Alcoholism: Disturbance in brain chemistry and not a weak will
Alcoholics are weak-willed and have a chip on their shoulder – the majority agrees on that. But what if this is not so and alcohol abuse has its main root in a physical disorder? This is exactly what there are more and more indications of – if these become even stronger, then treatment is facing a huge upheaval.
Or would you expect rheumatics or diabetics to work through their childhood conflicts in order to manage joint pain or diabetes?
Scientists have now taken a deep look into the metabolism of alcoholics and found out where the problem lies. The more current research into the true causes of alcohol addiction brings to light, the clearer it becomes: Addiction has much less to do with the psyche than with a huge metabolic defect.
The main reason for this, among others: Alcohol is a voracious nutrient predator. It also manipulates the biochemistry in our head and disturbs the radio communication in our brain. It interferes with messenger substances that are responsible for making us feel happy, learn something or relax.
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Getting out of alcohol more easily – with vitamins and nutrients
Researchers now know that the psyche has had its day as an explanation for the craving for alcohol.
If you can’t keep your hands off the glass, it’s mainly due to nerve messengers such as serotonin, dopamine, GABA or glutamate, which alcohol throws off track. The sufferer feels permanently stressed, depressed or unmotivated – and reaches for the glass again and again because alcohol promises short-term improvement. The addiction spiral turns.
This book explains for the first time in a medically precise but easy-to-understand way why quitting alcohol is so difficult. Brain chemistry runs amok, weakness of will is not.
Read the free sample chapter from “Bye bye, booze”
“Why this book was written – or: my groundhog has a hangover”
The alarm clock rings, I am completely drained. The first half of the night cannot be called “sleep”. Coma would be more appropriate. Wide awake at three o’clock, with the usual heart palpitations.Thought Carousel. Everyday things transform into gargantuan demons who sit on my pillow like black crows. At some point they vanish again, and I fall asleep. Two more hours – then I have to get up.
For a long time now, I’ve been limiting the time I spend looking at the mirror to a fraction of a second. I do not want to see the swollen, tired face. But the façade is still the best thing about me. A grey fog of thoughts wafts around my brain. My energy levels suffice barely, just enough to make sandwiches for the kids.
A strong coffee is needed. Now. I feel dizzy and nauseous. I can’t even think about breakfast.
A covert glance into the trash can. How much was it again yesterday? Too much, that’s for sure.
One thing is for certain: That was really it. This can’t go on like this. I won’t drink any more tonight, I swear.
This oath and I, we are best friends. We have known each other for years.
Of course I have the situation completely under control. I could stop at any time. The days are just so exhausting. Full time worker, self-employed and three children. You need something to be able to relax in the evening. But even without stress, there’s always a reason for a sip. On holiday, for example, you should treat yourself.
Without the glass of red wine, even Santorini’s sunset is only half the experience
To this day, I have the picture on my mobile phone : the fairytale setting in the evening, my feet sticking out of the private pool of our hotel suite. In the centre of the picture: a full glass of wine. The ultimate proof of prosperity. Today I think of the glass as a photo bomb. The caldera is drowning in the sunset – and I am in red wine. Only the alcohol ennobles the supernatural beauty of this little spot of earth.
Of course I have the situation completely under control. That’s for sure. No one has ever noticed just how much I actually drink. The children do notice that I fall asleep on the sofa at eight o’clock far too often, but that is only logical. I just work a lot and I’m tired. Okay, my husband is another issue. He regularly rubs my alcohol comsumption in my face.
But I’m smart, so I decided to have at least one spare bottle in the house. When it is empty, I have my tricks for disposing of it inconspicuously. Just like the procurement of supplies. You just have to make sure that the shopping bags do not rattle too loudly. Tea towels that you take with you to wrap the bottles in will take care of that. At home a “Leave it, honey, I’ll put it away” protects you from unpleasant questions.
Images by Stefan Keller, Free-Photos, Merry Christmas, Devanath from Pixabay, Gaby Guzek