| Abstract [eng] |
Although alcohol use problems are still more stereotypically associated with men, lately,more and more women are facing this problem in the last decades. The number of women addicted to alcohol is growing. At the beginning of XX century, the ratio of dependent women to men was 1:12, now it is 1:5. Although the problem of alcoholism among women seems to be much smaller than that of men – it accounts for about 15 % of all diagnosed cases of alcohol dependence, but this does not mean that the problem of their consumption is significantly less. With this in mind, a study was conducted to examine the religious characteristics of women addicted to alcohol experience in the coping process. Based on the results of a qualitative study, the religious views of women affected by alcohol were revealed by: spiritual factors that play a very important role – and that’s the religion.Women believe that if they have received God’s grace and that they healed, it means they were rewarded for faith, desire, and efforts to recover. God’s guidance, through assistance, daily support, reassurance and fidelity in everyday life, a woman is obliged to continue to believe in him, to spread love and live a better quality of life. Through daily prayers, the reception of the sacraments, faith and trust in God, women continue to have a close relationship with God. The study also revealed that changes in the religious experiences of women affected by alcohol are characterized by a change in perceptions of alcoholism. If during the period of active dependence, they assessed alcohol consumption as: human deficiency, weakness; freedom; a tool of suppressing negative emotions and experiences; a guarantee of fun, after overcoming the addiction, they perceive alcoholism as: detachment from reality; life with illusions / self-deception; disease; loss of control, beauty, health and self / identity; lost or changed interests and values of life; emotional coldness; suffering to live. The result of women's alcohol dependence overcoming is material (improved financial situation) and intangible (improved emotional state, physical health, relationships with others and quality of life; also a change of worldview; increased motivation; increased occupancy; learned to solve problems soberly; discovered a connection with God) – all changes. After overcoming addiction and continuing to communicate with God, women have discovered the meaning of life, achieved psychological freedom and a sense of security, their emerging needs are being met, their social skills are improving, and their physical health is improving. Because of sobriety and accompanied by a spiritual healing program, the relationship between women and themselves and the world around them has changed. |
