TREATMENT FOR ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Addiction is a condition that develops under the influence of psychological, biological (genetic), and social (environmental) factors. Just as in its development, these same factors also play a role in the continuation of addiction.
Alcohol and substance addiction not only negatively affect mental and physical health, but also reduce a person’s productivity and lead to social losses. They can cause conditions such as panic attacks (ecstasy), psychosis (cannabis), and depression (alcohol), as well as physical illnesses including liver damage and cirrhosis (alcohol), kidney dysfunction, direct neurotoxic effects on the brain (inhalants such as glue and thinner), and bone loss leading to tooth decay and facial deformities (especially in methamphetamine use). These are only some of the disorders associated with addiction.
There are two important biological indicators that show addiction has developed:
- Tolerance: This is when the same effect previously achieved can no longer be obtained with the same amount of alcohol or substance, leading to a gradual increase in dosage. For example, if a person used to feel tipsy after two drinks but now requires three or four drinks to achieve the same effect, it indicates the development of tolerance to alcohol. This is evidence of changes at the receptor level in the brain.
- Withdrawal: These are the physical and psychological reactions that occur when alcohol or substance use is stopped. Symptoms may include intense cravings, severe distress, trembling hands, hot flashes, insomnia, and irritability; in more advanced cases, hallucinations, confusion (delirium), and epileptic seizures may occur.
The essential factor in addiction treatment is that the individual must personally want to quit the substance or behavior they are addicted to (alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, gambling, etc.). Successful outcomes are rarely achieved when individuals are brought to treatment under pressure from their families. This is because real change requires internal motivation. In therapy, motivational interviewing techniques are used to help reveal and strengthen the individual’s desire for change. Treatment includes psychotherapy targeting the psychological causes of alcohol or substance use, as well as medication to manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings.
My psychiatry specialization thesis was in the field of addiction, and I have numerous academic publications in scientific journals and presentations at conferences on this topic. Some of these writings are available under the “academic articles” section of the psychoblog on my website. As my previous surname was Kitiş, some of my publications appear under the name Arzu Kitiş. I have worked extensively in the field of addiction and completed the treatment of many patients in the AMATEM (Alcohol and Substance Treatment and Education Center) units of İzmir Atatürk Training and Research Hospital and Manisa Mental Health Hospital.
Psychiatrist Dr. Arzu Dalmış
