The 3 Stages of Alcoholism | Atlanta Detox Center

Drug and Alcohol Detox Center

There are 3 stages of alcoholism: early, middle, and end stages. If you are showing signs of alcoholism, as time passes, you become more dependent on alcohol and have a more challenging time quitting. Without a qualified alcohol detox program, it becomes nearly impossible to put down the alcohol for good. At Atlanta Detox Center, we offer scientifically based rehab and holistic programs to cleanse your system and put alcoholism behind you.

What Are the 3 Stages of Alcoholism?

Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder, is a progressive disease that worsens over time if left untreated. Understanding the 3 phases of alcoholism can help you recognize the warning signs and take appropriate action before the condition spirals out of control. Whether you’re concerned about your drinking habits or those of a loved one, identifying these stages early on is critical to seeking the right help and preventing long-term damage. Below, we break down each stage to help you better understand the journey from occasional drinking to alcohol dependence.

1. First Stage of Alcoholism (Early)

The first of the 3 stages of alcoholism occurs when a problem drinker has slipped into the early stages of dependence. When you drink more often and in increasing amounts, you begin to develop a tolerance.1 Your body becomes used to having alcohol in your system and begins to depend on it. For example, you may notice that you drink a whole bottle of wine at dinner instead of a single glass.

In the early stages of alcoholism, you may find yourself drinking nearly every day. If you constantly turn to alcohol to deal with stress and anxiety, your body will start to rely on it. During this stage, you probably continue to fulfill your obligations at school, work, and home. Additionally, many people remain in denial of their drinking problem at this point.

2. Second Stage of Alcoholism (Ongoing)

In the second of the 3 stages of alcoholism, you start to crave alcohol when you’re not drinking. Your body depends on alcohol for survival, and you no longer drink for enjoyment. If you try to quit on your own, you soon develop withdrawal symptoms, including pain and discomfort. Moreover, if you abstain from drinking alcohol during this stage, you can put your life in danger.

Delirium tremens sometimes occur if you stop drinking during this stage. Some of the more severe symptoms include hallucinations, vomiting, seizures, and confusion. Fortunately, not all alcohol withdrawal symptoms have such severe impacts.

Some of the more common withdrawal symptoms you may feel during the second stage of alcoholism include:

Tremors
Sleeplessness
Headaches
Nausea
Depression
Restlessness

Withdrawal symptoms typically start within six to twenty-four hours from when you stop drinking. We recommend checking into our alcohol detox in Atlanta, where you receive services like medical detox and support.

3. Third Stage of Alcoholism (Late Stage)

The last of the 3 stages of alcoholism is also called late-stage alcoholism. At this point, alcohol has had a severe effect on your mind and body. Fatty liver, cardiac problems, and other health complications put your life at risk.

At this point, you must check yourself into an alcohol detox center, followed by an effective alcohol addiction treatment program. Your entire life probably revolves around getting drunk, and you may feel hopeless and depressed if you can’t drink. Additionally, drinking has become a compulsive habit that you cannot control.

If you develop delirium tremors at this stage, you have a relatively high chance of dying if you attempt to detox cold turkey or without medical assistance. To ensure a safe transition from late-stage alcoholism to sobriety, you’ll need constant care and attention during the detox process. You may also need to commit to an inpatient recovery program for sixty to ninety days. Attending a substance abuse treatment program can give you the tools you need to stay sober and resist cravings once you return home.

You need a robust support system outside of recovery. Finding a 12-step program, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, can provide support and help you maintain sobriety. Feel free to join our alumni program to develop a support network of other clients from our Georgia Detox Center.

Is It Safe to Quit Drinking Cold Turkey?

Stopping alcohol abruptly, known as going “cold turkey,” can be very risky for individuals who are reliant on alcohol and do not have professional medical guidance. Severe withdrawal symptoms can occur when alcohol is abruptly stopped for those in the advanced stages of alcoholism due to the body’s high level of dependence on it. Symptoms can range from tremors, nausea, and headaches to severe conditions such as seizures and delirium tremens (DTs) in extreme cases. Trying to quit alcohol cold turkey without adequate medical assistance can lead to severe health issues and, in certain instances, even death.

For safe detox, completing treatment at our detox centers in Georgia with supervision is strongly advised. A detox program offers the necessary medical care and assistance to safely and efficiently handle withdrawal symptoms. Professional help is essential for those with severe alcohol addiction to minimize risks and facilitate a successful recovery process.

Receive the Best Alcohol Addiction Treatment at Atlanta Detox Center

No matter which of the 3 stages of alcoholism you find yourself in, it’s never too late to quit. Identifying the symptoms of alcohol addiction and responding can have a significant impact on your life, whether you’re at the beginning or struggling with the severe consequences of advanced alcoholism. Our caring intake specialists will support you through the entire admission process, helping you smoothly transition into the necessary care and support. Our team is committed to supporting you with answering questions, guiding you through insurance and treatment choices, and assisting you in starting your journey towards healing and a better future.