The Stages of Alcohol Addiction

It is estimated that about three-quarters of the population drink alcohol and about 10% of that number will find that their alcohol consumption leads to serious problems . Men are five times more likely than women to develop alcoholism.

Alcoholism is a progressive, addictive, potentially fatal disease. The causes are not clearly understood, but it is believed that heredity plays a part, as well as the unique body chemistry of each individual.

Below is an outline of the typical progression of alcoholism.

First Stage

The individual begins down the path towards alcoholism by being a social drinker. In time, he realizes that alcohol makes him relax and feel better. Drinking becomes a means of escape from stress, inhibitions and problems. Soon, he is seeking out situations which will provide an opportunity for having a drink, even as he avoids occasions where alcohol will not be available. He develops a tolerance for alcohol and is able to drink greater and greater amounts within showing any outward effects. He is unaware that his consumption of alcohol is becoming a problem.

Second Stage

As his tolerance increases, the need to drink grows stronger. He no longer drinks only to relax and escape his problems, but because he is beginning to crave alcohol. Family members notice his drinking problem and may express concern. The drinker will feel guilty and try to quit. When he can't, he will try to deny there's a problem, or blame his drinking on other factors or people in his environment. Meanwhile, he sneaks drinks, and begins to experience physical symptoms such as chronic hangovers, sporadic blackouts, hand tremors and stomach upsets.

Third Stage

As the disease progresses, the alcoholic loses control: once he has one drink he can't stop. He starts to have serious difficulties with his job, relationships and finances. He will avoid friends and family and lose interest in things he used to enjoy. He may even neglect essentials like food, water and shelter. There will be instances of unreasonable tirades and violent behavior. Tremors increase and he may seek medical help, but lie about the extent of his drinking. Consequently, he'll receive inadequate treatment. Strangely, his tolerance level decreases during this stage.

Fourth Stage

The alcoholic loses all control over his drinking. He has frequent "benders", during which he is helplessly drunk for days. If he is forced to stop drinking, the tremors worsen to become "the shakes" which affect his whole body and are sometimes accompanied by auditory or visual delusions. This condition is known as the "DTs" or delirium tremens, and can be fatal without immediate medical treatment. The alcoholic becomes obsessed with drink and will do anything to maintain a supply, even while it is killing him. He loses all concern for family, job, food and shelter.

Without treatment, he will suffer an early death from alcohol poisoning, accident, liver disease, violence, or dereliction.

There is no cure for alcoholism. With help, an alcoholic can stop drinking, but he is always at risk of a relapse and can never take another social drink. The organization, "Alcoholics Anonymous" has had a gratifying success rate working with addicts who truly want to quit.

All young people should be made aware of the dangers of alcoholism before they take that first drink. The first alcoholic drink involves choice. For some, the ability to choose very quickly becomes a compulsion, and that path must be avoided. It can easily lead to destruction.