RSS Stages of Alcoholism
Throughout the history of alcoholism, there have been a number of different proposed in order to define it and explain it. One of the more prevailing theories regarding alcoholism is the Disease Model. It is also the most commonly accepted theory to date. The basic tenets of this model are the causes, methods of addiction treatment and recovery, and the symptoms of the disease. The bottom line is that alcoholism is one of the more prevalent problems in society today as well as being a serious public health threat.
There are 5 stages of alcoholism and though it is not necessary to define them it is useful to learn them and how to detect them. The following is the breakdown of these stages:
Adaptive or early stage – typically referred to as the tolerance build-up stage. The stage is characterized by an increasing tolerance for alcohol and the body’s physical adaptations to it. This stage can be extremely difficult to detect.
Middle stage – there is really no clear dividing line between the first stage and this one. However, there are a couple of different characteristics that arise in this stage to distinguish it from the prior one. These include the possibility of blackouts, craving or the powerful urge to drink, loss of control or limiting the amount of alcohol that is consumed, and the beginning of physical dependence.
Late or latter stage – this is also referred to as the deteriorative stage during which the damaging effects of alcoholism become apparent. The alcoholic begins to show signs of suffering from a number of different ailments. Once the alcoholic enters this stage they oftentimes are destitute, drinking constantly, extremely sick, and mentally confused.
Treatment – without any professional help, there is little to no chance that the alcoholic will quit drinking and stay sober. Obviously, the sooner the alcoholic enters an addiction treatment and recovery program during the prior stages of alcoholism, the greater their chances of overcoming the addiction and recovering from it. In some instances, treatment can also be a life-saving endeavor.
Relapsing – although this does not happen with every case of the disease, we have still listed it as one of the stages of alcoholism since it does happen. There are a number of reasons that relapse occurs including:
- accompanying mental or physical illnesses
- failure to change one’s lifestyle
- failure to follow instructions while in a rehab program
- inadequate follow-up and ineffective treatment
- uncontrollable cravings for alcohol
- using other drugs in conjunction with drinking alcohol
For more information regarding the stages of alcoholism or about our facility and our alcohol addiction rehab programs, please call the Freedom Center today at the toll-free phone number listed above.
