REHABILITATION OF PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC ALCOHOL INTAKE – WITH A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Alcohol consumption is directly linked to a number of lifetime antecedents genetic predisposition, psychological factors, social environment, stress, traumatic events and early onset of use. The abuse of chemical substances has adverse effects on the human organism and in most cases lead to the development of dependence and even death. The preconditions leading to the development of intemperate or regular consumption may be based on genetic or epigenetic grounds. Strategies have been developed to cope with alcohol consumption. A strategy has been established by the European Commission to combat excessive alcohol consumption through the creation of local policies related to coping processes and addiction prevention through direct and individual counselling, as well as awareness raising at national level through mass media platforms (EU Alcohol Strategy, last updated on 13.01.2016). Purpose: The purpose of this article is to highlight the positive effects of traditional and alternative approaches to rehabilitation through the presentation of a case study. Objectives: A framework of applied rehabilitation approaches including individual therapeutic approach is outlined. The review demonstrates the possible methods of application. The presented clinical case is of a 50 year old patient with a long history of alcohol consumption, complaints related to lumbar pain and altered neurosensation in the upper and lower extremities. The kinesitherapeutic agents were selected based on the subjective complaints according to the patient's long term goal. The program includes means such as: traditional massage, combined with acupressure points on the lower and upper limbs, auricular acupressure points and active exercises physical activity to be performed in a home environment. Methodology: Course duration 3 months (10 weeks 24 treatments), 2 3 sessions per week. Results: The combination of Chinese medicine and classical kinesitherapy tools proved to be effective for the follow up period. At the end of the therapeutic period, the patient reported a significant improvement in subjective complaints as well as a reduction in daily alcohol intake. Conclusion: In this isolated case, positive changes in behaviour and daily habits were observed that cannot be followed up in the future. Recommendations: The combination of multiple methods shifts the focus and no judgement can be made as to which of the remedies used contributed to the outcome found. The application of a similar approach, in a larger group would have validated the findings.