Terapia osób uzależnionych od alkoholu w podstawowym etapie leczenia

The article tackles the question of the emergence, as well as the characteristics, of the psychological mechanisms of addiction in individuals with prolonged and intensive alcohol intake, and indications for therapeutic work with such individuals in the course of a basic programme of therapy for alcohol addicts. Excessive, prolonged and intensive drinking leads to the emergence of addiction- specific psychological mechanisms which encompass the emotional sphere of the individual concerned, the cognitive sphere and the centre of personality i.e. the structure of Self. The emotional sphere witnesses the emergence of the addictive mechanism of regulating one’s emotions, the mind of an addict sees the creation of an illusion and denial mechanism, while the Self structure experiences the mechanism of diffusion and splitting. The combined effect of these mechanisms destroys an individual’s life and centres it around drinking. The author stresses the significance of therapeutic work on the ‘breaking down’ of these mechanisms and on solving those personal problems which constitute a constant source in activating the mechanisms. Therapeutic work in the basic therapy programme concentrates mainly on the understanding and acceptance of one’s addiction, coping with alcohol craving, recognising the destruction alcohol brings and admitting helplessness in relation to alcohol. Work on the mechanisms should commence in the first meeting with the patient, in order to prevent drink relapse.