The Three Disease Stages of Alcoholism

Individuals can drink normal amounts of alcohol and not have a problem. The normal amount for a healthy male is up to two drinks and for a healthy non-pregnant female just one drink. These are generally accepted to be normal consumption amounts of alcohol that typically do not lead to alcoholism. However, if the frequency or amount of alcohol increases over time and the individual notices other signs or symptoms of alcoholism an intervention is perhaps necessary. A medical professional experienced in alcohol interventions can advise family members and friends of the most appropriate times to conduct an alcoholic intervention.

Signs and symptoms of alcoholism increase in severity as the disease progresses as time goes by and it becomes more apparent that there is indeed a problem. The symptoms of alcoholism eventually impact the physical and mental capacities of the individual and have an impact on family relationships, job performance and relationship issues.

There are three stages of alcoholism, early, middle and end. The early stage is when individuals first begin to rely on alcohol to change mood, or to escape everyday problems. Their life begins to revolve around alcohol and they look forward to that next drink. The tolerance level will begin to increase as they increase the amount of alcohol they need to consume in order to reach that desired level of "high", or "feeling good" or "normal". In this early stage of alcoholism, the individual is not usually viewed as being "impaired" and is able to function at work, school and at home in pretty much a normal pattern. Alcoholism is usually not detected in this early stage.

When an individual is in the middle stage of alcoholism they have an increased need for and strong desire or craving for alcohol. They require increasingly larger and larger quantities of alcohol to maintain that "high" feeling and tend to consume alcohol early in the day, in the middle of the day and at night. They often drink alone or in hiding. The body is no longer capable of processing the amount of alcohol consumed and intoxication becomes more obvious to those around the individual. The individual usually outwardly denies that there is a problem but may secretly think a lot about alcohol and how to manage getting drinks of alcohol when needed and may form a pattern or routine to drinking.

The end stage of alcoholism is when there is clearly a craving for alcohol, and the individual experiences an obvious withdrawal when alcohol is unavailable for consumption. Hangovers, blackouts, and health problems that are alcohol-related are becoming more prevalent and frequent or at least regular occurrences. The organs of the body slowly deteriorate from the alcohol as the abuse of alcohol interferes with the digestive process and also inhibits nutrients from getting into the bloodstream. Liver damage is typical and can lead to the inability of nutrients from being converted into usable forms that the body is suppose to absorb and utilize for energy and growth. This leads to more health problems as body tissues and organs are not able to get oxygen and food sources that it needs to survive. If treatment is not started, it is this end-stage of alcoholism in which the disease can turn fatal. Suicides and alcohol-related accidents are also common due to the described state of affairs.

When individuals, family and friends can know and recognize the signs of alcoholism and insist on getting help through intervention, treatment is then possible and the only hope for recovery from alcoholism. Early and consistent therapy and other treatment options are important if the stages of alcoholism are to be stopped.

There is no cure for alcoholism but treatment can delay or stop the progression of the stages of alcoholism and save lives.