The 5 biggest stereotypes about alcoholism

Published: Monday, May 8, 2023

Alcoholism affects almost 1 million Poles and is one of the most serious health problems in our society. Unfortunately, alcohol dependence is often associated with numerous stereotypes and myths that make it difficult to understand and treat. In today's article, we will focus on the most popular stereotypes about alcoholism and present facts that will help to overcome them. We will also suggest how to take the first steps in the fight against alcohol addiction.

Why are stereotypes about alcoholism a bad thing?

Alcohol dependence is a disease and, like any other disease, requires specialized treatment. Stereotypes and beliefs that persist in society often lead to stigmatization of people with alcoholism and prevent them from accessing effective help and support. Some patients hide their addiction and delay treatment due to the negative perception of alcoholism in the society. That is why education on this topic and breaking stereotypes is so important.

1. Alcoholism affects only people with a low social status

Alcoholism is a democratic disease that can affect anyone. Alcohol dependence is observed among people from various backgrounds, regardless of their social status, education, income or place of residence. Perceiving alcoholism as a disease of the social lowlands causes that patients are often ashamed of their disease, hide it, and do not attempt to treat it. Meanwhile, addicted people with a high social status, even if they are high-functioning alcoholics (HFA), are exposed to all the negative consequences of alcoholism.

2. Alcoholism is a choice, not a disease

Alcoholism is not a human choice. It is a serious condition that develops against a background of various factors - mainly genetic, environmental and behavioral. People struggling with alcohol dependence are unable to control their drinking on their own, which leads to serious health, social and economic consequences. The patient, despite being aware of the effects of drinking, cannot cope with alcohol craving due to changes in his psyche and central nervous system.

3. An alcoholic is someone who drinks every day

Alcoholism does not have to be associated with daily alcohol consumption. People struggling with addiction may have different drinking patterns. It can be drinking every day, in drinking sequences, but also excessive alcohol consumption during the weekend or in certain situations. In any case, if drinking leads to negative consequences, such as health problems, problems with other people or difficulties at work, it may indicate alcoholism.

4. The alcoholic just needs to stop drinking

Alcoholism is not only a compulsion to consume alcohol, but also a number of emotional, psychological and social problems that have led to the development of addiction. For this reason, in order to effectively treat alcoholism, it is necessary to look at not only the addiction to alcohol itself, but also the reasons leading to reaching for the substance and the effects of addiction. Achieving abstinence is actually the first step in overcoming addiction

5. Treatment of alcoholism ends when the patient achieves abstinence

Unfortunately, alcoholism is a chronic and incurable disease. While staying sober is the main goal of treating alcoholism, even long-term abstinence does not mean a complete recovery from addiction. There is always a risk of relapse after alcohol treatment ends, so the patient should work on abstinence for the rest of his life.

Alcohol detox - the first step in the fight against addiction

Starting treatment for alcoholism is never easy. The problem is not only intense craving for alcohol, but also the risk of developing an alcohol withdrawal syndrome. That is why specialists recommend supporting the sobering process with alcohol detox. It is a comprehensive treatment whose main goal is to reduce the negative health effects caused by alcohol abuse. What exactly are the benefits of alcohol detox?

This treatment compensates for the basic disorders resulting from drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Drips allow you to quickly restore the proper water and electrolyte balance, as well as to obtain the correct concentration of glucose in the blood. But that's not all! Alcohol detox replenishes the deficiencies of vitamins washed out by alcohol, mainly B vitamins and vitamin C. Additional detox ingredients also help reduce oxidative stress and accelerate the regeneration of the liver and nervous system. Alcohol detox can be supplemented with painkillers, antiemetics or sleeping pills that quickly improve the well-being of the sick person.

Alcohol detox in Warsaw - with us you will achieve abstinence safely and comfortably

Are you starting to fight addiction and need help? We know how hard this time is for you. Our doctors and paramedics have extensive knowledge and experience in alcohol detox. In KacDoktor you will get the necessary support that will allow you to go through the first days of sobriety.

How can you use our services? Alcohol detox in Warsaw is performed in our modern clinic located in the city center. However, we are aware that a personal visit to the office is often beyond the strength of our patients. In such a situation, we suggest using the alcohol detoxification service at your home. All you have to do is contact us by phone or fill out the online form, and our specialist will come to the address you specify in Warsaw and the surrounding towns. Remember that there is no bad time to improve your well-being. That is why our services are available 24 hours a day, every day of the week.

Don't wait for alcohol to ruin your life! Alcohol detox will allow you to safely start the stage of sobriety!

Call us! and book a visit, 24h / 7 days a week. +48 511 833 844