Alcoholism Stages to Recognize

It is helpful to look at different alcoholism stages to better understand this disease. Alcoholism is a serious problem. In fact, it's actually considered to be a disease that includes multiple symptoms, including physical cravings, being physically dependent, tolerating alcohol, and losing control.

Usually it can take years to get through the different stages of alcoholism. The important thing is to recognize these stages and to help people get help as quickly as possible. As you take a look at these different stages, remember that usually they don't occur separately but they combine and overlap each other.

Stage 1

There are four different stages of alcoholism, but in the first stage, drinking goes beyond just being social. Instead it becomes a way to emotionally escape problems and inhibitions. In this stage, the person is trying to get away from reality. They begin depending on the effects that alcohol provides. It is at this point that people begin to build up a tolerance for alcohol as well. It takes more and more alcohol to five them the buzz. In fact, often in this stage they go from a couple of drinks to drinking 3-5 drinks every day.

Stage 2

This is the stage where the need to have alcohol becomes a powerful thing. Often people begin drinking alcohol earlier and earlier, instead of waiting until the evening. Their tolerance is continuing to increase and instead of just drinking to relief stress or tension, they are now drinking because they are dependent. While they may not be out of control regularly, people may be able to notice that there is a problem. Some physical symptoms may increase at this point, including stomach problems, blackouts, tremors, and hangovers.

Stage 3

At this point, the loss of control is becoming a bigger problem and it is becoming more noticeable to others. In many cases, the drinker is no longer able to control their drinking once they have the first drink. While they may only intend to have one drink, they end up having more. More serious problems that are alcohol related occur at this time, including financial, legal, work, and relationship problems. This is the point where many drinkers begin avoiding their family in friends and they no longer enjoy activities they used to be interested in. Many things become neglected, including personal hygiene, interaction with others, food and water, and even shelter.

Stage 4

In this stage of alcoholism, there is a total loss of control. At this point the drinker probably is not able to keep a job. In order to function, they have a drink, which often means they are starting out their day with alcohol. Tremors may occur when they don't get to have a drink, and if they try to stop drinking, severe withdrawal symptoms can occur.