The 3 Stages Of Alcoholism- Avoiding The Path Of Self Destruction

Alcoholism, like other forms of addiction, is a condition that can progressively worsen. The progression tends to fall into a series of 3 to 4 "steps" with particular behaviors inherent to each. Understanding the characteristics of each of these stages of alcoholism is important for a person to successfully assist an alcoholic recover.

In the first stage, the alcoholic physically and psychologically starts to develop a resistance to alcohol's intoxicating effects. When the drinker has reached this point, they require more and more alcohol to achieve the buzz they have to have. These changes can occur quite gradually and the alcoholic may not be fully aware of any change and therefore will not see a need to alter his or her behavior.

There is a bit more drama associated with the second stage. The individual starts to have a strong dependency on alcohol and they do not feel comfortable or confident doing anything before they have had a drink. It is at this stage that the deterioration of vital interpersonal relationships including close friends and family starts to take place. It is at this stage of alcoholism that the individual may sink into debt or have other financial problems, and is likely to lose their job.

The final stage of alcoholism is where a number of interventions take place and matters reach their crisis. Here, dependence on alcohol is so strong that it ceases to just be a distraction to someone's life but an end of itself. This third stage of alcoholism is more dangerous to the individual than any of the others. The alcoholic's physical appearance sees a marked deterioration and the effect on internal body organs such as the liver will start to take their toll.
The good news is that there is always hope of recovery for people who are addicted to alcohol. But the success of the therapy and treatment will largely depend on what point the alcoholic is at in the progression of the disease. This is why it is vitally important for people to understand the stages of alcoholism.