Personality degradation in alcoholism. Signs and symptoms

Greetings friends!

Personality is not a simple or elementary definition. This concept arose in the history of research into individual human characteristics with the advent of sociology.

It is known that a person cannot live and develop correctly outside a society of his own kind. He is very dependent on the opinions and actions of other people. His life is subject to the laws of relationships in society.

This phenomenon explains almost all known psychological disorders. However, it also poses many difficult questions for all researchers. After all, there are still discrepancies in the approach to the category of personality in different branches of humanitarian work.

Let's say the philosophical aspect of this definition differs from the religious one. And psychology has developed its own, more “convenient” approach for its research.

How does a person’s personality generally manifest itself? Why don't we talk about personality in relation to an animal, say a dog? Although in many ways the same dog behaves quite “humanly.” And we perceive her as an animated creature with her own character, feelings and even an individual manner of communication.

But, nevertheless, in order to talk about personality, a conscious and, most importantly, reasonable manifestation of its qualities is necessary. Among these qualities, or attributes, is the ability to think and make adequate decisions based on inferences.

The individual also needs conscious control over his actions, that is, will. He must be able to make efforts to mobilize his physiological capabilities. And not just use their natural manifestation.

What happens to a person when they talk about his degradation? It is generally accepted that personality degradation is a kind of “failure” in the development of an individual. It becomes difficult for a person to think fruitfully and demonstrate adequate social activity. There is a loss of natural performance, balance of feelings and emotions.

Personality degradation

In a broader sense, this concept means a person’s loss of mental calm, efficiency, sober mind and the ability to think logically. Moreover, not the best character traits are shown: irritability, passivity, and often aggressiveness. The ability to concentrate gradually fades away, feelings become dulled, and the person lives his own life, understandable only to him. Personality degradation can cause a complete loss of connections with the outside world, and the most serious consequence is dementia.

Etymology of the word

The word degradation is borrowed from the Polish language (degradacja - from the Latin degradatio “demotion, gradual decline”) - a derivative of degradare “to go down”, in turn formed using the prefix de “down” from gradior “to step” [1]

A number of dictionaries erroneously show that the word degradation is borrowed from the French language. In fact, this word was borrowed from the Polish language in the Petrine era in the meaning of “demotion, deprivation of ranks.” A new meaning of this word “decline” took shape in the Russian language under the influence of French and other Western European languages ​​in the 20th century.

In the 20th century, not a new word appeared, but a semantic neologism - instead of the original meaning of “demote,” the word began to be used in a new sense - decline, gradual deterioration, loss of valuable properties and qualities in different areas (degradation of society, degradation of culture, degradation of art, soil degradation etc.).[2]

How to recognize degradation?

It is very important to notice any deviations in behavior in time in order to be able to help a loved one. Signs of personality degradation concern both external appearance and internal state. In this condition, less and less attention is paid to what a person looks like and what he says. Speech becomes quite simplified, no one tries to convey their thoughts in publicly accessible words (this also requires quite active brain activity). The social circle is becoming narrower, those who cause trouble simply disappear from life. The main phrase becomes “I want,” and detachment from everything, family, children develops. A person does not want to think or care about someone, he seems to fade and plunge into himself, moving away from loved ones.

Where does degradation begin?

Signs of degradation are sometimes not so easy to recognize. It happens that a person’s character is already unsociable, melancholy, and he often grumbles or is lazy. And these features of his behavior may not be symptoms of personal degradation at all.

In order to promptly notice truly alarming signs, you need to know the person well. And who, if not close relatives and family members, are able to see changes in the usual way of life of a potential patient in time?

The first thing that can justifiably attract attention is unsightly external changes. When a person gradually stops taking care of himself, he loses the habit of regular hygiene.

But it’s not just “cosmetic defects” that can cause concern. A sick person may begin to react differently to our cues. When in his usual manner of answering, a tendency to slurred diction, “swallowing” words, and not finishing phrases appears. A change in intonation in a conversation can also cause anxiety. It becomes more even and expressionless.

Another indicator of degradation is the onset of persistent indifference to one’s actions. Unusual untidiness and indifference to disorder appear. The feeling of disgust noticeably decreases, the person seems to demonstratively come to terms with what was previously unacceptable to him.

But in character, on the contrary, impatience, lack of restraint, fastidiousness, and capriciousness are manifested. At the same time, showing all this in communication with loved ones, a person increasingly isolates himself from them. Things can reach the point of cynical indifference and demonstration of rejection.

