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Maybe they try to cut down on drinking or stop completely and find that they cannot. Maybe they cannot endure the withdrawal symptoms they face when they are not drinking or just do not know how to cope with life when they are sober. Unfortunately, for some people, even moderate drinking is not safe. People with a family history of addiction or a mental health disorder may be at a higher risk of alcoholism. Problem drinkers may experience heightened depression, anxiety, or disturbances in sleeping patterns. Additionally, an individual may feel ill due to their drinking, however, enjoy the effects produced too much to stop.
- There is always a chance at any of the stages of alcoholism to find help, hope and healing.
- At this point, you have an attachment to alcohol that has taken over your regular routine.
- Has been an expert in addiction medicine for more than 15 years.
- With continued misuse of alcohol, the substance may begin to have a negative impact on the user’s life.
It rewires an individual’s brain chemistry causing changes in behavior and body function. Whether a person binge-drinks or is high-functioning, alcohol dependency happens in the same way. Knowing the stages of alcoholism or alcohol use disorder can help you or a loved one figure out what kind of treatment is needed to heal. Alcohol use disorder can be broken down into four distinct stages. Each one of these stages includes symptoms of substance abuse and addiction, but it’s only noticeable if you know what to look for.
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People may often become defensive about their drinking, deny having a problem, lash out, or withdraw from those questioning their alcohol use, even if they are already wondering themselves. Withdrawal from usual activities of interest, such as jogging, might begin to suffer due to the uncomfortable morning-after effects of a hangover. When you wake up feeling like you https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/5-stages-of-alcoholism/ chewed cotton balls overnight while a hammer worked on your head, you’re not likely to want to lace up your shoes and go for a run. Typical hangover symptoms often include nausea, poor sleep, shakiness, dry mouth, light sensitivity, and headache. Nationwide, the majority of those who choose to drink had their first alcoholic beverage on average at 15.9 years of age.
If you are experiencing signs and symptoms of alcoholism described earlier, it may be time to reassess your drinking habits. If you’re noticing signs in a loved one, it may be helpful to express your concern by calmly asking them about their drinking. Find support for yourself and other family members in a rehab family program. Go to an Al-Anon or Alateen meeting or set up an appointment with a mental health professional.
What Is Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)?
While in this phase, an individual may still be able to function at work and home, but friends or family may begin to notice changes in their behavior. This stage can last from six months to five years, depending on the severity of the addiction and the individual’s genes and experience. It takes a small minority of people six months of abstinence to reach the point where they don’t go back to their addictive behavior.
If alcohol is discontinued, treatment with medications, nutrition therapy, and blood-work monitoring can help stabilize the condition. This occurs when the first drink is taken, which can occur well before the legal age of 21. It involves trying different types of alcohol and often involves binge drinking, consuming high amounts in relatively short amounts of time. As individuals continue to drink alcohol over time, progressive changes may occur in the structure and function of their brains.
Find Out More About the Stages of Addiction Recovery Process
Detoxification is frequently regarded as the initial step in the treatment process. It can assist you in getting through the arduous task of abstaining from alcohol, but it does not address the mental activities and conduct that lead to alcohol consumption. This means you may feel you need a drink in order to function normally. You may think about alcohol all the time or neglect other activities so you can drink.
The final stage of the Jellinek Curve occurs when the person’s health stabilizes after they stop drinking. The person in recovery has transitioned through detox and immediate treatment to maintain sobriety. They continue to practice sober living habits to change their lives and support their ongoing efforts to manage their alcoholism and regain their life. Furthermore, the disease progresses over time so one doesn’t suddenly become an alcoholic. However, even though each case is different, people who suffer from alcohol use disorders tend to go through a similar five stages of alcohol addiction.