Four Stages of Alcoholism

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People drink alcohol for many different reasons--either for fun and celebration, or for its calming effect, or even for its ability to remove inhibitions and provide a high and ecstatic feeling. But whatever the reason is, alcohol drinking should always be done moderately because it is a substance that is very bad for the health. This is why people who get addicted to alcohol should be given attention so that they would be able to deal with it before their condition becomes destructive.

People with alcohol abuse problems are often in denial. They would never admit that they are addicted to the substance and would insist that they could stop whenever they want to. And so, you have to be mindful of alcohol addiction signs. Being vigilant wouldn’t be a very big problem as these symptoms are not that hard to miss. 

There are different stages of alcoholism. These stages allow you to indentify how grave the addiction is and up to what extent should the patient be treated. The stages are as follow: 

• During the first stages of alcoholism, the person develops a higher tolerance for alcohol; meaning, he or she needs more amount of the substance before experiencing that elation. They no longer drink for the sake for social purposes; but rather, they drink at least a glass or two every single day. People who suffer from this abuse feel that they need this substance to keep them calm and to give them a kick start on their daily routine.  
• The second stages of alcoholism involves the increase of alcohol intake. The one or two shots per day increases. Oftentimes, the alcoholic will start drinking early in the morning and will be drinking all throughout the day. He no longer drinks for the calming effect; but rather, because he starts becoming dependent on the substance.  
• In the third stages of alcoholism, the need for alcohol becomes uncontrollable. Once the alcoholic starts drinking, there is no stopping him. He starts to withdraw from any social company and would rather live a life of reclusion because of his aggressive behavior when drinking. Even daily necessities like food or shower are forgotten as he is oftentimes out of himself.  
• In the last stages of alcoholism, the drinking is very hard to stop once the alcoholic starts his first glass, and it often lasts for days. He experiences withdrawal symptoms, like hands trembling, if he doesn’t get a drink. He also starts developing hallucinations and is often in a state of delirium. He could no longer function and even interact with others as he is rarely sober.  

A person suffering from alcoholism should be given medical help as early as the first stage. The further the addiction is, the harder it is to be treated. People who surround alcoholics should take drastic actions in order to prevent further damage to the person’s health. There are rehabilitation centers that offer great programs that are helpful in the recuperation of the alcoholic and help him return to his normal life.

I would like to recommend a good ebook, if you, your friends or even your family members affected by alcoholism:

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I Live With An Alcoholic - Help for People Impacted By Alcoholism