Alcohol Dependence

Alcoholism Stage 1: Abstinence

Alcohol dependence can actually begin before the alcohol consumption gets started if an individual has attitudes and perceptions uniform with those that addicts generally display.

Alcoholism Stage 2: Original Use

Stage two can include the experimental use of alcohol, periodic use, or occasional binge drinking (i.e., once or twice a year). Initial usage of alcohol may not be a concern for the user or those people who are close to the user. Occasional drinking may create troubles while the user is under the influence or the following day, she or he has not reached the stage of dependence.

Alcoholism Stage 3: High Risk Usage

Significant risk describes an abundance of alcohol consumption, and poor choices made when drunk. At this stage, the pattern and regularity of alcohol abuse is high enough to be damaging for the drinker and people around him or her.

Alcoholism Stage 4: Problematic Usage

Problematic use of alcohol happens when the adverse consequences of drinking becomes observable. Physical health concerns become problems, including damaged liver function and/or STDs (sexual transmitted diseases). DUI (driving under the influence) charges may occur, and/or other legal problems relating to drinking to excess and making poor choices. Friends and family recognize there is a problem.

Alcoholism Stage 5: Early Stage of Dependence

The early stage of alcohol dependence is characterized by obvious problems. The user starts to miss work, picks fights with family members and friends while intoxicated. The alcoholic will elect to drink in spite of adverse consequences. At this point, alcohol rehab is highly effective.

Alcoholism Stage 6: Middle Stage of Dependency

During the middle stage of alcoholism, adverse consequences begin to intensify. The user loses his or her job due to too many missed days at work.

Alcoholism Stage 7: Crisis Stage of Dependency

At this crisis point, everybody is aware of the effects of alcoholism, including the alcoholic. Serious health concerns become issues. The alcoholic is rarely without a drink, but the user believes he or she is fooling everyone. This stage frequently results in alcohol-related deaths for the individuals if they do not enter alcohol rehab.