Stages of Alcoholism

What is alcoholism when it isn’t alcoholism? In the pre-alcoholic stage, alcohol is not yet an issue. In the early stage of the addiction cycle, a user may find the effects of alcohol pleasant and reassuring. The drinks mimic natural processes that promote relaxation or action. The effect of alcohol to loosen inhibitions can become addictive and encouraging.

In the pre-alcoholic stage, the user can go down one of three paths. The first path occurs when the user stays in the pre-alcoholic stage; they drink socially but do not cross the line to dependence. The second path occurs when a user finds other, healthier ways to promote the same benefits of drinking; they stop drinking for good. The third and final path leads to the next stage; it occurs when the user drinks to bolster their mood or promote sleep. In the third path, people grow dependent on alcohol, progressing rapidly toward alcoholism. Signs of the pre-alcoholic stage include:

• Needing a drink to relax or unwind
• Relying on alcohol during social situations
• Using alcohol to cope with emotions

Binge drinking is part of the prodromal phase in the stages of alcoholism; early-stage alcoholism is the standard title. Researchers suggest the phase is often a sign of experimentation gone wrong. Many people experiencing this phase of alcoholism will drink to the point of blacking out. One experience of blacking out or drinking too much is not an indication of alcoholism. However, when the experience becomes a pattern, it signals addiction and early-stage alcoholism.

It is challenging define alcoholism for an early-stage alcoholic because it can still fall in the realm of occasional drinking. People fitting into the category may not drink every day or week, but they tend to binge when they drink. Most people in the early-stage alcoholism category will describe their drinking as occasional and for relaxation or celebration. The common signs of early-stage alcoholism include:

• Frequent binge drinking
• Blacking out
• Routine promises to stop drinking
• Struggle to control the amount they drink

The middle alcoholic phase is when many people begin to notice problems. The person might experience problems at work, school, or home. Most often, family and friends will see changes in your behavior, and some of them may ask probing questions.

The problem with alcoholism as a disease is how it cultivates complicity in the patient. The affected individual will often lie to themselves, downplaying how much they drink or making excuses for out-of-character behavior.

Additionally, like other substances, alcohol provides diminishing returns over time. If an individual wants the same effects they experienced early in the use cycle, they will need more alcohol. As they chase the euphoria or other benefits of alcohol, they continue to increase the volume. Signs of this stage of alcoholism include:

• Prioritizing drinking over other obligations
• Lying about behavior
• Progressive memory lapses
• Facial redness, shaking and sweating

The middle alcoholic phase is often the best point for intervention. People with the disorder might notice the problems of the illness, but it is still early enough in the progression of the condition to recover with minimal effects.

In which stage of alcoholism does the drinker face serious health problems? The end-stage. During end-stage alcoholism, people can no longer hide the long-term effects of abuse. Many people will face financial, professional, and physical problems. Drinking becomes an integral part of life at this stage, with most activities working toward supporting their addiction.

Additionally, the stress and anxiety of finances and personal relationships only push someone further into the abuse cycle. Paranoia frequently accompanies end-stage alcoholism.

Some people can maintain a semblance of a healthy, well-adjusted life. Known as functioning alcoholics, these individuals may continue to argue against claims of addiction. Still, functioning alcoholics will suffer health problems from drinking, including liver and kidney damage.

Failing to seek treatment for end-stage alcoholism will have disastrous effects on one’s health. The user will develop health problems, including alcohol-induced diseases like cancer or cirrhosis. When asked, “how does alcoholism kill you,” the answer is in various ways. Alcohol destroys vital organs and eventually leads to crippling and lethal diseases. Signs of end-stage alcoholism are obvious and include:

• Alcohol dependence
• Financial trouble
• Relationship trouble
• Career trouble

A person with end-stage alcoholism cannot operate without alcohol. You will often see them with alcoholic beverages. Affected individuals may also hide or stash alcohol in their homes and places of frequent visits.