The way the human psyche works is that in such situations, loved ones become the main victims of irritation and breakdowns. And this is a sure indicator of a weakening of the will and the protrusion of weak character traits.

Causes of personality destruction

It is not only important to notice the signs of personality degradation, but also to understand the reasons. Undoubtedly, a serious tragedy can cause such a state. Depression and mental anguish can completely change consciousness and lead to the destruction of moral foundations and principles. Often retirement is the trigger for this disorder. After all, for a long time a person was needed, he was in a team, but now he is forced to rest. Feelings of guilt, apathy and even banal laziness can make changes in consciousness. In the modern world, where money plays a significant role, material values, the struggle for them and the opportunities they give, often lead to spiritual destruction. And, of course, drug addiction and alcoholism are the main causes of mental disorders. Alcoholic personality degradation is a fairly common occurrence, and this becomes a serious danger. The human appearance is completely lost, thoughts are directed only to where to get poison. You need to know that personality degradation due to alcoholism is irreversible; there are no drunkards who have not lost their normal moral character. It doesn’t matter the type of alcoholic drink; even beer that seems light at first glance can become a source of personal destruction.

Types of alcohol degradation

There are 4 types of this pathology:

1. astheno-neurosis-like type of degradation - characterized by the development of asthenia, severe irritability, insomnia, suspiciousness, sudden changes in mood, loss of strength. The functioning of the entire cardiovascular system of organs is disrupted, memory deteriorates, pain occurs in various areas of the body, and sexual functionality decreases. Patients have a strong desire to be cured. If you follow all the doctor’s recommendations and maintain a sober lifestyle, the disease gradually recedes;
2. alcoholic type of degradation - characterized by the appearance in a person’s character of such qualities as cynicism, lack of willpower, duplicity, irresponsible attitude towards other people and one’s health, hypocrisy, lack of modesty, loss of all interests, cheeky behavior. Such people are fully aware of their behavior, but they lack the willpower to do anything to change it;
3. alcohol-organic type of degradation - develops in people suffering from residual effects after a head injury, alcoholic encephalopathy, or from atherosclerosis and other pathologies of the brain and blood vessels. Characteristic signs are an increased level of sentimentality, memory loss, dullness, complete lack of will, and loss of human dignity. Often patients lose the boundaries between reality and the world of fantasy, boasting about extraordinary feats, meetings with famous personalities, etc.;
4. psychopathic type of degradation - is more characteristic of young boys and girls suffering from feelings of inferiority. It develops most often due to tragic events that have occurred in their lives or against the background of inappropriate attitudes of parents and peers, as well as from the negative influence of bad company. The initial use of alcohol helps them become more confident, and over time it becomes the only sedative. As a result, the person goes on long drinking bouts and finally becomes an alcoholic. Such people usually suffer from signs of neurasthenia, run away from home, become hysterical, throw various things, and bang their heads against the wall. When sober, they constantly walk around in a gloomy mood, but when drunk, they become arrogant, picky, and can even commit a crime. They prefer to drink alcohol alone, which is why they constantly hide alcohol in various places in their home.

Alcoholism is considered one of the most common diseases, which not only can, but also needs to be treated.

From the first glass I saw. Stages of alcoholic personality degradation.

Stages of personality degradation

If personality degradation is caused by depression, strong emotional experiences, then the following stages are observed. First, a person loses his ideals, his purpose in life. Then moral principles and internal norms are lost. He becomes unable to overcome the difficulties that arise along the path of life. Among the feelings, envy, aggressiveness, and apathy predominate. Then the ability to actively act and think, to understand others, disappears. A person simply repeats other people's thoughts and actions. And finally, it all ends with a complete loss of the sense of reality. The main argument of such people is to argue over any issue; to achieve their short-term goals, they are capable of vile acts. Very often they try to live at the expense of others, but the relationships that such people are able to create are pathological and destructive. Anyone who stops appreciating and respecting himself is unable to appreciate another. Interestingly, women are less at risk of completely degenerating; their maternal instinct saves them.

Signs of degradation

The signs of a degrading person can be divided according to the form of manifestation into external and internal.

External manifestations of degradation serve as an alarm bell and are immediately noticeable, unlike internal ones.

