5 Stages of Alcoholism: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatments

The pre-alcoholic stage marks the early period during which a person starts to engage in drinking. During this stage, alcohol consumption is typically moderate and infrequent, often in social or celebratory settings. Early signs of alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), include increased tolerance and dependence on alcohol.

• It does this by providing compassionate care and evidence-based content that addresses health, treatment, and recovery.
• They will most likely begin forming their opinions about alcohol, and future habits, based on your relationship with alcohol.
• You may use options like counseling, support group meetings, and medication management to stay on track.
• The symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the “stage” of alcoholism.
• This shift in the reasons for drinking can be an early indicator of a developing alcohol problem.
• Raven Rodriguez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker passionate about helping individuals cope with life’s transitions.

Participation in Support Groups

Often, there are warning signs and multiple stages a person goes through before experiencing a severe addiction. There are factors that pop up again and again when determining who might have an issue with alcoholism. If you’re in the “at-risk” population, it doesn’t take much to become dependent on alcohol or other drugs.

Drug and Alcohol Detox: What Is the Difference?

The second stage on the curve is marked by symptoms such as blackouts. Other warning signs of this stage include lying about drinking, drinking excessively, and thinking obsessively about drinking. That said, evidence-based treatment can almost always help someone from end-stage alcoholism into ongoing recovery. It starts innocently enough, with an occasional drink—but before you know it, drinking becomes a habit that’s hard to control.

Alcoholism Treatment in Atlanta, GA

• It offers tailored therapy and support, making it a cost-effective and practical option for those with mild to moderate addiction issues.
• While any form of alcohol abuse is problematic, the term “problem drinker” refers to someone who starts experiencing the impacts of their habit.
• Explore effective ways to reduce alcohol use, understand health risks, and discover treatment options.

They are peer-led organizations dedicated to helping each other remain sober. Support groups can be the first Substance abuse step towards recovery or part of a long-term aftercare plan. Some services provide food and transportation, but services vary by program. The individual can stay in this stage for many years but eventually start showing more disordered behaviors. Carter is a successful real estate and private equity investor who recognized the need for sober living residences in Atlanta created specifically for professionals and family members of professionals. Raven reminds individuals of their strengths while introducing new skills.

No Cravings or Withdrawal Symptoms

It’s important to note here that you can quit in the earlier stages of alcoholism. There is a myth that you must hit “rock bottom” before getting help. So, if you notice that drinking is affecting you, reach out for help now before you advance to the next stage. You’ll also experience negative consequences, such as blacking out or frequent hangovers.

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The Stages of AUD

• Alcohol detox may not take as long or produce severe withdrawal symptoms, but it is still an essential beginning to your recovery.
• Prolonged alcohol abuse can lead to permanent damage to vital organs, including the liver, heart, and brain.
• Dr. Hoffman is the Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of AddictionHelp.com and ensures the website’s medical content and messaging quality.
• Self-medicating symptoms of mental health disorders provides nothing but fleeting relief.
• A hit on six or more questions can be considered a severe case of AUD.

If you or someone you know displays any of the signs above, you can get help before alcoholism develops or progresses. Don’t attempt to stop drinking on your own suddenly if you’ve been drinking heavily for a period of time.8,9 You need professional management and supervision to safely stop drinking. In a comprehensive treatment program for alcoholism, you’ll gain coping skills to effectively stop drinking, be prescribed medications to manage AUD if needed, and build a healthier life in recovery. The fourth stage of alcoholism is becoming dependent on the substance. Usually, problem drinking becomes more and more common, bringing health issues and even drinking-related legal issues. Missing work, fighting with loved ones, and choosing alcohol over everything else are telltale signs 5 stages of alcoholism of an advanced stage of alcoholism.

• Alcoholism is a disease that can take over a person’s life and leave them feeling hopeless.
• Erika earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Georgia State University and graduated with honors from Walden University with a master’s degree in social work.
• There are some warning signs that alcoholism displays and a typical pattern of how the disease progresses.
• Usually, problem drinking becomes more and more common, bringing health issues and even drinking-related legal issues.

From there, you will work on maintenance (learning to live sober) and, finally, transcendence or full recovery. Prior to founding Buckhead Behavioral Health, Carter worked in insurance brokerage in New York City and as a real estate private equity acquisitions specialist in Atlanta. He completed his undergraduate degree at Washington & Lee University and has an MBA from the UNC Keenan-Flagler Business School.