Despite the adverse effects, some people are still not ready to stop drinking. Waiting to seek treatment will land you in the next stage, alcohol addiction. Just like with all other major disorders, there are stages of alcoholism that progress over time. In each stage, there are signs and symptoms, or red flags to be aware of. With the right knowledge, you can stop alcohol abuse before it turns into a full-on addiction. Also, when you look at this point of how alcoholism begins and how alcoholism develops, you’ll see the person likely has a physical dependence on alcohol.
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Early-stage alcoholism, often a precursor to more severe addiction, can manifest through various signs and symptoms stages of alcoholism that may initially be subtle. Understanding these early indicators is crucial for timely intervention and prevention of progression to chronic alcoholism. The best way to curb alcohol use disorder and avoid alcohol dependence is to notice the early warning signs of the effects of alcohol. If this sounds like you or someone you love, it’s a good time to seek help. People used to refer to alcohol use disorder as alcoholism, and the people with it as alcoholics.
Middle Stage (Moderate AUD)
Typically, alcohol withdrawal symptoms happen for heavier drinkers. Alcohol withdrawal can begin within hours of ending a drinking session. Visible signs of alcoholism may become apparent during middle-stage alcoholism.
Stage 4: Late Alcoholic
You drink to reward yourself for all the hard work you’ve been putting in on the job. 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. When someone reaches this stage, they no longer have control of their lives. They have often experienced divorces or broken relationships, lost jobs, financial problems, and serious health complications.
Individuals are on the brink of alcohol use disorder, with drinking firmly rooted in their daily routines. Despite awareness of the adverse effects, there is a struggle to abstain from alcohol. There is an evident dependence on alcohol to cope with stress or discomfort. In this phase, the most dangerous factor here is the potential alcohol habit formation that ultimately contributes to compulsive alcohol use. Warning signs of the condition include denial, blackouts, neglecting responsibilities, and withdrawal symptoms when alcohol intake is stopped or reduced.
- Close to 88,000 people in the U.S. die from alcohol-related causes every year.
- AUD is unfortunately common, with 28.6 million U.S. adults being affected by AUD as of 2021.
- Early-stage alcoholism is the beginning of the person’s chronic use and pathway to abusing alcohol.
- Over time, repeated alcohol exposure also alters a person’s brain chemistry.
- By recognizing the warning signs and seeking appropriate support, individuals can break the cycle of addiction and regain control over their lives.