“No personal calamity is so crushing that something true and great can’t be made of it.”
When did you have your first drink? Were you underage? Maybe you had a big party for your 21st? Did you try several kinds of alcohol to see what you did or didn't like?
What you likely didn't do was take a drink and think, “This is my first step towards an alcohol use disorder.”
Every journey begins with the first step, but is every drink just one step closer to alcoholism?
The stages of alcoholism aren't linear, and they may not entail what you think they do. With over 400,000 people aged 12 and over in Arizona reporting having an alcohol use disorder, it's a concern that impacts many people in our community. Our team at Recovery Center for the Arts wants to talk about the stages of alcoholism, what they are, and what each stage means for you and your health.
When Does Having a Drink or Two Turn Into a Problem?
You might wonder how casual drinking, or experimentation, turns into an alcohol use disorder. Is there a formula? Is there a way to be guaranteed to develop an alcohol use disorder?
Is every first drink just a step toward alcoholism?
Obviously not. There are plenty of people who drink casually, or only get drunk once or twice in their lives, and have no life changes as a result.
Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are more complex than that. Being aware of what an AUD entails, the risk factors for developing one, and more can help you engage in safer drinking. It can also help you notice how alcohol may or may not be impacting you in this moment. Let's dive into this further.
Are There Risk Factors for Developing an Alcohol Use Disorder?
There are many risk factors that you can keep an eye out for that put you at a higher likelihood of developing an AUD. At the end of the day, though, it’s important to note that these risk factors are NOT guarantees. No one person is destined to develop an AUD. Being aware of the risks, however, can help you act accordingly.
- Genetics - If you have a family history of alcohol use disorders, you might have the genetic disposition for alcoholism. The genetic disposition associated with alcohol use disorders is not a guarantee. It’s just an increased risk.
- History with alcohol - This includes everything from if you grew up in a household where drinking was common, to when you had your first drink. Studies show that those who start drinking at a younger age are more likely to develop an AUD than those who wait until they’re 21.
- Mental health conditions - Untreated mental health conditions, including trauma, increase the likelihood of not only alcohol use but substance use. This is because of the side effects that come from both of these. They can feel like a way to alleviate the symptoms you’re experiencing from your mental health condition. In the long run, it always does more harm than good.
A Look at the Timeline – What Are the Stages of Alcoholism?
The journey from one drink to having an alcohol use disorder isn’t the same for everyone. How, then, can you tell when your drinking should become something to be concerned about?
Even if everyone’s history of alcohol use is unique to them, we still have basic guidelines you can look at to get a good idea of what your situation is.
Stage 1 – The Pre-Alcoholic Stage
While there’s no age limit for any of the stages of alcoholism, people in this stage are more likely to be younger or closer to being recently able to drink legally. This is because of what this stage entails.
People in the first stage are most often new to alcohol. Whether this means they’ve never had a drink before, or they’re now approaching alcohol with a desire to learn more, experimentation is often involved. Someone in this stage is still learning their limits, what drinks they like, and more. Because of this, they might be more likely to engage in heavy drinking.
If someone continues with patterns of heavy drinking, they’re more likely to move to the next stage.
Stage 2 – The Beginnings of Alcoholism
Those who move into stage 2 are beginning to incorporate alcohol consumption into their life in a way that normalizes it. They begin to see drinking as a means to address stress, or as a way to have fun with friends.
When alcohol consumption starts to be related to feelings of euphoria and is sought out as a way to negate a bad day, this should be a point of concern.
People in this stage might start withdrawing from family and friends in favor of drinking, which is one of the signs of an alcohol use disorder.
Stage 3 – The Middle Stages of Alcoholism
One doesn’t have to drastically increase their alcohol consumption in order to move further in the stages of alcoholism. Those who transition from stage 2 to 3 do so because of their relationship with alcohol. They don’t have to be partying every night, or always drinking massive quantities. Instead, it’s about why they’re seeking out alcohol and the side effects that come from it.
This stage is the primary, or “peak” stage of an alcohol use disorder. Physical and behavioral symptoms of an alcohol use disorder will appear during this stage. Most frequently people will need to drink more to feel the same effects and feel side effects when they’re not drinking. Thoughts of drinking will be present whenever you’re not actively engaged with alcohol. Additionally, it’s common to skip activities you used to enjoy in order to drink more.
During this stage, hints of more severe side effects become more clear. This includes financial strain, relationship strain, engaging in risky behaviors, and potential risks with your employment status.
Stage 4 – The Late Stages of Alcoholism
This is the final stage of an alcohol use disorder. That doesn’t mean it has to be your last stop, however. The journey is always forward, even if you’re moving backward through the stages.
During this stage, alcohol is a staple in someone’s life. They have a long history with alcohol and the negative effects of their alcohol consumption are becoming more prominent. This includes both physical effects and societal effects. Your relationships might be broken or damaged. You might have lost your job. Your digestive system would have taken a hit. All of these are probable, and more.
The most common damage done by long-term alcohol use is to the liver, but it’s not the only condition. People with a history of alcohol use are at increased risk of developing cancer in various organs across the body. You’re also at risk of experiencing cirrhosis, gut leakiness, myopathy, cardiac arrhythmia, memory loss, and more.
Can Someone Move Backwards in the Stages of Alcoholism?
When it comes to both alcohol use disorders and substance use disorders, as well as recovery as a whole, the path isn’t linear. Some might have twists and turns while others encounter roadblocks instead.
Your personal relationship with alcohol can vary. You aren’t stuck in a certain stage at any given time. Additionally, you don’t have to wait until it’s “worse” to seek help. If, at any point, you want to make a change in your life you have the power and right to do so.
Finding Healing and Recovery from Alcohol Use in Arizona
If you or a loved one is wanting to seek healing, there are options available for you. You deserve access to a proper alcoholism rehab program that will work with you to help you reach your goals. Alcohol use alters someone’s life so thoroughly, you need a program that’s going to heal not just your body but your spirit.
There is light out there. Healing is possible. Support is available, and you deserve it.
There’s no wrong time to get started on your recovery journey. Our team here at Recovery Center for the Arts is here to help you heal not just your body, but your inner child, too. Creativity is a powerful resource in recovery. Learn more about our program or get started today by giving us a call at (480) 386-1593.
Recovery Center for the Arts – Finding recovery through creativity.