Stages of Addiction in Alcoholism

STAGE

CHARACTERISTICS OF THIS STAGE

LONG TERM

PHYSICAL CHANGES

MENTAL CHANGES

4

50% of

all drinkers

progress to this stage

Physical dependence: “I DO need it.” Your alcoholism is apparent to everyone around you EXCEPT yourself because you now believe your own lies. This stage is characterized by high tolerance (you have to drink to feel normal at this point), withdrawal, loss of control, and efforts to control the drinking. (“I only drink on weekends or I’ll only take $10 to the bar.”) Problems with relationships, missed days at work, DUI, etc.

Permanent brain changes. Even if you stop drinking, you can’t go back to being a non-alcoholic. Tolerance varies as the body breaks down. Physical deterioration—appearance, organ-related illnesses, early death or recovery

Alcohol is a primary focus of existence. It is more important than ANYTHING ELSE! Relationships are problematic. You don’t have the ability to empathize with others’ feelings. You don’t want to stop drinking despite life-damaging consequences

3

Serious problems

Alcohol is the person’s “best friend”—It’s fun, pleasurable, always there for me. When I want to celebrate, I turn to this friend. When I need comfort, I think of this friend. It does not argue with me. It’s like having a love affair.

Blackouts, withdrawal symptoms (hangover IS withdrawal), physical deterioration—liver, heart, brain, kidneys, pancreas. Drinking more drives up the tolerance which then causes the person to drink more. Downward spiral.

Defensiveness, blaming, excuses, denial, rationalization, justification, social group selection is based on whether or not they drink. You associate with people who drink. Divorce is common at this stage.

Protecting your supply.

2

Alcohol is becoming a problem

Anticipating drinking: “I want it. I’m looking forward to the weekend party where I’ll be drinking.”

Drinking to get drunk

Drinking is a very important part of having fun

If alcohol is NOT being served at the party, I may choose to go elsewhere where I can drink

Tolerance increases (drinking more and more over time for the same desired effect)

Intellectual, social, emotional, and ethical retardation starts in this stage. Thinking is dulled.

1

“I can take it or leave it.”

Not drinking at all OR

Never drinks more than one drink in one hour; two total drinks occasionally (as an adult over 21 if there is no one in the family who has had a problem with alcohol).

Feels mildly relaxed (not impaired)

May become slightly flushed or slightly ill