Phases Or Stages of Alcohol Dependence
Alcoholism Stage 1: Abstinence
Alcohol addiction can actually begin before the drinking gets started if an individual has perceptions and attitudes uniform with those that addicts typically exhibit.
Alcoholism Stage 2: Original Usage
Stage two can include the experimental use of alcohol, periodic usage, or irregular binge drinking (i.e., once or twice a year). First usage of alcohol may not be a concern for the user or those persons who are close to the user. Occasional alcohol consumption may create troubles while the user is drunk or the following day, he or she hasn't reached the stage of dependence.
Alcoholism Stage 3: Significant Risk Use
Significant risk refers to an abundance of drinking, and poor choices made when intoxicated. At this stage, the pattern and frequency of alcohol abuse is significant enough to be damaging for the drinker and people around him or her.
Alcoholism Stage 4: Problematic Use
Problematic use of alcohol happens when the negative consequences of alcohol consumption becomes obvious. 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 bad choices. Friends and family recognize there is a problem.
Alcoholism Stage 5: Early Stage of Dependence
The early stage of alcohol addiction is characterized by noticeable problems. At this point, alcohol rehab is most 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 a lot of skipped days at work. Alcohol-induced fights end relationships. The consequences of the harmful consequences of alcoholism become irreversible.
Alcoholism Stage 7: Crisis Stage of Dependency
At this crisis point, everyone takes note of the consequences of alcoholism, including the alcoholic. Serious physical health concerns become issues. The alcoholic is seldom without a drink, but the user believes he or she is deceiving everyone. This stage routinely results in alcohol-related deaths for the individuals if they do not enter into alcohol rehabilitation.
