What are the Early Stages of Alcoholism

And the physical costs of excessive alcohol use become noticeable. What might seem harmless at first can get worse if it’s not treated. Alcoholism is a dangerous and life-altering disease that can seriously affect your health and well-being. However, it is never too late to https://goodmenproject.com/everyday-life-2/top-5-tips-to-consider-when-choosing-a-sober-house-for-living/ seek help and turn things around. However, with proper treatment and support, most people with alcoholism can recover and lead healthy, productive lives. If an individual stays in a persistent stage of drinking, it can cause them to constantly crave and think about alcohol.

Those around the person may have noticed specific physical changes like facial redness, weight changes, sluggishness, and stomach bloating that come from the abuse of alcohol. Other symptoms, such as missing work and increased irritability or forgetfulness, may be observed. Many may benefit from support groups How to Choose a Sober House: Tips to Focus on if they seek help during this stage. During the first stage of alcoholism, the person is experimenting with alcohol. They may be drinking to feel better about themselves or to dull physical or emotional pain. The individual may be hoping that alcohol will help them with anxiety or allow them to forget.

Stage 3: Middle Stage AUD

Luckily, alcoholism treatment centers offer treatment plans that include each of these important tools. With the combination of professional alcoholism treatment and sobriety maintenance, recovery is possible for anyone. Once an individual begins to drink more frequently, they have entered the second stage of alcoholism. During this stage, drinkers are typically still drinking solely in social settings. However, they need to consume more alcohol in order to produce the same effect they experienced in the beginning.

• Attending a substance abuse treatment program can give you the tools you need to stay sober and resist cravings once you return home.
• It’s common for people with alcohol addiction to forget the negative impacts of drinking after they happen and instead focus on the idea that alcohol helps them.
• Often times, people will develop a slight psychological dependence during this stage of alcoholism.
• Examples of regular alcohol use include drinking during a celebratory event or pairing a glass of wine with a meal.

Here at Recovery Centers of America in Indianapolis, we hear stories just like this all the time, and we want to help. Here in Indiana, 48% of Hoosiers 12 and older have reported alcohol use within the past year, and while this doesn’t mean they’re “alcoholics” it’s important to know where the line is. You may lose interest in all the activities you once found so enjoyable, and your friends may not talk to you anymore because you’re tired of them pointing out your drinking habits. If you’re married, you may frequently argue with your spouse, which, without the help of counseling, can end in divorce.

Early Stage

The majority of people who struggle with alcohol addiction, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), took months or years to reach that point. Just like in the mid-stage, people in the late-stage have a high chance of going through alcohol withdrawal whenever they’re not drinking. Withdrawal can start as quickly as 6 hours after your last drink and tends to be the most severe for the first 72 hours. Many symptoms will start to subside after that, but not all will go away without proper treatment and care.

In 2019, it affected 14.5 millionAmericans aged 12 and older, or 5.3% of the population. Whether you are currently in stage one of alcoholism or experience end-stage alcoholism, recovery is possible. Those who abuse alcohol do not necessarily drink every day, nor are they regular drinkers.

Treatment for Late-Stage Alcoholism

Eventually, their tissue cells may become dependent on alcohol to function normally. Early-stage alcoholism is the beginning of the person’s chronic alcohol use. They may not appear like they have a problem despite having a higher tolerance. Sometimes people will see others living with more severe forms of alcoholism and compare themselves.

We understand that everyone’s situation is unique, and this content is to provide an overall understanding of substance use disorders. These disorders are very complex, and this post does not take into account the unique circumstances for every individual. For specific questions about your health needs or that of a loved one, seek the help of a healthcare professional.