The development of alcoholism is a gradual process. The condition manifests itself gradually over time when a person’s drinking habits worsen, leading to chemical alterations in the brain. Recovering from alcohol addiction is, logically, a similar slow process with no definite endpoint. Alcoholism is characterized by four significant stages. It is vital for an individual or a caregiver of someone who is struggling with alcoholism to get to understand these stages. However, before we delve deeper into these stages, let’s look at what an alcohol rehab entails.
What is an Alcohol Rehab?
Alcohol rehab is a facility and/or program where individuals suffering from alcohol use disorder (AUD) can get help, care, and counseling. There are several benefits to seeking help from alcohol rehab. Treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD) at an alcohol rehab helps educate patients about the disease, facilitate a safe withdrawal from alcohol, treat the root reasons for addiction, and teach recovering individuals new methods of handling stressful situations, dealing with negative emotions, and avoiding relapse. One is free to choose from a number of treatment facilities and modalities to find the best fit for their recovery, depending on the specifics of their situation. NIDA states that addiction therapy must be individualized to the patient and consider the patient’s mental health, social health, and any employment or legal concerns to be successful. It is common for people undergoing alcohol rehab to switch between various levels of care and varying degrees of severity as their requirements evolve throughout therapy.
Stages of Alcohol Addiction.
Stage #1: Pre-Alcoholic.
At this stage, there are only a few warning signs of alcoholism. This first stage is casual experimentation with alcohol, during which the individual builds up a tolerance to its effects as they drink more often to deal with their stress, anxiety, or other negative feelings.
Stage #2: Early Stage.
According to Jellinek, this is the pivotal point when a habit of alcohol abuse first emerges. People start to use social events as an excuse to drink, and they start drinking more often as a result. They also turn to alcohol in an effort to alleviate the discomfort of hangovers and other unintended effects of heavy drinking.
Stage #3: Middle Stage.
This is the pivotal point in Jellinek’s idea, when the individual starts to drink often and regularly, sometimes even in the morning hours. They may find themselves having difficulty maintaining positive connections with those closest to them, or they may undergo a major behavioral shift that has unintended consequences.
Stage #4: Late Stage.
A total lack of control over drinking characterizes the last stage of alcoholism. At this stage, physical reliance on alcohol has been established. Withdrawal symptoms and alcohol cravings are possible when someone stops drinking at this stage.
Taylor Recovery Center Is Your Ideal Rehab Center in Houston.
Taylor Recovery Center is a great resource for anybody who is ready to become sober. Get in touch with Taylor Recovery Center to find out more about our programs that can be a good fit for you and how they can offer you the tools you need to live a better, alcohol-free life.