External signs:

• "empty" look;
• carelessness in clothing;
• neglect of hygiene rules;
• hunched figure, deliberate stoop as a manifestation of the desire to detach from the environment;
• impoverishment of speech patterns, the vocabulary used is characterized by a small use of abstract concepts.

Internal signs:

• decreased interest in learning in any form;
• memory impairment;
• short-sightedness of judgment and actions;
• excessive good nature or anger, aggressiveness;
• excessive and unjustified irritability;
• rejection of the world, perceiving it exclusively from the negative side;
• lack of motivation to change the current situation for the better;
• lack of will in controversial situations;
• increased anxiety;
• dullness of feelings;
• misplaced cynicism;
• lack of performance, lack of interest in activities;
• hypertrophied egoism.

Alcoholism and stages of destruction of moral character

Alcohol poses a serious danger to maintaining moral character and normal functioning. Personality degradation occurs quite quickly. At the initial stage, there is a psychological dependence on alcoholic drinks; it is more comfortable, more fun, and easier to find a common language with. A characteristic feature is that large doses of drinks are tolerated quite easily, so their quantity is poorly controlled. But quality requirements are decreasing. The second stage is characterized by the development of physical dependence, a hangover syndrome appears. In addition, temporary memory loss is possible. Very often at this stage, all sorts of injuries arise during a drunken state, professional qualities deteriorate, quarrels do not stop in the family (and often it simply falls apart). Aggression increases, psychosis is possible. Alcohol degradation reaches its maximum level at the third level. Binge drinking, amnesia, decreased tolerance to strong drinks, nervous disorders - these are symptoms that the personality is losing its normal appearance. Over time, the ability to work is completely lost.

The essence of the concept

Personality degradation is the gradual loss of human appearance. When irreversible changes occur for the worse in character, habits, inclinations and hobbies. The development of such traits as irritability, passivity, and then aggressiveness is manifested .

What does degradation include?

The most severe consequence of personality degradation is the appearance of progressive dementia.

Signs of degradation

A degraded person does not come to his condition in one moment. Sometimes regression takes several decades to develop. The main distinguishing signs by which one can suspect a decline in personality include the following symptoms:

1. Gradual loss of the ability to think soberly and reason sensibly.
2. The ability to concentrate on any one task/goal disappears.
3. There is a attenuation of all feelings exhibited by a person in a normal state.
4. One notices a gradual withdrawal into oneself, into one’s inner, artificially created world.
5. Conversational and familiar speech becomes more primitive and incoherent.
6. Busyness in business and work decreases sharply.
7. The circle of human communication is also narrowing.
8. An apathetic state occurs in which the person stops showing any care and attention to others.

A person, being in the developing stages of regression, eventually loses mental stability. All manifestations of activity and performance are stopped. They are replaced by nervousness, global disturbances of attention and memory. All interests disappear, giving way to lack of initiative, lack of will and carelessness.

Degradation can also follow the spiritual path

Human degradation and Abraham Maslow

A medical psychologist who lived in America last century, he devoted his life to the study of human nature. A psychiatrist has compiled a hierarchy of personal needs. The world-famous scientist noted the main qualities that manifested themselves in all people walking along the road of degradation. According to the psychologist, people with regression tend to have the following perceptions:

1. The degenerate considers himself to be a “pawn.” That is, I am sure that his actions, as a conscious individual, depend entirely on someone: other people or external forces. This phenomenon is called “learned helplessness.”
2. The priority of degraded people becomes survival, only the desire to achieve all the needs necessary for the functioning of the body. Food, sleep, natural needs.
3. The regressed personality divides the entire society into two camps: bad/strangers and good/our own.
4. He is fully confident that his opinion is not subject to any discussion/criticism and is the only correct one.
5. The brain of such a person stops expending active efforts on the implementation of verbal functions. Therefore, those who are degraded will have a poorer vocabulary.

How to help?

Personality degradation can stop. First of all, you should take a critical look at yourself from the outside and adequately evaluate your actions. To escape from heavy thoughts, you need to spend as much time as possible with people, go to the cinema, to exhibitions, and read more books. You shouldn't be alone with yourself. Help people - good deeds add meaning, you will experience the pleasure of knowing that someone needs you. An active life position, a favorite job, a lot of hobbies - this is the guarantee that personality destruction will bypass. Don’t be shy about asking your loved ones for help; they will happily surround you with warmth and attention.

