Alcohol and Adaptation Disorders in Combatants (Results of the Pilot Research)

Abstract

As a result of the study, specific mental and behavioral disorders due to alcohol use in ATO participants were determined taking into account the levels and style of alcohol consumption. The relationship between disorders due to alcohol consumption and the consequences of combat psychological trauma is shown. It has been established that, on the whole, the transition from the conditions of a positional war to the conditions of a peaceful life is accompanied by a decrease in alcohol consumption (by individuals independent of it), a decrease in the level of harmful consequences, an improvement in mental status and a slight improvement in the quality of life, however, there are exceptions to this rule, especially with regard to stressful disorders - the level of exposure to a stressful event remains almost unchanged. Neither the army men nor the demobilized military found any adaptive (useful) medium- and long-term effects of alcohol (the transient anxiolytic and hypnotic sedative effects of alcohol have no long-term positive results (as opposed to negative ones). Psychopathological factors that affect disorders due to alcohol consumption remain almost unchanged during the transition from combat conditions to peaceful life, the influence of only certain components changes. Therefore, measures aimed at preventing maladaptation (that is, the formation of new and exacerbation of existing mental and behavioral disorders, including drug addiction) should adhere to the principle of continuity.It is advisable that between specialists and institutions suitable for the hygiene of the military and the demobilized, as high quality communication as possible is maintained along the methodological guidelines for the provision of medical and rehabilitation assistance. A significant level of consumption of psychoactive substances among combatants may indicate an unmet demand for adaptogens (both chemical and non-chemical origin), the use of which would not lead to the negative consequences of alcohol and other surfactants. This is a challenge for modern military psychopharmacology, military psychology and military psychophysiology.