Stages of Alcoholism Signs, Symptoms, Treatment
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Additionally, the DSM 5 journal indicates 11 diagnostic criteria for determining the presence of an alcohol use disorder. Alcohol abuse of any kind puts people at a greater risk of developing more serious problems over time. Someone who experiences even 2 of the 11 criteria qualifies as having a mild disorder. 6 or more criteria denote a chronic alcohol use disorder, otherwise known as alcoholism. With so many effects on the body, the usual first step in treating alcoholism is detox—or getting alcohol out of your system. Depending on the severity of the alcohol use disorder, this stage can be mildly annoying or severe.
As a result, the individual will have to consume a larger quantity of alcohol to experience the desired effect. Similarly, when a person increases their alcohol intake, they also increase the risk of damage to their body. Also, one of the main characteristics of alcohol dependence is withdrawal. Alcohol withdrawal occurs when a person becomes sober from alcohol after a long period of drinking. According to recent studies, nearly 17 million American adults suffer from alcohol use disorder. Because of this, it is important to remain educated on the signs and symptoms of alcoholism.
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People in the early stages of alcoholism may also attempt to rationalize their increasing reliance on alcohol by telling themselves that it’s just a rough patch or that they can stop whenever they want. However, not only can an emotional dependence occur, but alcohol is also physically addictive, making quitting a whole lot more difficult. What’s more, your loved ones may not even realize that your drinking is increasing, and you’ll likely be in denial of the issue, as well.
After a while, mental dependency becomes accompanied by physical dependency. When they attempt to quit or cut back on their alcohol consumption, they will experience symptoms of withdrawal. This stage includes individuals who drink regularly and may start to experience consequences because of https://curiousmindmagazine.com/selecting-the-most-suitable-sober-house-for-addiction-recovery/ their drinking habits. It is a transitional stage that highlights the instigation of substance misuse rather than just substance use. At this stage, the person has taken too much of a liking to alcohol. They may drink more frequently each day or drink excessive amounts when drinking socially.
What are the stages of a drinking problem?
The last and final stage consists of a complete loss of control over drinking alcohol. At this point, the person feels that they must drink to go about their day. Their body physically needs the presence of alcohol in their system to function or feel normal. In addition, people suffering from alcohol dependence acquire tolerance.
- Understanding all the nuances of treatment is why a person should consider it worth the time and effort of a program.
- Your body becomes used to having alcohol in your system and begins to depend on it.
2020-09-15
