People rarely spend an indefinite time in the early stages of alcoholism; it almost always progresses eventually. That said, regular heavy drinking is an important warning sign for alcohol addiction, according to addiction experts at theNational Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Heavy drinking in conjunction with other behaviors can also signala problem. Because alcoholism rewires the brain and affects a person’s mood, thinking and behaviors, it’s classified as a mental illness.Thus, many of the hallmark signs of alcoholism involve changes in behavior. Whilealcoholism is a complex disease and diagnosing it isn’t an exact science, several signs and symptoms can indicatewhen your drinking has crossed the line into addiction.
Stage 2: Early Alcoholic
It’s important to work closely with a healthcare provider to determine what level of drinking is safe and appropriate for each individual’s unique circumstances. CBT is a form of talk therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative patterns of thinking and behavior. This can help individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms and reduce their reliance on alcohol. It’s important to note that while these factors can increase an individual’s risk for developing alcoholism, they do not necessarily guarantee it. Many individuals with a family history of alcoholism or who have experienced traumatic events never develop problematic drinking patterns. While the stages of alcoholism are important to understand, it is also crucial to recognize the underlying causes of this disease.
Stages of Alcoholism
When alcoholism is severe, an individual may develop a physical dependence on the drug. When you are changing your drinking behaviors, it is common to have cravings or urges to drink alcohol. This includes both psychological (emotional) triggers that tempt you to drink as well as physical sensations that make you want to drink. More recent studies have also indicated certain genetic, social, psychological, or environmental factors may also impact the body’s dependency on alcohol.
How To Diagnose Alcohol Dependence
They may also begin to drink more heavily and frequently, and may start to experience negative consequences such as relationship problems, financial difficulties, and health issues. By the time a person is in end-stage alcoholism, there can be no denying that drinking has taken over their life and damaged their health. Recovery will not be easy at this point, but it will be worth the work.
Strategies for Dealing with Alcohol Use Disorder: What to Say and Do
If you are someone who drinks a lot, you may be concerned about developing alcohol dependence. Many people don’t realize their bodies are reliant on alcohol until it is too late. So, how do you know whether or not you are developing a physical dependency on alcohol? Often when looking at how alcoholism starts, it begins as casual or social drinking, or maybe having a few drinks to relieve stress, and eventually the stages in which alcoholism develops become more apparent.
- While the process may take several years, the outcome is a happier, healthier life where you have the freedom to fulfill your full potential.
- During this stage, your condition may become evident to friends and family, although some people can become highly adept at hiding problem drinking.
- They’ll likely joke about their blackouts or mention they won’t drink that much again.
- However, recognizing the potential for a problem and seeking help early on can prevent the disease from progressing to later stages.
While the abstinence stage of withdrawal causes mostly physical symptoms, post-acute withdrawal is very psychological and emotional. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), recovery is a process that involves remission from AUD and quitting heavy drinking for good. Alcoholism is a dangerous and life-altering disease that can seriously affect your health and well-being.
How To Know If Someone is Drinking Too Much or Is an Alcoholic?
Seeking treatment during the pre-alcoholic stage is possible but is highly unlikely. It’s often difficult to determine whether someone is in the pre-alcoholic stage. People in the pre-alcoholic stage may enjoy drinking more frequently than those around them but it isn’t overtly noticeable in most people. Dr. Kevin Wandler of Advanced Recovery Systems describes how tolerance and withdrawal symptoms are indicators of alcoholdependence.
The stages of alcoholism are a helpful tool to help determine the progression of alcoholism but they are by no means a rule. They outline the typical trajectory of alcoholism to reveal the steady decline from social to chronic alcohol use. The further someone’s drinking alcoholic physical appearance progresses, the easier it becomes to notice their lack of control. Middle-stage alcoholism is when their drinking problem reaches more serious levels. Clear examples of progressive alcoholism include placing drinking ahead of their family, their job, or their education.
