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What Are the Stages of Alcoholism?

Despite how prevalent alcoholism is, many people do not realize that this disease occurs in stages. The cycle of alcoholism is a slippery slope. Understanding what the stages of alcoholism look like is crucial for keeping you and your loved ones safe.

The Haven Detox offers alcohol detox and treatment services. We offer evidence-based and holistic alcohol detox services, providing comprehensive and effective care. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, we can get you started on the path to recovery as soon as today in one of our alcoholism treatment programs.

What Is Alcoholism?

Alcoholism, now referred to medically as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a chronic condition. It is characterized by an impaired ability to control alcohol use despite negative consequences. People with AUD have an intense focus on alcohol and a strong compulsion to drink.

This urge to drink often persists even when it causes problems in their relationships, work, or health. An addiction to alcohol can develop both slowly and quickly, depending on several factors. There are several factors that can increase a person’s risk of addiction, including:

  • Genetics: A family history of alcohol problems increases a person’s risk due to inherited genes.
  • Age: Starting to drink at a young age increases the risk of addiction.
  • Mental Health: Conditions like depression or anxiety can make someone more likely to self-medicate with alcohol.

Alcohol works by depressing the nervous system, creating feelings of euphoria and relaxation. These feelings can make people want to continue drinking it. This is especially true for those struggling with mental health issues. This is because they may feel as though alcohol is the only means of finding relief from their symptoms.

Alcohol is also a widely accepted substance, often consumed on social and celebratory occasions. It is easy to access, and people are often encouraged to partake in its consumption through the media and society as a whole. Because of this, it can be quite difficult to recognize when someone may be struggling with their drinking habits.

What Are the Three Stages of Alcoholism?

There are generally three main stages of alcoholism that most people will experience. As each stage progresses, this condition can cause increasingly severe side effects. The 3 stages of alcoholism include:

  • Pre-alcoholic or Early Stage: People in this early stage may socially drink or binge drink. They may not even realize they are developing an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. They may drink to cope with stress or difficult emotions.
  • Middle Stage: In this stage, drinking becomes more central to the person’s life. They may start to hide their drinking or may drink alone. They may experience cravings for alcohol and find it difficult to stop drinking once started. Problems in their relationships, work, or school may also start to develop.
  • Late Stage: This is the most severe stage of AUD. People in this stage are typically dependent on alcohol. This may cause them to have difficulty functioning in daily life. They may experience several health problems as a result of their drinking. End-stage alcoholics are harming themselves and their future through heavy drinking.

Once a person has entered the late stage of alcoholism, it can be very difficult to stop drinking without help. Haven Detox strives to offer comprehensive care that helps our guests understand their addiction at its core. In doing so, they are provided the best opportunity to achieve long-term recovery.

Reach Out for Help With Alcohol Addiction

Are you struggling with alcohol abuse?
Royal Life Centers at The Haven is here to help you recover. Because we care.

What Are the Dangers of Alcohol Abuse?

There are several dangers to alcohol addiction, both in the early and final stages of alcoholism. Alcohol abuse can have a wide range of negative consequences on your health, safety, and relationships. Some of the most common dangers associated with alcohol abuse include:

  • Health Risks: Chronic alcohol use can lead to serious health problems. This includes liver disease, cancer, brain damage, and even mental health issues.
  • Safety Risks: Alcohol impairs your judgment and coordination, which can increase your risk of accidents, injuries, and violence. This includes:
    • Drunken driving accidents
    • Falls and other injuries
    • Risky sexual behavior
    • Alcohol poisoning, which can be fatal
  • Relationship Problems: Alcohol use can damage your relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners. It can lead to:
    • Fighting and arguments
    • Neglect of responsibilities
    • Financial problems
    • Domestic violence
    • Relationship breakdown

Haven Detox accounts for each and every one of these risks in our recovery program. We help our guests safely navigate the difficult withdrawal period and build a solid foundation for long-term recovery.

Who Can Help with Alcoholism?

If you are struggling with alcoholism, it is important to seek help at a professional treatment center. These facilities are equipped with the necessary tools and resources to help you. At The Haven Detox, our top priority is the well-being and success of our guests.

Our alcohol detox and treatment program combines cutting-edge techniques with holistic services. This comprehensive approach allows us to treat our guests at the core of their conditions.

By addressing every aspect of excessive alcohol use, we provide you with a solid foundation to build long-term success in your sobriety. We are here to support you throughout every step of your recovery journey. Recognizing the signs of addiction can help you see the negative effects that alcoholism causes. Those who continue drinking despite the consequences are caught in the cycle of alcohol addiction.

Alcohol Abuse Recovery at Royal Life Centers

Alcohol and drug abuse is a real problem in our society. The Haven Detox is equipped to help those struggling with alcohol addiction get started on their path to recovery. We offer support to our guests throughout the various stages of alcohol withdrawal, helping them recover safely and successfully.

Our program offers a variety of recovery and support services, including clinical and therapy services such as:

  • Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
  • Dual Diagnosis Treatment
  • Case Management
  • Telehealth
  • Individual Therapy
  • Group Therapy
  • Behavioral Therapy
  • Expressive Arts Therapy
  • Adventure Therapy
  • Trauma Therapy
  • Equine Therapy
  • Holistic Therapy

Each of these services is used in tandem to help our guests understand their alcohol abuse and build the necessary skills to overcome their drinking. Addiction treatment is possible when you trust inpatient and outpatient treatments for alcohol consumption. Dealing with the symptoms of alcohol addiction and the loss of control that comes with it is no fun at all. Drinking alcohol or struggling with drug addiction is no way to go through life. Our alcohol assessments can help identify alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction. We can also help you find sober living to curb heavy drinking.

Our ultimate goal is to help you succeed in your recovery. We can help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce alcohol dependence and any other substance abuse. If you are ready to get started on the road to sobriety, we are here for you. Reach out to us to learn more about paying for treatment and how Haven Detox can help today!

Author Royal Life Centers Writers
Lisa Tomsak
Medical Reviewer Lisa Tomsak, DO

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