problem —

we gain new ones.

It is important to remember that although these factors may increase the risk of developing alcohol dependence, they do not necessarily lead to it. Strong social connections, a healthy lifestyle and psychological support can help prevent or overcome alcohol addiction problems.

And of course, the most important thing is willpower, and your environment.

Chapter 2: Popular myths about alcohol addiction and their explanation

Hello dear readers! Today we want to talk about what you may have heard about alcohol addiction and clear up all the myths around this topic. Let’s start with the most common misconceptions and find out what’s actually true.

Myth 1: “Alcoholism is simply a lack of will.”

Disclaimer: Alcohol addiction is a real medical disease. It affects the human brain and behavior. No amount of willpower can completely overcome the physical and psychological dependence that alcohol causes.

Myth 2: “Only those who drink every day suffer from alcoholism.”

Disclaimer: Alcohol addiction does not depend on whether a person drinks every day or only on weekends. The problem lies in the inability to control alcohol consumption and the negative consequences it brings to life.

Myth 3: “The best way to help an alcoholic is to get him to stop drinking.”

Disclaimer: While support from loved ones is an important step, forcing someone to stop drinking can be dangerous and ineffective. It is best to seek professional medical help and specialist support.

Myth 4: “Alcohol addiction is incurable.”

Disclaimer: Alcoholism can be treated, and many people successfully overcome their addiction. There are many treatment options available, including therapy and support from family and friends.

Myth 5: “Alcohol snobbery is normal.”

Disclaimer: There is nothing “normal” about alcohol snobbery or pressuring other people to drink too. Every person has the right to decide whether to drink alcohol or not. No one should feel obligated to drink to conform to societal stereotypes.

Chapter 3: Genetic and Environmental Factors: Why Some People Are Susceptible to Alcohol Dependence

3.1 Genetic Factors: Why Addiction May Be Inherited

Genetics plays an important role in susceptibility to alcohol addiction. Some people may be more likely to develop this problem due to certain genetic characteristics. The level of sensitivity to alcohol and the body’s ability to process alcohol may depend on genetic inheritance.

3.2 Environmental Factors and Environmental Influences: How the Environment Shapes Habits

The environment we live in plays a key role in shaping our habits. Peer pressure, sociocultural norms, and the availability of alcohol all influence our decision to drink or not drink. This also includes the influence of family and the behavioral patterns we see in childhood.

3.3 Psychological and Emotional Aspects: Alcohol as a Method of “Self-Medication”

Alcohol can be a way to cope with emotional difficulties such as stress, anxiety or depression. People may turn to alcohol to seek temporary relief from their emotional pain. However, this form of “self-medication” can lead to addiction if no replacement methods are found to solve the problems.

3.4 The role of Education and Behavior Models:

Why Children Repeat Parents’ Behavior

Children can inherit not only genes, but also behavioral traits of their parents. If there is alcohol addiction in the family, children may see this as the norm and imitate the behavior of adults. Family behavior patterns play an important role in shaping attitudes toward alcohol.

3.5 How to Convey This Information to Others: Help with a Conscious Approach to Drinking Alcohol

By understanding genetic and environmental factors, we can better understand why some people develop alcohol dependence. It is important to share this knowledge with others to help them understand the risks and make more informed decisions about drinking.

Chapter 4: Psychological and Emotional Aspects of Alcohol Dependence

4.1 Psychological Causes of Alcohol Use

Many people turn to alcohol to cope with emotional problems such as stress, anxiety or depression. Alcohol seems to be a way to temporarily escape negative feelings and thoughts by creating the illusion of relief. However, this temporary relief can lead to addiction if alcohol begins to be seen as the primary means of coping with emotional difficulties.

4.2 Alcohol as an escape from reality

For many people, alcohol becomes a way to “disconnect” from reality and temporarily forget about everyday problems. Drinking alcohol creates the illusion of escape from reality and problems, but such attempts to escape are temporary and do not solve the root causes of the problem. This psychological moment often leads to a cycle of drinking in an attempt to prolong the feeling of “escapism” from reality.

4.3 The Spiral of Addiction and the Cycle of Self-Destruction

Alcohol addiction can start a cycle of self-destruction. People start drinking alcohol, which leads to problems in life such as job loss, relationship problems, poor health and financial difficulties. These problems, in turn, increase the desire for alcohol, creating a dangerous cycle that can be difficult to break without support and help.

4.4 Psychotherapeutic Approaches to the Treatment of Alcohol Dependence

Psychotherapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodynamic therapy, provide opportunities for patients to understand and change their relationship with alcohol. These methods help patients understand their psychological difficulties and develop strategies to cope with them without resorting to alcohol. Psychotherapeutic methods play a key role in the process of treatment and recovery from alcohol addiction.

4.5 Support for Family and Close People

Family support is of great importance in the process of overcoming alcohol addiction. Loved ones can help create a safe and supportive environment where a person feels loved and understood. Family support may include attending therapy sessions, connecting with support groups, and providing moral support during difficult times.

4.6 Psychological Recovery Process

The process of recovery from alcohol addiction includes a psychological aspect. Patients must rethink their beliefs about themselves and their ability to cope with life’s challenges without alcohol. Support from therapists and support groups helps rebuild a positive sense of self and develop healthy healing mechanisms.

4.7 Overcoming Challenges and Reimagining the Future

Recovery from alcohol addiction is a complex psychological process that requires perseverance and determination. Patients must learn to look to the future with optimism by rethinking their goals and life plans. This process is not easy, but with support and self-confidence, a person can overcome all difficulties and begin a new, healthy chapter of his life.

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