A psychiatrist-narcologist from Tula, Russia, Yulia Perminova, has listed the early warning signs indicating the development of alcohol addiction.
According to Oxu.Az, the expert spoke about this in an interview with the RIA Novosti agency.
Perminova notes that many of these dangerous symptoms can be independently identified by the individual themselves.
The doctor categorized the main indicators of addiction formation as follows:
- Increased frequency and excuses: Increased frequency of drinking (e.g., from once a month to once a week) and constantly seeking new reasons to consume alcohol;
- Psychological dependence: A sudden improvement in mood when thinking about an upcoming party or drinking session. Continuing the process just for the sake of drinking, regardless of the people or toasts;
- Secret and solitary consumption: Craving to drink alcohol alone, secretly, and without any reason;
- Memory and behavioral disorders: Aggressive or sharply changed behavior during intoxication, memory loss (amnesia) of events after alcohol consumption.
The expert considers the change in emotional reaction to alcohol as one of the most serious stages:
"If alcohol previously simply made a person 'feel good,' after addiction develops, they begin to 'feel bad without alcohol.' Additional symptoms include minor injuries sustained while intoxicated, frequent loss of documents, money, and personal belongings, and disorientation in time and space."
The narcologist warns that if a person exhibits at least three or more of these signs simultaneously, they should immediately consult a professional specialist.
