As an alcoholic, everyone has a story about when they started, how the addiction progressed, and what it led to. One common thing in each of the stories is that all alcoholics try to deny that they are alcoholics. This is true at least at the start of their addiction journey. This article is all about how an alcohol addiction starts and what it can lead to if it remains uncontrolled. We will understand this journey from an alcoholic point of view. Let us use a common name such as Jack for referential purposes.
Stage 0
This is pre-alcoholism stage where nobody pays any attention to someone’s drinking habits. They pass it off as a fun time drink or one that might help them in loosening up. This stage slowly leads to addiction if left unchecked.
In this stage, Jack drinks occasionally with his friends or colleagues. He might drink to relieve some tension or for simply having fun.
Stage I
The first stage is of early alcoholism where the addict knows that he has a problem. He/she might start hiding their drinking habits by using several maneuvers. This stage marks the point when alcohol begins to affect an addict’s thought process.
Jack has developed a taste for alcohol and is trying new ways to include alcohol in his daily habits. He might start mixing it in soft drinks or start sipping in the daytime. At this stage, Jack is convincing himself that he is not an addict, he is just drinking when he wants to.
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Stage II
This stage is also called the middle stage of alcoholism wherein close family, and friends become aware of the person’s addiction. The addict might start showing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and insomnia, among several others. The addict starts missing important deadlines both personally and professionally. This leads to an increase in their alcohol intake as they might feel strained.
At this stage, Jack has started having arguments with his loved ones. They are persuading him to stop drinking alcohol. He is behind in his work assignments and as a result, he is feeling pressure. He starts drinking more to get out of building pressure.
Stage III
This stage is the most dangerous one and is aptly named as late-stage alcoholism. The addict becomes a heavy alcohol user and is least bothered by its consequences. They are affected both mentally and physically and brain damage is evident. At this stage, a sudden withdrawal from alcohol addiction can cause permanent injury or in the worst cases even death.
At this stage, Jack does not care at all about the world knowing his addiction. His day starts with a drink and often ends with a drink in his hand.
So, we tried to give our views on how an alcohol addiction progresses and its effects on a person’s well-being. If you or someone you know wants to kick back alcohol addiction, do give this article a read.
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