What is degradation or disintegration of personality

Personality degradation is a collective term that implies the presence of psychological and physiological pathological processes that interfere with a person’s normal life and work.

Personality degradation in the definition refers to a decrease in activity and performance, personal regression as a result of mental imbalance and passivity. Degrading, a person loses socially significant qualities, his judgments and conclusions become primitive. He loses the ability to create something new, to generate ideas.

With a split personality, a person’s sphere of interests narrows, and he experiences difficulties in social adaptation. Mental processes malfunction, as a result of which a person becomes irritable. The characteristic features of the behavior of a degenerate are weakness of character, carelessness, insanity, and dementia. Gradually, a person loses contact with the world around him, the natural need for recognition and communication is replaced by indifference and a craving for loneliness. The pathological process also has a negative impact on a person’s professional activity.

Treatment of alcoholism

With alcohol degradation, things are somewhat more complicated. After all, a person does not admit that he is sick and needs help. In addition, there are often cases when there is no one in particular to help him. The greater the dependence, the more often all social ties are destroyed. At the last stage, mental problems are accompanied by enormous intoxication of the body. Therapy should be carried out by both a narcologist and a psychotherapist. At the same time, it is very important to ensure that the patient understands all the destructive effects of alcohol and changes his attitude towards its use. And, of course, help remove toxic substances from the body and relieve withdrawal symptoms. Gender, the amount of alcohol consumed, and mental state also matter. The sooner treatment is started, the higher the likelihood that a person will return to a normal lifestyle. And even reasonable doses of alcohol drunk in the future will not cause binge drinking or other negative reactions.

Causes of degradation

It is well known that alcohol negatively affects the entire body. Alcohol consumed in large quantities has a detrimental effect on many systems and organs. The brain is subject to the greatest damage. This explains the change in a person’s personality during alcoholism.

When ethanol is absorbed by the walls of blood vessels in the body, the process of hematopoiesis is disrupted. To function normally, red blood cells (red blood cells) should bounce off each other. Due to friction in the vessels, electrification occurs. Red cells, having a negative charge, repel, producing movement.

When ethanol enters the blood, it dissolves the protective layer that covers the walls of red blood cells. The electrical charge disappears and the cells stick together. Vascular blockage occurs and blood circulation is disrupted.

The brain is surrounded by a network of capillaries through which it is supplied with oxygen. Since the blood vessels are clogged, the cells do not receive the necessary substances and die. Oxygen starvation develops. This leads to gradual atrophy of the cerebral cortex.

Causes

Significant personality changes do not happen in a vacuum. They are always preceded by some push - a reason; no one is born a degrading, self-destructive person.

Little children are very kind and sympathetic creatures, they work willingly and cannot live a day without creativity. They, imitating adults, readily accept our traditions: they wash themselves, dress, try to eat carefully, etc. Laziness, irresponsibility, indifference - everything appears later, in adulthood.

Something happens, and a person begins to feel that his life is a heavy cross; or lazy apathy overcomes and life loses its colors and everything important yesterday only gets in the way today.

People regress mainly for the same reasons.

Alcohol and drugs

The more poison there is, the faster the human appearance is lost. Dirty creatures with one single thought in their heads - to get alcohol or drugs. They are capable of stealing, killing, causing any harm and not feeling a drop of remorse or pity.

Alcohol degradation is irreversible. There are no alcoholics who have not deteriorated morally. As soon as vodka (alcohol, beer, cognac - it doesn’t matter) becomes necessary, it immediately becomes sufficient.

Laziness

Nowadays it is sometimes called a lack of motivation and interest, and there are many interesting theories about this. For example, if a person is created with conditions for work and creativity that correspond to his natural make-up, then in principle there will be no laziness left.

There is a contradiction here: a person must find himself, and for this he needs mental labor, which is both development and a cure for degradation.

This means you need to stop being lazy, perk up and force yourself, and this is work. Humanity has survived thanks to work, including spiritual work.

A special case of mental laziness is the degradation of personality after retirement or loss of a job. A person finds himself alone with himself, but he has nothing to offer himself: routine, duties, responsibility - everything remains at work and he finds himself in a vacuum. There is no mental strength to start life anew, and the personality gradually degrades.

Tragedy

Faced with an event so terrible that everything else, including one's own self, fades into the background, a person can degrade. His body is alive, but his soul, as people say, is “dead.”