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This stage of alcoholism starts when people experience an increasing tolerance to alcohol and raise their alcohol intake with greater frequency and quantity. It starts innocently enough, with an occasional drink—but before you know it, drinking becomes a habit that’s hard to control. As time goes on, alcoholism progresses, affecting your health and well-being.
By the time they’ve reached the third and final stage of alcoholism, drinking has consumed their lives. Their alcohol withdrawal symptoms are so severe that they must drink continually to avoid them. It’s also called alcohol dependence, alcohol addiction or alcohol abuse. After a long period of continuous heavy drinking, alcohol has contributed to the damage and deterioration of vital organs such as the liver, heart, kidneys, pancreas, and brain. Mental problems such as dementia or delirium tremens (DTs) occur, and they face an increased risk of developing cancer. If you think a family member or loved one might be showing signs, signals or symptoms of alcoholism, know that it won’t “go away” on its own.
Finding Detox and Treatment
Alcoholism is the evolution from independent choice to complete dependence. When a person reaches a level of alcohol dependence, they experience severe withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, the pattern of abuse leads to changes in the brain and body. A person with alcoholism most likely cannot stop drinking on their own. Alcohol abuse is the overuse of alcohol to the point it becomes increasingly problematic.
What is the most severe form of alcoholism?
The end stage may be thought of as the most severe articulation of all the possible problems associated with alcohol use disorder. It is a circumstance of reversals; rather than living to drink, a person in the end stage likely drinks to live.
The changes can endure long after a person stops consuming alcohol, and can contribute to relapse in drinking. Some people can maintain a semblance of a healthy, well-adjusted life. Known as functioning alcoholics, these individuals may continue to argue against claims of addiction.
Considerations During and After Treatment
One experience of blacking out or drinking too much is not an indication of alcoholism. However, when the experience becomes a pattern, it signals addiction and early-stage alcoholism. Late-stage alcoholism requires a more intensive and comprehensive treatment approach than middle-stage alcoholism. Treatment may include medical detoxification and inpatient rehabilitation, where the individual can receive 24/7 support and care. Typically, people in the first stage of alcoholism do not notice the harmful effects of alcohol because they’re not experiencing withdrawal symptoms. They may use alcohol to relieve stress but also enjoy being high or drunk.
If you find yourself rationalizing your drinking habits, lying about them, or refusing to discuss the subject, take a moment to consider why you’re so defensive. If you truly believe that you don’t have a problem, you shouldn’t have a reason to cover up your drinking or make excuses. For example, you may blame an ‘unfair boss’ for trouble at work or a ‘nagging wife’ for your marital issues, https://www.excel-medical.com/5-tips-to-consider-when-choosing-a-sober-living-house/ rather than think about how your drinking is contributing to the problem. While work, relationship, and financial stresses happen to everyone, an overall pattern of deterioration and blaming others may be a sign of trouble. Experiencing repeated legal problems on account of your drinking. For example, getting arrested for driving under the influence or for drunk and disorderly conduct.