The 7 Stages of Alcoholism: A Detailed Breakdown

What is Alcoholism?

Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder, is a chronic condition in which a person cannot control his or her drinking despite craving alcoholic beverages. According to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 29.5 million people in the U.S. aged 12 and older had alcohol use disorder in the past year.

Risks of Alcoholism

Heavy drinking can lead to a lot of risks, such as health conditions like liver damage and heart disease or other mental health issues, such as depression. Other risks associated with drinking alcohol include loss of control, blackouts, and potential alcohol poisoning.

A Breakdown of the 7 Stages of Alcoholism

Stage 1: Abstinence

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. This first stage could involve a traumatic event or seeing others drink around you, which can trigger a reason to drink alcohol. Peer pressure can also give way when going from abstinence to initial use.

Stage 2: Initial Use

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.

Stage 3: High-Risk Use

High risk refers to an abundance of drinking and making poor decisions while under the influence. At this stage, the pattern and frequency of alcohol use are high enough to be dangerous to the individual and those around them.

Signs may include:

• Increased tolerance

• Withdrawal symptoms if you stop regular use

• Blackouts

• Frequent hangovers

• Thinking about your next drink often

• Participating in unhealthy behaviors while intoxicated

• Relationship problems

• Denial

Stage 4: Problematic Use

At this stage, the negative consequences of drinking become apparent. Health issues, including impaired liver function or sexually transmitted diseases, arise. Drinking-related legal issues occur, like driving under the influence (DUI).

At this point, family and friends often become aware of the problem, and it can also significantly interrupt one’s work. Individuals will continue drinking despite the negative consequences that come with it, they develop cravings for alcohol, and they may struggle to control intake levels once started. Anxiety and depression may also arise.

Physical symptoms may include increased blood pressure or heart rate, heart palpitations, vomiting, tremors or shakes (DTs), and, in severe cases, hyperthermia and hallucinations.

Stage 5: Early Stage of Dependency

The early stage of alcohol dependence is characterized by noticeable lifestyle changes. The user begins to miss work. They pick fights with family and friends and choose to drink despite the negative consequences. More severe and regular physical symptoms become apparent, such as sweating, nausea, vomiting, tremors and sleep disturbance, and the individual may exhibit intense mood swings. They may be risking losing their job or driving privileges. At this point, alcohol rehab is most effective.

Stage 6: Middle Stage of Dependency

Sometimes referred to as moderate alcohol use disorder, this middle stage of alcohol addiction has negative consequences that start to pile up. The user loses his or her job due to too many absences. Alcohol-induced fights begin to end relationships. The negative consequences of alcoholism become irreversible at this point.

This is a dangerous stage where the user can easily drink too much at any given point due to their high tolerance, or get behind the wheel when they shouldn’t.

Stage 7: Crisis Stage of Dependency

At this crisis point and final stage, everyone is aware of the effects of alcoholism. Serious health problems ensue, from liver and kidney disease risk factors, to heart failure, depression, and anxiety. The person struggling with alcoholism is rarely without a drink but thinks no one notices. This stage frequently results in alcohol-related deaths for users who do not enter treatment.

This crisis stage can greatly affect not only the individual, but everyone around them: friends, family, children, and even professionals who are trying to help. This is the most severe stage that will require intervention and professional detox and addiction facilitation to help.

How to Recognize the 7 Stages of Alcoholism

The stages of alcoholism are most likely identified by an addiction specialist, but it’s helpful to know where your loved one is. Here’s a simplified way to recognize how severe their alcoholism has become:

Early Stage (Mild AUD)

• Increased alcohol consumption (drinking more than the recommended amount),

• Difficulty limiting intake

• A preoccupation with alcohol

• More frequent hangovers

• Binge drinking

• Rapid mood swings

Middle Stage (Moderate AUD)

• More frequent drinking

• Physical and/or psychological withdrawal symptoms arise when the user doesn’t drink for a while

• High tolerance to alcohol

• Engaging in risky behavior

• Regular hangovers

• Neglected responsibilities for family, home, or work

• Strained relationships

• Hiding drinking

Later Stage (Severe AUD)

• Uncontrollable drinking habits

• Severe withdrawal symptoms

• Health problems that result from heavy drinking, such as liver disease or delirium tremens (DTs)

• A loss of interest in activities and hobbies they once loved

• Getting fired from work or having severe financial issues

• Severe denial of their problem

If you notice your loved one expressing any of these signs, it’s time to seek help.

Early Warning Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder

The best way to curb alcohol use disorder and avoid alcohol dependence is to notice the early warning signs of the effects of alcohol. If this sounds like you or someone you love, it’s a good time to seek help.

Behavioral Changes

• Increased consumption of alcohol

• Hiding or sneaking drinks, or being secretive overall

• Consuming alcohol during inappropriate times, like before driving or at work

• Poor work or school performance

• Irritability and mood swings

• Social withdrawal or not being interested in normal activities or hobbies

• Lying and making excuses around drinking habits

Physical Signs:

• Bloodshot eyes and puffiness

• Changes in sleep patterns (inability to sleep or sleepiness)

• Hangovers (especially in the morning)

• Tremors in the hands (especially in the morning)

• Unexplained weight gain or weight loss

Learn more about the signs and symptoms of alcohol use disorder.

Find the Road to Recovery from Alcohol Use Disorder with Caron Treatment Centers

At Caron Treatment Centers, we help individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder stop drinking and complete the detoxification process, all while helping them manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Our treatment options are customizable to every patient and we provide both inpatient and outpatient treatment. Contact us today to learn more about our alcohol treatment programs.