What Is Alcoholism
Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism, is a disease that can affect any person. Because alcohol is legal, it has never been classified as a drug. Alcohol addiction is a complex condition, and it is caused by many factors. Addiction presents itself in many ways. Some people drink all day heavily, while others binge drink for periods.
When Should You Be Concerned About Your Drinking
You should be concerned when you feel like you can’t handle the stress throughout your day without drinking alcohol, or when you drink excessively on a daily basis.
If you are concerned about your drinking habits, contact us as we are ready to support you.
How Many Stages of Alcoholism Are There
Alcohol dependence is more complex than what the media or society portrays. This disorder is usually divided into 5 stages:
- Pre-alcoholic stage
- Early stage
- Middle stage
- Chronic stage
- End stage
The First Stage of Alcoholism
The pre-alcoholic stage occurs before alcohol is even an issue. People in that stage are unlikely to realize that their drinking could later develop into a major problem.
In the pre-alcoholic stage, a person has two choices. You can use alcohol to bolster yourself in social situations, unwind after a long day, or help fall asleep, and progress into the next stage of alcoholism. Or you can find alternative ways to move away from drinking altogether.
Symptoms and Signs of the Pre-Stage of Alcoholism
It’s often difficult to determine whether someone is in the pre-alcoholic stage, because their drinking behavior is still considered regular social drinking.
- Relying on alcohol to unwind or relax
- Needing a drink to engage in social situations
- Using alcohol to cope with uncomfortable feelings or emotions
Do You Need Specialist Help?
It is unlikely that people in this stage will seek treatment.
The Second Stage of Alcoholism
Early-stage alcoholism is when people begin binge drinking regularly and may even black out occasionally. Binge drinking is when you consume around 4-5 drinks within 2 hours. If this is the normal amount for you or your loved ones, it’s time to seriously evaluate your drinking habits. It is most common among younger adults and teenagers.
Symptoms and Signs of the Early Stage of Alcoholism
This stage is easier to notice than the pre-alcoholism stage because of binge drinking behaviors.
Signs of early-stage alcoholism:
- Regular binge drinking
- Blacking out or memory loss because of drinking
- Difficulties in controlling the amount of alcohol consumed
- Promising to cut back or stop but having trouble doing so
How not to Miss the Moment and Start the Treatment on Time
Over time, drinking behaviors become a cycle of binge drinking, blacking out, promising to cut back, and then starting again. It is easy to recognize the pattern of this stage, and it’s best to seek treatment during this stage of alcoholism.
The Third Stage of Alcoholism
In this stage, your condition may become more and more evident to friends and family. If you are in this phase, you will often downplay the amount you drink and find ways of explaining your behavior. You may start to experience consequences from your drinking at work or school and find yourself regularly hungover and craving more alcohol.
Symptoms and Signs of the Middle Stage of Alcoholism
Signs of middle stage:
- Drinking at work or when driving
- Drinking while looking after children
- The need to drink more to achieve the same effects
This stage of dependance can cause major health problems such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Increased heart rate
- Shaking
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Increased heart rate
- Shaking
How to Help Before It’s Too Late
Treatment is extremely beneficial at this stage, because the person’s health has not declined too much, and they are still able to make some extreme changes in their lives.
Fourth Stage of Alcoholism
The effects of long-term alcohol abuse will start to become apparent. Alcohol is consumed throughout the day and your priorities shift to facilitate drinking. In this stage you have completely lost control over drinking alcohol.
Symptoms and Signs of the Chronic End-Stage of Alcoholism
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Sleep problems
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Increased heart rate
- Increased body temperature
- Sweating
- Seizures
- Severe damage to heart, liver, kidneys, and brain
- Cancer
What to Do When Someone Has End-Stage Alcoholism
End-stage alcoholism is the most serious, severely impacting the person’s health, relationships, employment, and finances.
This stage is life-threatening, and treatment must be initiated as soon as possible.
Death or Recovery? — 5 Stage of Alcoholism
Alcoholism is a serious life-threatening condition. People who are dependent can shift from the downward spiral of alcoholism toward the upward trajectory of recovery through treatment.
Help is always available for you no matter the stage of alcoholism you are in.
Remember — the Help Is Available During Every Stage of Alcoholism
Medical treatment and rehab are available for any of the 5 stages, so contact us as soon as you feel ready. The sooner you seek treatment the better.
Get Help Today With VIP Vorobjev Clinic
If you can relate to the points discussed in this article,or know someone who displays signs of alcohol dependence, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Getting help for alcoholism will require dedication and counseling. At our clinic, we offer different treatment programs, depending on your needs. Finding an alcohol treatment program is a step in the right direction to be on your way to live a healthy and sober life.
