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🇫🇮 Finland /Health & Science

Psychotherapist Realized Alcohol Dependency Only in Treatment

From Helsingin Sanomat · () Finnish

Translated from Finnish and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Kristiina Niskanen, a psychotherapist, realized her alcohol dependency only after entering a treatment facility.
  • She now helps other individuals struggling with alcohol addiction, many of whom show no outward signs of their struggle.
  • Niskanen notes that it's common for addicts not to recognize their own problem, especially if daily life and work appear functional.

Psychotherapist Kristiina Niskanen discovered her own alcohol dependency only after seeking help at a treatment facility. Now, she dedicates her work to assisting others battling alcohol addiction, many of whom present no visible signs of their struggle. Niskanen explains that it is typical for individuals with addiction to fail to recognize their problem. If work and daily routines are maintained, it becomes easy to convince oneself that everything is under control. Niskanen shared her own experience: "I filled out the AUDIT form while drinking wine." She recalled that the summer of 2006 was unusually warm, leading neighborhood mothers to gather on their patios in the evenings to drink wine. Even after the warm weather ended, Niskanen continued her wine consumption, keeping boxed wine in her refrigerator for easy access to a relaxing glass.

I filled out the AUDIT form while drinking wine.

· Kristiina NiskanenNiskanen described her own experience of denial regarding her alcohol consumption.
About this summary

Originally published by Helsingin Sanomat in Finnish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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