Stages of Alcoholism: Early, Middle, Late and End Stage of Addiction

Alcoholism and alcohol abuse are both categorized as alcohol use disorders—affecting people of all ages and stages of life. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. Late-stage, or end-stage alcoholism, is a full-blown addiction to alcohol, almost always requiring alcohol detox to start recovery.

Late-stage alcoholics can get better if they seek treatment, and some of their health problems can even be reversed if caught early enough. The end-stage alcoholic suffers from a host of physical problems, including severe damage to vital organs such as the liver. Alcohol, in fact, is the cause of more than 50 percent of liver-disease related deaths in this country, and alcohol-related liver disease costs more than $3 billion annually. The primary symptom of stage one is the development of alcohol tolerance. This stage of alcoholism is difficult to notice, even for the person misusing alcohol. From your initial assessment to discharge planning, our compassionate care staff will be there for you.

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At this stage, you may be using alcohol regularly, perhaps even starting your day with an alcoholic drink or consuming alcohol on the job. Your friends and family may begin to notice that your drinking has become problematic. You may also start to recognize the consequences of your alcohol use, although many people in this stage remain in denial.

• While some of the effects of alcoholism can be permanent, treatment often results in a full recovery.
• Treatment and recovery are possible during any of the stages of alcoholism.
• The safest course of action is to seek treatment in a professional environment that is catered to the individual needs, preferably with holistic treatment.
• Support groups can be the first step towards recovery or part of a long-term aftercare plan.

Alcohol detox and treatment are nearly always necessary at this stage. According to recent studies, nearly 17 million American adults suffer from alcohol use disorder. Because of this, it is important to remain educated 5 stages of alcoholism on the signs and symptoms of alcoholism. If you or a loved one are suffering from alcoholism, being able to identify an individual’s current stage of alcoholism will aid in finding proper alcohol treatment.

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The DSM-5 criteria allow for a broader range of symptoms and a more nuanced understanding of individuals’ experiences. Another grave concern is the increased risk of various cancers, notably those affecting the esophagus, mouth, throat, liver, and breast. Cardiovascular health also deteriorates, with individuals experiencing a range of heart-related problems, including cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias. Early-stage alcoholism, often a precursor to more severe addiction, can manifest through various signs and symptoms that may initially be subtle.

Common issues accompanying alcoholism in this stage can include isolation, anxiety, depression, and legal troubles. Isolation occurs because the person feels uncomfortable drinking in the presence of concerned friends or relatives. One may feel ashamed about having to answer questions about their use of alcohol and isolate him- or herself. Extensive alcohol abuse can also lead to anxiety, depression, and other emotional and mental disorders in this age.

The 5 Stages of Alcoholism

It’s a disease—an altering of the brain that controls a person’s motivation and ability to make healthy choices. Once it takes hold, it can be hard to shake loose—without the right help. BetterHelp offers affordable mental health care via phone, video, or live-chat. They are typically obvious to others, including coworkers, family members, and friends.

In fact, one of the stages of alcoholism includes making attempts at recovery without being able to see them through. People may start losing sleep or feeling more anxious or depressed, causing them to turn to alcohol even more. Many people at this stage also start experiencing consequences from their drinking, such as relationship issues, decreased social activity and legal problems. This is also the time when family members start considering alcohol treatment in Easton PA. While many people still refer to the stages of alcoholism and find them useful, they are considered to be an outdated way of describing alcohol use disorder.