The Four Stages of Alcoholism: Pre, Early, Middle, & Late

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 sober house 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.

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.

Recovery Coaching

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 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.

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.

Stage Two: Early Alcoholic

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.

stages of alcoholism

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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

-