3 Stages of Alcoholism

There are three stages of alcoholism and understanding them allows those experiencing alcohol addiction, as well as their friends and family, insight as to what to expect and how to give assistance. From the onset of alcohol abuse in the first stage, to loss of control during the second stage on to the degradation of health and organ damage in the third stage of alcoholism; understanding the stages may offer encouragement to the individual to seek assistance earlier than later.

First Stage

In first stage of alcoholism, the individual is preoccupied with their alcohol use and is eager to have the next drink. There is usually a conce
with how and when they will be able to consume alcohol and as they continue their alcohol use, they will discover an increased tolerance and find that they have to consume more and more in order to reach the same level of intoxication as previous. It is in the first stage that the body gets used to the alcohol intake and while it may seem (to the individual) that they are more in control, the reality is that their perception is an illusion. If the individual attempts to quit their alcohol abuse, they will discover that they have difficulty functioning and coping.

Second Stage

In the second stage of alcoholism, the individual may notice an increased difficulty in the ability to control their alcohol addiction. Tolerance will be lower and consumption will continue as before and possibly even become increased. At this stage, should the individual attempt to decrease their alcohol use or quit altogether, withdrawal symptoms will most likely begin shortly after the last time they drank alcohol. In all likely scenarios, this is the reason for an increase in consumption: withdrawal symptoms begin and the individual drinks more to stop the symptoms. Sadly, the alcoholic is a spectator in their own life as things begin to fall apart and dysfunction sets in. The people in the alcoholic’s life will witness the events as they unfold; however they will find that the individual is impossible to help.

Third Stage

In the third and final stage, there will be a rapid decline in the alcoholic’s health, yet they are still more interested in having the next drink than seeking assistance and getting better. The relationships surrounding the alcoholic may have been damaged irreparably, especially with family members and close friends who reached the limit with the individual. It is likely that the individual has already lost their job or is near losing it because they cannot function well enough to meet responsibilities. They may also be facing financial ruin and legal problems as a result of their alcohol abuse. Death is likely in this last stage as the individual may suffer organ failure and in the third stage studies show a large number of deaths contributed to accidents and suicides.