Stages of Alcoholism: Early, Chronic, and End Stage

11 Oca Stages of Alcoholism: Early, Chronic, and End Stage

You may think about alcohol all the time or https://ecosoberhouse.com/ neglect other activities so you can drink. But even if you wanted to quit drinking alcohol at this stage, you can’t without the possibility of having potentially fatal seizures or organ failure. Because you are still functioning at work and completing daily routines, you may not see drinking alcohol as a problem. You can overcome mild hangover symptoms with a couple of aspirin and a good laugh about making the poor decision to party too hard the night before.

Warning Signs of Alcoholism

So, while some people may take a long time to progress from stage one to five, other people may do so quite quickly. In any case, as soon as you realize you have a problem with alcohol use, you should seek professional help. Nothing is more critical today than seeking help from professionals who can help you stop drinking. No matter which of the above stages you may be in, ask for help. However, you can still overcome your alcohol use disorder with the proper medical treatment and recovery plan. Increased depression and anxiety are common, and you may find it hard to control your emotions.

• It’s difficult to identify because alcohol has yet to cause any problems and drinking has not become compulsive.
• This stage represents the most acute and damaging phase of alcoholism.
• Inhibitions are weakened, escalating the risk of engaging in unsafe sexual activities or possibly becoming a victim of crime or violence.
• Early intervention can stop your drinking from progressing into more severe stages.
• Warning signs of the condition include denial, blackouts, neglecting responsibilities, and withdrawal symptoms when alcohol intake is stopped or reduced.
• You might face discrimination and negative attitudes from other people, from the health care system, or even feel shame about your own condition.

Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage

When you drink too much, your liver has to work extra hard to process it. We do not receive any commission or fee that is dependent upon which treatment provider a caller chooses. If you take a good look at your body, you may recognize the changes externally and internally. A beer belly is not only a sign of how calorie-filled alcohol is but also that your liver is struggling to do its job. While you may still see yourself succeeding in all areas of your life, you are in denial. You can’t understand why so many bad things are happening to you.

Finding Detox and Treatment

You may experience a pronounced loss of control over your drinking habits, meaning that you’re completely dependent on alcohol. Individuals with alcohol dependence also have a very high tolerance to it, needing to consume large amounts to feel buzzed. When sober, people with alcohol dependency experience withdrawal symptoms, including nausea, body aches and tremors, sweating, severe agitation, racing heart, and insomnia. The center is conveniently located in Houston, Texas, and is led by experienced master’s level counselors and medical professionals who specialize in personalized treatment for drug and alcohol abuse. It is in stage four of the stages of alcoholism where many people begin to realize that they have become dependent on alcohol.

Your liver disease can also lead to a kidney disease called hepatorenal syndrome, a lung disease called hepatopulmonary syndrome, and liver cancer. If you find out you have it, your doctor will tell you what stage you’re in. Depending on how well your liver is working, they’ll say it’s either “compensated” or “decompensated.” Which one it is makes Substance abuse a difference in the kind of treatment you get. Your doctor may also do an imaging test of your belly, such as an MRI or ultrasound. You may need a procedure called a biopsy, in which a sample of your liver tissue is removed so your doctor can see how much damage has been done and what may have caused your liver disease.

Online Therapy Can Help

Nausea and vomiting are common, as the body attempts to rid itself of the excessive alcohol. They may also struggle to stay conscious, slipping in and out of awareness or completely passing out. The body’s ability to regulate essential functions, like temperature and breathing, starts to falter, posing a significant threat to the individual’s health. Despite how severe their condition might be, the person may not fully comprehend the danger they are in due to their mental and physical impairment.

Other physical symptoms may include frequent headaches, gastrointestinal issues like nausea or diarrhea, and increased susceptibility to illnesses due to a weakened immune system. Individuals may also start to experience memory blackouts, where they are unable to recall events that occurred while they were intoxicated. Risky behaviors while under the influence, such as driving, engaging in unprotected sex, or getting into physical altercations, can also occur. Find support for yourself and other family members in a rehab family program. Go to an Al-Anon or Alateen meeting or set up an appointment with a mental health professional. At the end of the day, the person with addiction has to be willing to accept help.

As increased drinking continues, you become more dependent on alcohol and are at risk of developing alcoholism. Sometimes medications may be used in alcohol addiction treatment. These medicines can help 5 stages of drinking reduce the negative side effects of detoxification and withdrawal. Others can help you reduce cravings and normalize body functions. Cirrhosis is a disease in which scar tissue replaces healthy tissue in your liver and keeps it from working as it should.

Alcohol abusers often fail to realize the dangers of their drinking habits until they’ve moved into the middle stage of alcoholism. The most effective treatment during the early stages of alcoholism includes therapy and support groups. This stage of alcoholism starts when people experience an increasing tolerance to alcohol and raise their alcohol intake with greater frequency and quantity.

Other symptoms, such as missing work and increased irritability or forgetfulness, may be observed. Many may benefit from support groups if they seek help during this stage. Through increased awareness and proper treatment, it is possible to manage and overcome this challenging condition, leading to healthier and more fulfilling lives. 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.