Stages or Progression of Alcohol Use, Abuse, And Addiction

Alcoholism Stage 1: Abstinence

If an individual has attitudes and perceptions consistent with those that addicts generally display, alcohol addiction can actually begin before the drinking commences.

Alcoholism Stage 2: First Usage

Stage two can include the experimental use of alcohol, occasional use, or irregular binge drinking (i.e., once or twice a year). First usage of alcohol may not be a problem for the user or those persons who are close to the user. Periodic drinking may provoke difficulties while the user is under the influence or the next day, she or he hasn't reached the stage of addiction.

Alcoholism Stage 3: Significant Risk Use

Significant risk describes an abundance of drinking, and poor choices made when under the influence. At this stage, the pattern and regularity of alcohol abuse is significant enough to be damaging for the drinker and people around them.

Alcoholism Stage 4: Problematic Usage

Problematic usage of alcohol occurs when the harmful consequences of drinking becomes evident. Health concerns become problems, including impaired liver function and/or STDs (sexual transmitted diseases).

Alcoholism Stage 5: Early Stage of Dependence

The early stage of alcohol addiction is characterized by noticeable problems. At this point, alcohol rehabilitation is most effective.

Alcoholism Stage 6: Middle Stage of Dependency

During the middle stage of alcoholism, harmful consequences begin to escalate. The user loses his or her job due to too many missed days at work.

Alcoholism Stage 7: Crisis Stage of Dependency

Serious health problems become issues. This stage frequently results in alcohol-related deaths for the users if they do not enter alcohol rehab.

Stage two can include the experimental usage of alcohol, irregular use, or periodic binge alcohol consumption (i.e., once or twice a year). First use of alcohol may not yet be a concern for the user or those people who are close to the user. Problematic use of alcohol occurs when the adverse consequences of drinking becomes evident. The early stage of alcohol dependence is distinguisheded by obvious issues. At this point, alcohol rehab is most effective.