Stages or Progression of Alcohol Dependence

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Alcoholism Stage 1: Abstinence

Alcohol dependence can literally begin before the alcohol consumption commences if an individual has attitudes and perceptions uniform with those that addicts generally display.

Alcoholism Stage 2: Initial Usage

Stage two can include the experimental usage of alcohol, irregular 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. Irregular alcohol consumption may create difficulties while the user is drunk or the next day, he or she hasn't reached the stage of dependence.

Alcoholism Stage 3: Significant Risk Usage

Significant risk refers to an abundance of drinking, and poor choices made when intoxicated. At this stage, the pattern and frequency of alcohol abuse is significant enough to be dangerous for the drinker and people around them.

Alcoholism Stage 4: Problematic Usage

Problematic usage of alcohol happens when the adverse consequences of drinking becomes obvious. Physical health concerns become problems, including damaged liver function and/or STDs (sexual transmitted diseases).

Alcoholism Stage 5: Early Stage of Dependence

The early stage of alcohol dependence is characterized by obvious problems. The drinker begins to miss work, picks fights with family members and good friends while drunk. The alcoholic will choose to drink despite adverse consequences. At this point, alcohol rehabilitation is highly effective.

Alcoholism Stage 6: Middle Stage of Dependency

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

Alcoholism Stage 7: Crisis Stage of Dependency

Serious physical health concerns 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 use of alcohol, occasional usage, or occasional binge drinking (i.e., once or twice a year). Original use of alcohol may well not yet be a problem for the user or those people who are close to the user. Problematic usage of alcohol happens when the adverse consequences of drinking becomes obvious. The early stage of alcohol dependence is characterized by noticeable problems. At this point, alcohol rehab is most effective.