WHO stated that in 2016, there were over 380 stages of alcohol intoxication million people in the world suffering from alcoholism. 2 Their research showed that alcoholism is more common amongst the younger generations, specifically in males. If you notice an increase in your drinking frequency, secretive drinking or memory lapses, it’s a sign that the situation might be escalating.

• Delirium tremens (DTs) happen to around 5% of people who do not seek help for their alcoholism, lasting around 4 days.
• Your friends and family may begin to notice that your drinking has become problematic.
• Copyright © 2025, AddictionHelp.com The information provided by AddictionHelp.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
• Alcohol dependence is defined as the point at which a person has no control over their alcohol intake.

Does Drinking Alone Make You An Alcoholic?

Because of this, an individual’s addiction to alcohol will alcoholism treatment progress over time. While every alcoholic will have an individual experience, varying in severity, there are 5 stages of alcoholism. The stages of alcoholism were first introduced by researcher, Elvin Morton Jellinek. Jellinek was a significant figure in the realm of addiction studies, and pioneered research into the progression and phases of alcoholism. His four theoretical stages of alcohol addiction provide a structured understanding of the deepening severity of the disease. This offers professionals and people affected by drinking problems a framework to understand the journey of an alcoholic.

• Alcohol addiction is characterized by a physical and psychological need to drink.
• Substance abuse, whether it be problem drinking or problematic use of another drug or substance, is notoriously difficult to achieve recovery from.
• Treatment and recovery are possible during any of the stages of alcoholism.
• Alcohol addiction progresses through different stages, ranging from the absence of addiction to a severe alcohol use disorder.

Leading Psychotherapist Shines a Light on the Key Role of Therapy in Coping with Grief

Lasting changes in the brain caused by alcohol misuse perpetuate AUD and make individuals vulnerable to relapse. The fifth and most troublesome stage of alcoholism occurs once a person is mentally and physically addicted. During this stage, individuals feel a need to drink rather than just a want.

What Exactly is Late-Stage Alcoholism?

As alcoholism progresses, individuals move from the pre-alcoholic stage to the early-alcoholic stage, where the effects of alcohol consumption become more apparent. This stage is characterized by increasing tolerance to alcohol and the development of early signs of alcohol dependency. An end-stage alcoholic will experience life-threatening withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking. This is why detoxing should be done with a medical professional’s supervision at an addiction treatment center. Alcoholism is a progressive, five-stage disease that can be treated through professional medical attention. Treatment and recovery are possible during any of the stages of alcoholism.

They may start their day off with a drink to give them a boost of energy. Many people in this stage of alcoholism feel like their alcohol abuse allows them to function better and to think more clearly even though it is destroying their physical as well as mental health. The drinker may seek out other problem drinkers and start socializing with these new friends while ending current friendships and relationships to protect their alcohol abuse. At this stage of alcoholism, the person’s drinking habit starts to lead to problems that affect their behavior, family health, social life and livelihood. Their friends and family may say something about their drinking habit, which can lead to relationship issues.

If you try to detox on your own, you may not have the support you need to overcome this challenge. Additionally, quitting cold turkey increases the risk of withdrawal complications. Alcohol misuse refers to drinking in a manner, situation, amount, or frequency that could cause harm to the person who drinks or to those around them. At this point in an individual’s addiction, they will present a severe case of physical addiction and dependence on alcohol. The early stage of alcoholism begins when the individuals increase their patterns of drinking. This can be defined as drinking more than usual as well as in larger quantities.

What are the signs of alcoholism?

Attempts to stop drinking can result in tremors or hallucinations, but therapy, detox, and rehab can help you get your life back. Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) offer a sense of community and shared experience, which is invaluable for individuals on the path to recovery. These groups offer a safe space for individuals to share their struggles, successes, and setbacks with others who understand their journey. The mutual support and accountability fostered in these groups can be instrumental in maintaining long-term sobriety. Additionally, support groups often provide access to sponsors or mentors who can offer guidance and encouragement throughout the recovery process. Alcohol use disorder treatment often begins with supervised medical detox, then can progress through inpatient and outpatient programs to aftercare services.

• At this point, you have an attachment to alcohol that has taken over your regular routine.
• Before long, alcohol may feel like the only source of positive feelings or the only way a person can relax.
• Heavy alcohol consumption has been linked to more than 60 different diseases.
• Human services organisations can assist individuals in connecting with the appropriate treatment programs and resources.
• These stages occur as the alcohol addiction progresses from its earlier or mild form to a more severe presentation of alcohol use disorder.

Classifying Alcoholism: The 4 Stages and 3 Severity Levels

Health issues, including impaired liver function or sexually transmitted diseases, arise. Drinking-related legal issues occur, like driving under the influence (DUI). This can include the experimental use of alcohol, occasional use, or occasional binge drinking (once or twice a year). Initial use of alcohol may not yet be a problem for the individual or those close to them. Occasional alcohol consumption may cause difficulties while they are under the influence or the following day, but they have not become addicted. Due to genetic predispositions or attitudes and perceptions consistent with those who suffer from alcohol dependence, alcohol addiction can begin long before an individual starts drinking.

When they stop drinking, they will be craving alcohol almost irresistibly. They can feel nauseated; have a headache; experience chills, tremors, and uncontrolled sweating; be irritable, and have elevated blood pressure and insomnia. Family and others can detect the smell of alcohol on the dependent drinker, as the body attempts alcohol detox when they aren’t drinking.