For many individuals struggling with alcoholism, complete abstinence from alcohol is necessary for long-term recovery. However, some individuals may be able to reintroduce moderate drinking into their lives under strict supervision by a healthcare professional. It’s important to work closely with a healthcare provider to determine what level of drinking is safe and appropriate for each individual’s unique circumstances. It can depend on a variety of factors such as genetics, environment, and individual drinking patterns.
The Importance of Seeking Professional Help for Alcohol Addiction
Individuals in this stage generally do not experience significant negative consequences from their alcohol use, and they are able to maintain control over their drinking. However, the repeated consumption of alcohol, even in social settings, can gradually lead to the development of tolerance, where the body requires more alcohol to achieve the same effects. This increased tolerance can set the foundation for alcohol abuse and addiction as individuals may begin to drink more frequently and in larger quantities. You’ll want to find a rehab center that has medically-supervised detox capabilities so that you can comfortably and safely detox from alcohol. There are inpatient and outpatient options, but an addiction specialist should determine the best level of care for you based on your individual needs. Effective addiction treatment providers will have addiction counselors, but they should also have mental health services as many people with alcoholism have co-occurring mental health conditions.
Warning signs and binge drinking
People often need to address past trauma or familial issues during this time. While the abstinence stage of withdrawal causes mostly physical symptoms, post-acute withdrawal is very psychological and emotional. A person with AUD will drink alcohol excessively despite knowing the occupational, health, and social consequences. Hallucinations, tremors, confusion, paranoia, and other signs of alcoholism may occur at this point too, especially if they go too long without drinking. Sometimes, a person with an addiction to alcohol might lose or gain weight when they reach the third stage, too.
- It’s important to note that early-stage alcoholism can affect individuals differently, and the presence of these signs does not necessarily confirm an alcohol use disorder.
- Since withdrawal symptoms tend to ebb and flow, you may be tempted to feel like you’re not making progress ― even though in reality, you’ve come a long way.
- Treatment options may include therapy, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), or rehabilitation programs.
- You’ll live in safe, substance-free housing and have access to professional medical monitoring.
- These symptoms can lead someone to drink more to relieve withdrawal symptoms.
Mental health services and support groups
These physiological changes contribute to the increasing tolerance seen in early-stage alcoholics. Despite heavy alcohol consumption, they may show few signs of intoxication or ill effects from drinking, such as a hangover. And as tolerance builds, they’ll begin to drink more and more to achieve the same buzz or high they’re used to. By the time they’ve reached the third and final stage of alcoholism, drinking has consumed their lives.
According to the DSM-5, AUD can range from mild to severe based on the number of criteria met. Overcoming alcohol dependency is a challenging journey that requires professional support, comprehensive treatment, and a strong support system. Seeking five stages of drinking help is essential at any stage of alcoholism, as early intervention can significantly enhance the chances of recovery and prevent the condition from worsening. As its name might suggest, stage two marks the point at which a person begins drinking.
View our editorial content guidelines to learn how we create helpful content with integrity and compassion. No matter what stage of addiction you or a loved one may be in, addiction treatment is available https://ecosoberhouse.com/ to help you overcome alcoholism. Medical detoxification and outpatient rehabilitation or intensive outpatient programs may be necessary to help the individual overcome their physical alcohol dependence.
- Understanding what the stages of alcohol addiction look like can help you or a loved one decide whether rehab treatment is necessary.
- You can ask for help at any point, whenever you realize your drinking has gone too far.
- Treatment options, such as therapy, support groups, and medical interventions, can provide the necessary guidance and assistance to overcome alcohol addiction.
- Those in the end stage of alcoholism, or late or deteriorative stage, are consumed by their drinking.
- Chronic, long-term drinking can contribute to malnutrition by replacing foods needed for essential nutrients and by interfering with absorption, storage, or metabolism of the essential nutrients.
Potential Predictors of Alcohol Use Disorders
