Alcoholism is not merely a dependence on beverages, but a profound disruption of a person's integrity, affecting his social ties, emotional state, and system of values.

Alcoholism: Erosion of Identity and Social Bonds

Alcoholism is not merely a dependence on beverages, but a profound disruption of a person's integrity, affecting his social ties, emotional state, and system of values. Even in the early stages of dependence, one can notice that the individual begins to withdraw from family affairs, losing the ability to empathize with and understand those close to him. It is important to understand that this process is not limited to the physical aspect of dependence; it touches every level of existence—from biological functions to the spiritual foundations of personality.

As the problem develops, significant changes occur in personality traits: the ability for self-analysis diminishes, control over behavior significantly declines, and instead of actively participating in family and societal life, attention becomes focused solely on alcohol. This crisis affects not only the individual but also his immediate surroundings. Family relationships collapse and social bonds dissolve, leading to the degradation of personal identity and the loss of emotional openness.

The importance of recognizing all the social and psychological aspects of alcoholism cannot be overstated. The complexity of this problem requires a comprehensive approach, with support measures, rehabilitation, and deep work to restore lost values coming into play. For anyone who faces this disease, it is important to understand that returning to a normal life is possible if the warning signs are recognized in time and professional help is sought.

What might indicate the social and psychological aspects of alcoholism?

The answer to the question about the social and psychological aspects of alcoholism is revealed through observations of changes in an individual’s emotional state, relationships, and perception of the surrounding world in a person with alcohol dependence. One indicator is the loss of interest in family life and the inability to grasp the experiences and problems of loved ones. This is evident in the fact that “the addict, on one hand, loses interest in what is happening within the family; he no longer worries about the experiences, concerns, and problems of his loved ones. On the other hand, he lacks the strength and energy to engage with problems, participate emotionally, or empathize…” which indicates the loss of emotional openness and social ties (source: link txt).

In addition, it is noted that alcoholism is not only a physical disorder, but also a “bio-socio-psycho-spiritual disease.” This approach emphasizes that the dependence affects a person’s thinking and value orientation, altering methods of self-regulation and the ability to control one’s needs. As a result, the personality changes, leading to a degradation of social functions, where the individual is “not concerned with work or family,” and alcohol becomes central along with the harmful need for it (source: link txt).

Thus, the social aspects of alcoholism are manifested through the loss of participation in family and public life, the weakening of social bonds, and the inability to empathize, while the psychological side is shown through changes in thinking, reduced control over behavior, and the gradual degradation of the personality.

Supporting citation(s):
"On one hand, the addict loses interest in what happens within the family; he no longer worries about the experiences, concerns, and problems of his loved ones. ... These features are characteristic of all forms of addictive disorders..." (source: link txt)

"I.B: If one were to characterize drunkenness in layman’s terms, the shortest formula is what you already mentioned—a bio-socio-psycho-spiritual disease. ... Approximately the same state ... a person’s thinking changes, as does his ability to control his needs and values..." (source: link txt)