The Stages of Alcoholism

The most common prevailing theory concerning alcohol is that it is a disease as opposed to a sign of weakness or a lack of moral character. As such, it can be broken down into several stages with separate symptoms and methods of treatment. As with any disease, the earlier alcoholism is diagnosed, the more likely that treatment will be effective. Alcoholism can be broken down into five stages: early, middle, late, treatment and relapse.

Early Stage

• It can often be difficult to detect the first stage of alcoholism because an individual may appear to be a heavy social drinker as opposed to a problem drinker. However, if the individual is able to consume increasing amounts of alcohol without showing any effects or experiencing hangovers, it could be a sign that the body is adapting to the excessive alcohol, requiring the consumption of more and more to achieve the desired effect.

Middle Stage

• In this stage the initial pleasurable effects of alcohol begin to be replaced by destructive tendencies. The drinker starts to experience physical dependency, which is characterized by craving a drink instead of simply wanting one. This results in a loss of control, as the drinker is no longer able to limit the amount of alcohol consumed. If attempting to go for periods of time without a drink, the individual may experience physical withdrawal symptoms. Blackouts can also begin to occur.

Late Stage

• At this point, the long-term effects of alcohol abuse begin to show. The individual begins to suffer from mental afflictions such as confusion, and can even develop physical conditions like hepatitis, brain damage and heart failure. Despite these afflictions, the alcoholic will usually continue to drink, often denying the fact that a problem even exists. The person will drink for a way to alleviate the problems associated with withdrawal as well.

Treatment

• The alcoholic normally will not stop drinking without the intervention of an outside influence, such as a friend or relative, or without professional treatment. The earlier the individual seeks treatment, the more likely it will be successful. Another important success factor is whether the individual truly wants treatment; just attempting to appease a loved one by going to treatment isn't enough for treatment to be effective. Treatment is more likely to be effective if the alcoholic has a strong support system and a healthy environment to live in.

Relapse

• Frequently, the recovering alcoholic will suffer a relapse and begin drinking again. This can be caused by several factors, such as the lack of follow-up to treatment, a lack of adherence to a treatment program, a major life event or change in lifestyle, or the inability to control the craving for alcohol. The relapse can range from a one time occurrence to the the resumption of the regular drinking pattern. If a relapse occurs, the treatment program should be evaluated to find areas that need improved.