What Are the 4 Stages of Alcoholism?

Addicts suffering from built-up chemical dependency experience dangerous withdrawal symptoms. To avoid potentially fatal complications, medically supervised alcohol detox is essential. People with alcohol addiction physically crave the substance and are often inconsolable until they start drinking again. Frequent, uncontrolled alcohol abuse eventually leads to problem drinking. While any form of alcohol abuse is problematic, the term “problem drinker” refers to someone who starts experiencing the impacts of their habit.

• The effects of alcohol are a result of its interaction with parts of the brain that release “neurotransmitters,” or chemicals that can give you energy and tell you to feel happy or content.
• In fact, it contributes to about 88,000 deaths annually in the U.S., making alcohol the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States.
• Sometimes, someone may feel out of place at a teen party if they don’t drink like others or a friend pressures them to join in the fun.

But it is important to remember that with appropriate help and support, recovery is possible at any stage of alcoholism. The next stage of alcoholism begins when alcohol consumption becomes more frequent. These individuals may start to develop an emotional attachment to drinking. This more an individual turns to alcohol to “feel good”, the more at risk they are of developing an alcohol use disorder and potentially needing alcohol treatment.

Stage One: Pre-Alcoholic

Cirrhosis of the liver, which is scarring, will occur and if it progresses too far, can only be solved with a liver transplant that can’t be guaranteed available. If alcohol is discontinued, treatment with medications, nutrition therapy, and blood-work monitoring can help stabilize the condition. This occurs when the first drink is taken, which can occur well before the legal age of 21. It involves trying different types of alcohol and often involves binge drinking, consuming high amounts in relatively short amounts of time. As individuals continue to drink alcohol over time, progressive changes may occur in the structure and function of their brains.

You may start to feel sick from heavy drinking, but enjoy its effects too much to care. Many drinkers at this stage are more likely to drink and drive or experience legal troubles as a result of their drinking. The first stage of alcoholism is a general experimentation with alcohol.

End-Stage Alcoholism and Associated Health Disorders

This stage also qualifies as a severe form of alcohol use disorder (AUD) according to the DSM-5 criteria. Middle-stage alcoholics might deny their drinking 5 Tips to Consider When Choosing a Sober Living House problem or try to hide their alcohol use from others. 7.4% of people 12 years and older have tried ecstasy at least once in their lifetime.

During one of the final stages of alcoholism, the effects of long-term drinking are obvious. Drinkers will feel the negative side effects of drug abuse and serious health conditions may begin to develop during this stage. At this point, you’re binge drinking all day regardless of what you’re doing or who you’re with. Losing your job is a common aspect of this stage, as well as possibly breaking relationships with spouses, family members, or children.

Stage 1: Early-Stage Alcoholism

Drinking-related legal issues occur, like driving under the influence (DUI). In terms of diagnostic criteria, individuals may display 7 or more symptoms of alcohol use disorder. Some people may experience all 11 symptoms of the condition during this stage, making it imperative for them to get professional treatment for alcoholism. End-stage alcoholism is basically the same thing as hitting rock bottom. This stage does not have to be a final stage and treatment is still a good course to regain physical well-being. The most effective treatment for overcoming alcoholism involves a clinically-proven combination of behavioral therapy, medications, and attending support groups.

In doing so, we can provide a wealth of information surrounding our treatment options and addiction treatment program and help you secure a lifelong recovery free from alcohol. Being aware of the three stages of alcoholism can help many people recognize when their drinking or that of a loved one becomes problematic. Alcohol addictions are the most common addictions in the US, with recent research finding that 14.5 million adults live with alcoholism. Like all substance addictions, alcohol addictions cause emotional and physical pain to those suffering and their loved ones.