Alcoholism and insomnia

 Among the large group of Substance-Related disorders, Alcohol-Related disorders have been associated more frequently with insomnia or hipersomnia. There are few investigations on this matter so we can not base a treatment upon this data. Perhaps this information is based on the fact that nearly 10 % of world population suffers some kind of alcohol-related disorder and only 1 % of those who suffer from it are actually receiving some type of treatment.  All substance disorders can be divided in substance abuse and substance dependence. There are different criteria for each one. The main difference between alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence are: withdrawal symptoms such as increased hand tremor, insomnia, anxiety, grand mal seizures or autonomic hyperactivity (like sweating).

It is important to know that this is a problem that affects only some cultures. Some Islamic countries, for example, have proscribed the use of this substance and they have succeeded in this issue as they have the lowest rates of alcohol-related disorders in the world. It is also necessary to be aware that the concept of alcoholism as a disease is actually recent. During the nineteenth century several psychiatric associations have become to study the problem. This has encouraged drinkers to seek for help.

Generally, in the earliest stages, family members and co-workers are those who may identify symptoms in alcoholic subjects because they (alcoholic persons) usually deny drinking or excessive drinking. As this problem progresses, important social and occupational activities are been reduced and sometimes that leads to job loss or marital problems.

So, first, an alcoholic person needs to accept his or her problem. Then the patient should be referred to a treatment. There are different treatments available for alcoholism. It is important to select a treatment in which the patient feels comfortable (singular or in a group like A.A.).

Research suggests that insomnia is one of the main withdrawal symptoms in alcohol-related disorders. That is why is so necessary to have a careful medical monitoring during these difficult periods. Nutritional supplementations are also recommended, and sometimes the use of benzodiazepines to stabilize sleeping activity is not a bad idea.

Again, as we have said earlier, to give insomnia an accurate solution it is necessary to know first what is actually producing or generating the sleeping disorder in the person we have to treat.

Alcoholism and hypnosis

In the hypnotic treatment of alcoholism, for example, a feeling of disgust or aversion and nausea may be added as an accompaniment to the suggestion of loss of desire for alcohol. A good mental image to be applied in this case is to suggest that the subject will picture himself in a drunken state, reeling and staggering while onlookers show great disgust. This en-larges his view of himself and by making it inclusive he tends to become aware of what alcohol does to him. As another ex-ample, faith healers stimulate the emotions associated with religion in exactly the same manner in order to accomplish a cure.

Affirmations are far stronger than negations when making suggestions. For instance, to curb temper in a child it is practically useless to say during hypnosis, "You will not lose your temper." Instead, the youngster should be told again and again that he will be well, cheerful and happy, always in a good humor. He should be filled with the idea that he wants to and can be a good child.