Stages of Alcoholism and When Does It Become a Problem
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It starts small and sneaks up on you slowly. First, you find yourself going out most weekends, casually asking the host of a party you’re planning to go to if there’s going to be wine there. Maybe you start stopping by your neighborhood bar for trivia night every Thursday — even on weeks when it’s canceled. Before you know it, a glass — or two, or four, or a bottle — of cabernet is a nightly thing. Eventually, you might be asking yourself that dreaded question: Am I an alcoholic?
Why is alcohol so addictive? And when does drinking truly become a problem? Simply put, alcohol use disorder (AUD) develops when you can't stop or control your drinking, even if it's causing trouble in your life. While it can range from mild to severe, the good news is that recovery is totally possible at any stage. This isn't the easiest of topics, but understanding it is a huge step towards making healthier choices — so let’s take a closer look and break it down!
Understanding AUD isn’t just about the present — it’s also fascinating to look back at its history. How has our understanding of AUD evolved over time? Let’s take a brief journey through time.
As we know today, a lot of the “why” behind AUD (a preferred term over alcoholism these days) has to do with our brains, which — amazing and complex as they are — are prone to being hijacked by certain processes.
Alcohol disrupts the delicate balance of our brain chemicals, and regular heavy drinking changes our neural pathways, leading to dependence. It's a mix of genetics, mental health, and our environment.
There's also a close relationship between AUD and mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Sometimes, people use alcohol to cope with these conditions, but alcohol can also exacerbate or trigger mental health problems on its own.
Recognizing the early stage of alcohol use disorder (AUD) can be tricky, but it's super important. Let’s break down what this early stage really looks like.
It usually starts small — maybe drinking a bit more or more often than we used to. The reasons for our drinking might also start to change.
Catching these early signs can be crucial. They might seem small on their own, but together, they can signal the start of a deeper issue with booze. Stay tuned as we explore the next stages!
The middle stage of AUD is often a wake-up call. It’s when the effects of alcohol use become more tangible in everyday life — we might start dropping the ball at work and in our personal life, and booze becomes more of a need. We might even start drinking alone or keeping our drinking a secret.
At this point, the signs become more apparent. Recognizing them is key to understanding where we are on the spectrum.
This stage is the toughest, but understanding it is crucial for taking the right steps toward recovery. Alcohol often becomes the central part of our life. It's not just about craving it anymore — it's about needing it to function. Controlling our drinking becomes increasingly difficult, if not impossible. We might find ourselves drinking more than we intended, and for longer periods. Sooner or later, our life might start crashing down around us, carrying us to the dreaded “rock bottom” people in recovery circles sometimes talk about.
Our day revolves around drinking, and not drinking can actually make us feel physically sick. This takes a serious toll on our health — both mentally and physically.
Life gets rocky, as our relationships, job, and health take a serious hit. We might even run into legal problems or put ourselves in serious danger.
The advanced stage of AUD is serious, but it’s not the end of the road. With the right support and treatment, recovery is absolutely possible! It’s about taking that brave step to seek help and starting the journey towards a healthier, alcohol-free life.
As we can see, each stage of AUD has its own challenges and solutions. Find the right fit for you, and remember that reaching out for help is always a smart move.
Tackling AUD is a big deal. We're all in this together, and we're rooting for you every step of the way! Let's take this journey to recovery one day at a time.
1. What exactly is alcohol use disorder (AUD)?
Alcohol use disorder, or AUD, is a medical condition where a person has an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use, despite the negative impact on their life. It can range from mild to severe and affects each individual differently.
2. How can I recognize the early stage of AUD?
In the early stage, you might notice an increased frequency and quantity of drinking, a growing tolerance to alcohol, and subtle changes in behavior, like drinking for stress relief. Loved ones may start commenting on your drinking habits, which is often a sign.
3. What are the signs of the middle stage of AUD?
The middle stage is marked by a noticeable dependence on alcohol. This includes regular cravings, prioritizing drinking over other activities, and experiencing physical and mental health changes like sleep issues and mood swings. There might also be a neglect of responsibilities and withdrawal from social activities.
4. What happens in the advanced stage of AUD?
In the advanced stage, alcohol becomes central to your life. There’s a loss of control over drinking, severe health impacts, strained relationships, and increased risky behaviors. Withdrawal symptoms also become more intense and can include tremors and hallucinations.
5. Can AUD be treated in its early stages?
Absolutely! Early-stage AUD can often be managed with education, behavioral strategies, support groups, and therapy. Recognizing and addressing it early can prevent more severe complications.
6. What treatment options are available for the middle and advanced stages of AUD?
For the middle stage, options include intensive outpatient programs, medication-assisted treatment, continuous therapy, and family involvement. In the advanced stage, treatments include inpatient rehab, medically supervised detox, long-term aftercare planning, and holistic therapies.
7. How has our understanding of AUD changed over time?
The understanding of AUD has evolved significantly. It was once seen as a moral failing but is now recognized as a medical condition. This shift has led to more compassionate, effective treatments and a deeper understanding of the psychological, social, and genetic factors involved.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually, with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app today!
Reframe supports you in reducing alcohol consumption and enhancing your well-being.