Most adults in the United States report consuming alcohol from time to time. While some people drink moderately as part of a generally healthy lifestyle, some struggle with unhealthy drinking habits. Millions of people engage in heavy drinking or other patterns that can lead to physical dependence and addiction.
According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 28.9 million people ages 12 and older, or 10.2% of people, had an alcohol use disorder in 2023.
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a serious, sometimes life-threatening condition. People who struggle with alcoholism typically require intensive treatment to overcome it and move forward.
Alcoholism does not develop overnight. In most cases, people progress through stages of alcoholism. Knowing the signs of these stages can help you identify alcohol abuse and seek treatment to prevent addiction.
This article will detail the stages of alcoholism.
What you will learn:
- What alcoholism is and how it develops
- How to recognize the signs of alcoholism
- What to expect in AUD treatment
- Where to find addiction treatment and support
If you or someone you love struggles with alcohol abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Find the support and treatment you need to overcome alcohol addiction at Alamo Behavioral Health. Contact our intake specialists to learn more about our programs or to schedule your first appointment.
What is Alcoholism?
Alcoholism is a common term used to describe alcohol addiction. Alcohol abuse and addiction are forms of alcohol use disorder (AUD). AUD is a severe condition that requires comprehensive treatment and ongoing support.
Alcohol abuse can begin slowly. People may engage in unhealthy patterns of alcohol consumption, including binge drinking or heavy drinking.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines heavy drinking as:
- For men, consuming fifteen or more drinks per week
- For women, drinking eight or more drinks per week
Long periods of heavy drinking can change how the body and brain function. These changes can make it very challenging to stop drinking. Over time, the body may become dependent on alcohol.
Some signs of alcohol dependence include:
- Needing to drink more to get the desired effects of alcohol (tolerance)
- Having withdrawal symptoms (tremors, nausea, anxiety, insomnia, etc) if they stop drinking
- Craving alcohol
- Continuing to drink even when it causes serious social, legal, medical, or mental health problems
People who develop alcoholism require intensive medical and mental health treatment options to stop drinking safely.
Understanding the Four Stages of Alcoholism
Alcoholism is a complex condition that develops in stages. Typically, people progress through four stages of alcoholism. Here is an overview of those stages.
Pre-alcoholic stage
Alcoholism may begin before people are aware they have a problem. Some signs of the pre-alcoholic stage include:
- Drinking to self-medicate depression, boredom, loneliness, and other uncomfortable feelings
- Drinking to reduce stress
- Drinking to manage social anxiety
- Binge drinking
People may begin drinking more, but may not experience unwanted side effects.
Early-stage alcoholism
During this stage, people may begin to develop tolerance to alcohol. They may be able to drink a lot without appearing intoxicated. They may notice they need to drink more to feel “buzzed.”
Early-stage alcoholism can sneak up on people. For example, someone who has a glass of wine to unwind after work may begin to notice that they need another one to relax after some time.
People may also begin to drink more often or more heavily. Some may engage in binge drinking or experience blackouts from time to time.
Middle-stage alcoholism
If people do not recognize the early signs of alcoholism, they may progress toward the middle stage of this condition. In this stage, people may experience unwanted side effects related to drinking, including:
- Gaining or losing weight
- Puffy or red face
- Fatigue
- Excessive sweating
- Bloating
- Tremors or shakiness
People may fall behind at work or school. They may struggle to care for themselves or others. They may also have higher tolerance, needing to drink large amounts of alcohol to prevent withdrawal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, sweating, and tremors.
End-stage alcoholism
End-stage alcoholism is the final and most serious stage of alcoholism. People with end-stage alcoholism lose control of their drinking. They typically experience severe physical and behavioral symptoms related to their drinking, including:
- Pancreatitis
- Alcoholic hepatitis
- Certain cancers
- Alcohol overdose
- Liver disease
- Pneumonia
- Damage to the esophagus
- Heart failure
Without intensive treatment, people with chronic alcoholism can die from these and other symptoms.
People with alcoholism require supervision and medical care during detox to manage dangerous withdrawal symptoms, including:
- Extreme confusion
- Seizures
- Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
- Excessive sweating
- Nausea and vomiting
Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our detox and treatment programs. Take the first step of your recovery journey today.
Find Treatment Now
Overcoming alcohol addiction can be challenging, but having the right treatment and support makes it possible. Alamo Behavioral Health offers comprehensive medical treatment and mental health support for people struggling with AUD. Our programs include behavioral therapies, holistic therapies, education, counseling, medications, and other evidence-based approaches to address the roots of alcohol abuse.
Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in the United States: Age Groups and Demographic Characteristics
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Facts About Excessive Drinking
- The American Journal of Psychiatry: Overview of Alcohol Use Disorder
