What Are The 5 Stages of Alcoholism: The Jellinek Curve

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcoholism it’s important you know the stages of alcohol and how to get treatment. Alcohol dependence also means that you have developed a tolerance to drinking. As a result, you may have to drink larger quantities to get “buzzed” or drunk. Frequent, uncontrolled alcohol abuse eventually leads to problem drinking. While any form of alcohol abuse is problematic, the term “problem drinker” refers to someone who starts experiencing the impacts of their habit.

Part of recovery is knowing what to look for so you can start your journey in the first place. Let’s talk more about alcoholism, how it develops, and what you can do to start your recovery journey. Typically, alcohol withdrawal symptoms happen for heavier drinkers. Alcohol withdrawal can begin within hours of ending a drinking session. Medication, therapy, and comprehensive rehabilitation can all be employed via inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment. Additionally, support from family members and friends can increase recovery rates.

Take control of your life

The overwhelming need for the body to operate with alcohol in the system begins to put the disease in the driver’s seat. For a person who drinks occasionally, this adaptation is distinct and temporary. But for a person who drinks heavily, the body adapts the majority of the time. This can make it more difficult to show the effects of intoxication.

You might think binge drinking is safe when you only do it occasionally, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The affects can range from dementia and intellectual functioning to debilitating conditions that require long-term care, even if a person has been sober for a period of time. Heavy alcohol consumption has been linked to more than 60 different diseases. There is no such thing as not being “alcoholic enough.” There is no reason to wait until you feel like your drinking is bad enough to warrant treatment.

Stage 3: High Risk Use

Delirium tremens sometimes occur if you stop drinking during this stage. Some of the more severe symptoms include hallucinations, vomiting, seizures, and confusion. Fortunately, not all alcohol withdrawal symptoms have such severe impacts. In the early Top 5 Tips to Consider When Choosing a Sober House for Living , you may find yourself drinking nearly every day. If you constantly turn to alcohol to deal with stress and anxiety, your body will start to rely on it. During this stage, you probably continue to fulfill your obligations at school, work, and home.

They feel the need to use larger quantities of alcohol more frequently to achieve the desired effects, which is the result of increased tolerance. Problem drinkers may experience heightened https://www.healthworkscollective.com/how-choose-sober-house-tips-to-focus-on/ depression, anxiety, or disturbances in sleeping patterns. Additionally, an individual may feel ill due to their drinking, however, enjoy the effects produced too much to stop.

Helpful Resources for Families and Loved Ones

The DSM is the latest attempt by doctors to understand and diagnose this disorder. Has been an expert in addiction medicine for more than 15 years. In addition to managing a successful family medical practice, Dr. Hoffman is board certified in addiction medicine by the American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine (AOAAM).