Stages of Alcoholism: Early, Middle, & End-Stage Alcoholism

Most will offer aftercare once you complete the inpatient portion of your treatment. Excessive alcohol use over many years can cause infertility in women and erectile dysfunction in men. Both are reversible, however, if the person abstains from alcohol or quits altogether. The acid from alcohol can eventually tear away at the tissues in the stomach and esophagus, causing internal bleeding.

What Are the Long-Term Health Problems Associated With Alcoholism?

Many of the body’s organs have been damaged, which lowers resistance to disease. Relationships at home or socially may have been severely damaged, and there can be mounting financial and legal problems due to the alcoholic’s powerlessness over alcohol. People with a family history of addiction or a mental health disorder may be at a higher risk of alcoholism. End-stage alcoholism often results in serious health complications, including liver disease and cognitive stages of alcoholism impairments. Chronic alcohol use at this stage can exacerbate existing health conditions, leading to significant lifestyle disruptions.

Careers

This disease is characterized by cravings, loss https://www.aislac.org/why-do-i-sneeze-when-i-drink-alcohol-2025/ of control, and increasing alcohol intake in order to produce the desired effect. Additionally, alcoholics typically drink in order to escape from their reality or from feelings in relation to past-traumas. Because of this, an individual’s addiction to alcohol will progress over time. While every alcoholic will have an individual experience, varying in severity, there are 5 stages of alcoholism. Alcoholism is a complex and progressive disorder that affects individuals physically, mentally, and emotionally.

The Stages of AUD

• There are a few tell-tale signs of early-stage alcoholism that can help you recognise if your drinking is becoming an issue.
• Overcoming alcohol dependency is a challenging journey that requires professional support, comprehensive treatment, and a strong support system.
• You can use residential rehab or outpatient treatment to complete this step.
• Medication can help those with AUD effectively manage their withdrawal symptoms.

Severe alcohol withdrawal can be deadly, so heavy alcohol users should not attempt to wean off alcohol without the help of a professional medical detox facility. Alcohol addiction treatment will begin with a detox period that focuses on managing any uncomfortable or severe withdrawal symptoms that arise. After detox ends, patients begin a rehab program that teaches them how to cope without alcohol and maintain sobriety. Psychologically, alcohol has a profound impact on the brain, altering mental processes and emotions. This can lead to mood and sleep disturbances, depression, and anxiety. Chronic alcoholism is characterized by its detrimental effects on both Alcoholics Anonymous physical and psychological health.

• Alcohol withdrawal occurs when a person becomes sober from alcohol after a long period of drinking.
• While in this phase, an individual may still be able to function at work and home, but friends or family may begin to notice changes in their behavior.
• Dr. Mala, is the Chief Clinical Officer at Recovery.com, where she develops impartial and informative resources for people seeking addiction and mental health treatment.
• The prognosis for individuals with end-stage alcoholism is generally poor, with a significantly reduced life expectancy and quality of life.