Alcohol Rehab Program

The Allergic Alcoholic

The so called Allergic Alcoholic is the one that got sick from consuming alcohol from the time they first started drinking. Also known as the Allergic/Addictive Response (A term coined by William Philpott, MD) is a sort of “Learn to Drink” behavior model in which an individual drinks more to overcome their bodies natural intolerance to alcohol.

Over time their bodies adapt. While the Allergic/Addictive Response has some similarities and outcomes to those with an extra liver enzyme the body chemistry is quite different.

In the beginning there is a high when alcohol is ingested, the body creates its own versions of opiates and narcotics. But with an Allergic Alcoholic the withdrawals come as the effect of the alcohol wears off.

Symptoms include Depression, Confusion and Anxiety.

Soon the yet to be Alcoholic repeats the process to make the problems of withdrawal go away. The longer the time line this pattern is repeated creates shorter periods of enjoyment with longer, more intense periods of withdrawal symptoms.

The Allergic Alcoholic is more likely to binge drink, and are more susceptible to hangovers. Add to this the fact that they are also more prone to shifts in their personality, such as anger and abuse caused by the allergic reaction.

Allergic drinkers are also vulnerable to environmental factors such as cleaners, paints, gasoline and others. Repeated exposure creates a slight high and the only way to ward off the withdrawal symptoms is to continue consuming that which they are allergic to, alcohol.

This can be a significant issue when alcohol rehab programs are attempted and fail due to the unseen or unrecognized influences of common household or job related chemicals.