7 Stages of Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol addiction is a process that begins before the first drink and often ends in death. The seven stages of alcohol addiction development can be subverted at any time with alcohol rehab and addiction treatment. Don’t let your alcohol addiction get to a crisis point before you call.
Alcohol Addiction Stage 1: Abstinence
Yes, alcohol addiction can begin well before you take your first drink. If you have a genetic predisposition to develop addiction or if you have attitudes and perceptions consistent with what addicts typically exhibit, your alcohol addiction can start before you begin drinking.
Alcohol Addiction Stage 2: Initial Use
This can mean experimental use, occasional use of alcohol or very occasional binge drinking (i.e., once or twice a year). Initial use of alcohol is not necessarily problematic for the user or those who love him or her. Though the occasional drinking experience may cause problems while he or she is under the influence or the next day during a hangover, it isn’t yet at the stage of addiction.
Alcohol Addiction Stage 3: High Risk Use
High risk use of alcohol means lots of drinking and bad choices made under the influence. The pattern and frequency of alcohol abuse is high enough in this stage that it is dangerous for the drinker and those around them.
Alcohol Addiction Stage 4: Problematic Use
Problematic use of alcohol is when the negative consequences of drinking begin to be evident. The first health effects are noticed including issues with liver function or sexual transmitted diseases. DUI charges may occur or other legal issues due to drinking and making poor decisions. This is often the first time that those close to the alcoholic begin to notice that there is a problem.
Alcohol Addiction Stage 5: Early Stage of Dependency
The early stage of alcohol addiction is characterized by noticeable issues with the drug. Missing work starts to happen as do fights with family members while under the influence. Occasionally the alcoholic will choose to drink despite negative consequences. This stage is the best time for alcohol rehab because early treatment is most effective.
Alcohol Addiction Stage 6: Middle Stage of Dependency
During the middle stage of alcoholism, negative consequences begin to compound themselves. Missing work multiple times results in losing the job. Too many fights due to alcohol abuse results in the end of the relationship. The consequences of alcoholism begin to pile up and the negative effects are irreversible.
Alcohol Addiction Stage 7: Crisis Stage of Dependency
When alcohol addiction has reached a crisis point, the effects of alcoholism are clear to everyone, including the alcoholic. Serious health problems are at issue and the alcoholic is rarely without a drink. He or she will usually believe that no one can tell that they are drunk, but few are fooled. The end of this stage is almost always an alcohol-related death if alcohol rehab is not chosen.
The Have I Got A Problem website is a free online resource to help people better understand any issues or concerns they may have about mental health or addiction. The website includes resources specifically focused to; general Mental Health, Depression, Stress, Anxiety, Insecurities, Self-harm Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Anger Management, Eating Disorders, Coping, general Addiction, Alcohol, Smoking, Gambling, Drugs, Cocaine, Heroin, Marijuana (Cannabis) Ecstasy, PCP, Mephedrone, Ketamine & Crystal Meth.
The site was created to give the public information to help them understand mental health and addiction issues and to assist people in making better informed decisions about their life and personal choices.
www.haveigotaproblem.com was created and is run by 'Advising Communities’, which is a UK registered charity (Charity No. 1061055)
Downloads
- Alcohol and Drinking
- Am I a safe drinker?
- Internet therapy versus internet self-help versus no treatment for problematic alcohol use: a randomized controlled trial
- How to Deal With Alcohol Addiction
- Overcoming alcoholism
- Signs and symptoms of alcoholism
- What causes addiction
- What is Alcoholism
- Social and economic problems linked to alcohol use
- Drunk Driving: The Dangers
Quotes
"I feel SO VERY guilty and shameful that I got drunk when I as 17 weeks pregnant. This is by far the worse thing I have ever done."
Lanice
MoreSend us your QuotesTips & Hints
Ask for support
Tell friends and family that you’re trying to cut down on alcohol - they might be more supportive than you think. But beware, some pe...MoreKeep track of the alcohol units you’re drinking
The government advises that people should not regularly drink more than the daily unit guidelines of 3-4 units of alcohol for men (equi...MoreAvoid visiting bars and clubs with bars
Instead resort to amusement such as recreational areas, movies, sports events and family events where alcohol isn’t present. That inc...MoreDevelop an alcohol-free daily routine
Wake up earlier, include some exercise into the daily schedule, the potential is endless. Keep in mind that to stop drinking is to make...MoreSpend as little time alone as possible
For single people this can be a tall order. If you can’t surround yourself with people, get out more and help yourself to generate a ...More More Tips & Hints