Understanding the Alcohol Addiction and the Stages of Alcoholism

This stage does not have to be a final stage and treatment is still a good course to regain physical well-being. The most effective treatment for overcoming alcoholism involves a clinically-proven combination of behavioral therapy, medications, and attending support groups. This provides a safe and structured environment for people to address all medical, emotional, and psychological aspects of their drinking for lifelong recovery. If you are concerned about your own or a loved one’s drinking, professional treatment is a beneficial option to consider. The first step for many people is talking to a doctor or treatment specialist.

Additionally, this stage of alcoholism is when an individual will begin to identify a sense of emotional relief as an effect of alcohol. As individuals continue to drink alcohol over time, progressive changes may occur in the structure and function of their brains. These changes can compromise brain function and drive the transition from controlled, occasional use to chronic misuse, which can be difficult to control. The changes can endure long after a person stops consuming alcohol, and can contribute to relapse in drinking. This stage recognizes individuals who drink but experience minimum consequences due to their drinking habits. Individuals who fall in this stage may drink for purposes of experimentation.

Different Stages of Alcohol Intoxication

If this list describes the behavior of you or someone you support, please don’t hesitate to explore our programs or reach out to Caron with questions or concerns. It is important that someone at this stage seeks treatment for their problem. This will likely need to begin with detox, followed by inpatient or outpatient treatment.

Or, they may think that their drinking isn’t a big problem because they’re not getting drunk. Binge drinking once or twice a month is not as harmful as someone who is binge drinking every other day. Studies show that those who started abusing alcohol at an early age are more prone to get addicted. This is because young minds may have a dopamine deficiency and may get a bigger thrill from drinking alcohol. Understanding all the nuances of treatment is why a person should consider it worth the time and effort of a program. It is not a weakness to get assistance because substance use disorder is a complex issue.

Meth Withdrawal Symptoms

Warren is a Licensed Master Social Worker, who specializes in substance abuse and mental health treatment. Clinically, Warren has developed a therapeutic skillset that utilizes a strengths-based perspective, Twelve Step philosophies, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. It can also enhance the effect of the medication, often times more than the prescribed or necessary limit, which is known as the multiplier effect. If a person takes other drugs with alcohol it will lead to cross-addiction and it will be considered end-stage alcoholism. It can cause higher central nervous system impairment and a high blood alcohol level which is considered alcohol poisoning.

Problem drinkers may experience heightened depression, anxiety, or disturbances in sleeping patterns. Additionally, an individual may feel ill due to their drinking, however, enjoy the effects produced too much to stop. Often times, drinkers at this stage of alcoholism are more likely to experience legal issues because of their alcohol use.

Stage 2: Mental Relapse

Other times, it can be a serious sign that a person’s alcohol consumption is progressing in a negative way. In most cases, alcohol addiction is a condition that progresses gradually over time. 5 Tips to Consider When Choosing a Sober Living House Little by little, a person’s drinking can progress from what was once experimental or casual drinking to an addiction that has negative effects on many important aspects of their life.