What Are The Stages Of Alcoholism?

Drinking on occasion and in a moderate manner is considered safe and healthy, even in the medical perspective. But when alcohol becomes more than that and it starts to take over your life, then you may be pushing yourself towards alcoholism. Or worse, alcohol addiction. Learn about the different stages of alcoholism as you make your way towards seeking proper treatment and help today.

Stages/ Phases Of Alcoholism

Stage 1: Pre-Alcoholism – Binge-Drinking

This one’s also called “pre-alcoholism” precisely because if left unchecked, will lead to alcohol dependency. Stage 1 is characterized by being an occasional drinker, but with a crucial detail that separates this stage from any other occasional drinking— binging.

Binge-drinking happens when you are infrequent in your alcohol intake. However, when you do have your share of it during parties and similar occasions, you tend to drink up and drink in very large amounts, much more than the average person your age does at a single given time.

You might think that this doesn’t pose a threat because you don’t drink often. And drinking in large volumes yet only once in a while is okay. Studies have proven that this is far from true. In this case, it’s not the frequency that’s dangerous but the amount of alcohol you drink in a sitting.

Researches have revealed that men who have 5 drinks and above, as well as women who have 4 drinks and above within only 2 hours fall under this category.

Stage 2: The Early Stage – An Increase Pattern In Drinking

It’s during this period that your alcohol intake becomes less limited to social gatherings alone. You’ll notice an increase in the frequency of your intake of alcohol in relation to a series of reasons such as spending your downtime leisurely, being bored, to rid yourself of stress and anxiety, etc.

One will begin to use alcohol as a way out of said excuses, amongst others you may be able to think of, while still being under the impression that this level of drinking is not at all unhealthy. It becomes an emotional and mental attachment as opposed to simply partaking of it as a part of a meal. The latter, being classified as healthy, moderate drinking.

Stage 3: The Mid-Stage – Alcohol Drinking

Other’s designate this stage for those who are problem-drinkers, people who drink to “get away” from their problems. On the other hand, there are also those who may not be drinking because of difficulties in life but because it has become that much of a habit.

Here is where alcoholism reveals itself in a more obvious manner. People who know you well will begin to notice your drinking pattern. At the same time, you’ll have become so attached to alcohol, you start being an absentee from social and family gatherings. And because of your excessive drinking, your work/ school life and other vital activities take a setback as you become less productive due to the physical and mental toll that drinking is putting on you.

Stage 4: Late Alcoholism – Alcohol Dependence That Leads To Alcohol Addiction

The downward spiral will eventually lead to this unless an intervention is put in place. Alcohol dependence happens when you’re aware of the adverse effects your drinking problem has led you to but you continue with it anyway.

As this progresses even more, you’ll now find yourself unable to physical and psychological stop yourself from consuming alcohol. At this point, this stage is now regarded as alcohol addiction. It has become a craving and a need that you want to satisfy with nothing else but alcohol. Thus, the spiral continues to pull you downstream.