Alcohol dependence – challenges for the classical and alternativetherapeutic practice
General Medicine, 2025, 27(1), 51-59.
I. Ivanova1, A. Alakidi2, S. Bivolarski3, M. Nikolova2, V. Mihaylova1,2
1 Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Public Health “Prof. Ts. Vodenicharov, MD, Dsc”, Medical University – Sofia
2 Department of Epidemiology and Hygiene, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University – Sofia
3 Student, Faculty of Biology, Paisiy Hilendarski University – Plovdiv
4 Department of Healthcare Management, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University – Plovdiv
Abstract. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines alcohol as the third most important health risk factor. Alcohol abuse in the European Union (EU) and Bulgaria is compared according to Eurostat data (2023) for the country’s health profile. The so-called “hidden” for the community consumption at home stands out. The average level of alcohol use among adolescents in Bulgaria is twice as high as in the EU. According to current authors, behavioral deviations in adolescence are analyzed. Prerequisites for the development of alcohol dependence related to depression, excess weight, cortisol levels, epigenetic mechanisms are highlighted. Classifications of consumer types are tracked on an overview basis. The consequences of alcohol consumption on sarcopenia and metabolism, impaired regeneration of the digestive system, liver, bone, circulatory and other systems, as well as transient or prolonged disorders of consciousness (delirium), cognitive and behavioral disorders and emotions were deduced. Emphasis is placed on the prerequisites for conducting an optimal treatment program, including a multidisciplinary comprehensive approach aimed at relaxation and stress reduction, cognitive therapy and psycho-emotional regulation, motor activity, family rehabilitation, alternative approach including acupuncture, massage and psychotherapy. This is a significant challenge for physiotherapy and rehabilitation specialists.
Key words: alcohol dependence, manifestations and consequences, multidisciplinary approach, rehabilitation
Address for correspondence: Inna Ivanova, e-mail: inna_mincheva@abv.bg