Research shows that most adults in the United States drink alcohol at least occasionally. While many people consume alcoholic beverages as part of a generally healthy lifestyle, some people struggle to control their alcohol consumption. Over time, regular or heavy alcohol use can cause alcohol addiction or alcoholism.

Alcoholism affects millions of people in the United States. The 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health showed that around 14.5 million people 12 and older in the US had alcohol use disorder (AUD).[1]

Alcoholism means a total loss of control over your alcohol consumption. People with alcoholism cannot stop drinking without experiencing severe, sometimes dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Their bodies depend on alcohol, and quitting drinking often requires significant intervention and support.

Alcoholism affects every aspect of your health and well-being. Recognizing and treating alcoholism as early as possible can give you the best chances of lifelong recovery.

This article will explore the stages of alcoholism.

Reach out to the Carolina Center for Recovery specialists to learn more about our AUD treatment and support programs. Don’t wait to get the help you need and deserve. Contact us today to begin your recovery journey.

What are the Stages of Alcoholism?

Alcohol abuse and alcoholism are severe, complex conditions that require comprehensive treatment. Recognizing alcohol abuse and addiction early can help you get the treatment you need to recover.

People who engage in unhealthy patterns of alcohol consumption, including heavy drinking and binge drinking, may develop physical dependence. Recognizing problem drinking and seeking treatment as quickly as possible is crucial.

Here is an overview of the four stages of alcoholism.

Pre-alcoholic stage

Alcohol dependence may begin long before people are aware of a problem. The first stage of alcoholism is easy to miss. Some of the behaviors associated with pre-alcoholism are very subtle.

During the pre-alcoholic stage, people may use alcohol to feel better. They may self-medicate physical or emotional pain with alcohol. Over time, drinking may become the only way they know to manage stress, anxiety, depression, or boredom.

Drinking alcohol may provide temporary relief from discomfort. However, chronic alcohol consumption often leads to severe, sometimes life-threatening problems.

Early-stage alcoholism

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse, millions of people in the United States meet the criteria for an alcohol use disorder (AUD).[1] Recognizing early-stage alcoholism can help people avoid worsening problems related to alcohol abuse.

People with early-stage alcoholism develop a tolerance to alcohol. Tolerance occurs when your body becomes accustomed to a specific amount of alcohol.[2] People with alcohol tolerance may find they need to drink more significant amounts of alcohol to get “buzzed” or drunk. They may be able to drink a lot without appearing intoxicated.

People may exhibit problematic drinking behaviors during this stage. These include binge drinking and blacking out while drinking.

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Middle-stage alcoholism

People who do not receive help during the earliest stages of alcoholism are at risk of developing middle-stage alcoholism. During this phase of alcohol addiction, people have an increased tolerance for alcohol. They may consume large amounts of alcohol without feeling or appearing drunk.

Middle-stage alcoholism can cause physical symptoms, including:[3]

• Fatigue
• Changes to skin
• Sweating
• Bloating
• Red or puffy face
• Tremors
• Fast weight gain or loss

People may begin to spend a lot of time and energy drinking and dealing with hangovers. They may neglect their responsibilities or have strained relationships because of their drinking.

End-stage alcoholism

End-stage alcoholism is the final stage of alcoholism. It is associated with severe, life-threatening symptoms. Without medical help and comprehensive treatment, end-stage alcoholism can be fatal.

People with end-stage alcoholism typically exhibit extreme withdrawal symptoms if they stop drinking. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms may include:[4]

• Sweating
• Tremors
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Seizures
• Hallucinations

People with end-stage alcoholism cannot care for themselves and may struggle to function in daily life. Their health typically declines as alcohol becomes the center of their lives.

People who reach the final stage of alcoholism often become isolated. They are typically unable to work, care for others, or have healthy relationships.

Chronic, long-term alcohol abuse can lead to severe health complications, including:[2,3]

• Alcoholic hepatitis
• Brain damage
• Cancer of the colon, breast, stomach, throat, or mouth
• Cirrhosis of the liver\
• Esophageal damage
• Heart failure
• Liver disease or failure
• Pancreatitis
• Pneumonia

People with end-stage alcoholism will typically continue to drink unless they receive intensive medical and mental health treatment. They generally require significant ongoing support to avoid relapse.

Find Treatment Now

If you or someone you love struggles with alcohol abuse or alcoholism, you are not alone. The Carolina Center for Recovery offers compassionate, effective treatment for people at any stage of addiction and recovery.

Contact our specialists to learn more about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.

References:

1. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in the United States: Age Groups and Demographic Characteristics
2. Science Direct: Alcohol Tolerance
3. NIAAA: Alcohol’s Effects on Health
4. American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP): Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome: Outpatient Management