Alcoholism - The Stages Of Alcoholism
alcoholic symptoms system withdrawal
The alcoholic, if he does not receive effective treatment, will progress through three stages of increasing deterioration. Alcoholism is difficult to diagnose in the early or adaptive stage. The alcoholic may drink heavily and remain functional. He does not experience any withdrawal symptoms other than the standard hangover following excessive drinking. The cells of the body adapt to large quantities of alcohol and still function. The alcohol provides a ready source of energy for cell functions and the cells become adept at using it. Even at this stage, however, alcohol intake will exact a penalty. The alcohol begins to attack cell structures, eroding cell membranes, altering cellular chemical balances, and otherwise upsetting a finely tuned system.
In this early stage of the condition the alcoholic can show a tremendous tolerance for alcoholic beverages. He might consume quantities that render normal adults hopelessly inebriated, yet not lose his ability to function. Only when his blood alcohol level begins to lessen does the alcoholic show symptoms of impairment. Thus, even though he does not exhibit signs of delirium tremens, the alcoholic in the early stage will know that he feels better when he drinks, functions more efficiently, and thinks more clearly. He will increase the frequency and amount of his drinking and will cross over into the middle stage of alcoholism.
No definite signpost marks the border between the early stage and middle stage of alcoholism, and the change may take years. Eventually, however, the alcoholic drinks to effect a cure, not to attain euphoria or efficiency in functioning. Deterioration of the cells of the body's organs and systems by steady infusion of alcohol begins to exert itself. The alcoholic experiences withdrawal symptoms that bring on physical and psychological pain that persists until it is eased by taking in more alcohol. These withdrawal symptoms soon worsen and require increased amounts of alcohol to erase them. The alcoholic will experience severe headaches, trembling, chills, and nausea when his blood alcohol level begins to ebb.
Full-blown DTs will eventually follow as the alcoholic continues to drink and his cellular metabolism becomes more and more dependent upon alcohol. He may have hallucinations, may become frightened and shrink into a corner, or may become dangerous as he lashes out to protect himself from an imaginary attack. He may manipulate his hands as if playing a game of cards or throwing dice or whittling. These symptoms are not benign, but signify a deep-seated stress on the body, especially the nervous system, and require immediate medical attention. The trauma of DTs may bring about a heart attack, stroke, or respiratory failure. Up to 25% of alcoholics experiencing DTs may die if not treated. At this stage, the alcoholic's body will no longer tolerate a state of low blood alcohol. His withdrawal symptoms become painful, and he can no longer limit his consumption to socially acceptable times; he must have a drink when he arises in the morning, and will probably drink on the job to alleviate his withdrawal symptoms.
But as the alcoholic's drinking increases, so does the cellular demand for alcohol, to the extent that he can no longer forestall his painful symptoms without being constantly in a state of drunkenness. This is the final, deteriorative stage of alcoholism. At this stage the alcoholic's tolerance to alcohol lessens because of widespread organ damage, especially in the liver and nervous system. A minority, probably about 10%, die as a result of late-stage organ damage such as cirrhosis. The liver simply cannot perform its functions, and the blood has a steadily increasing level of toxins. Perhaps a third of those in the late stages of alcoholism die from accidents such as falling down stairs or drowning, or by committing suicide. The physiological damage is widespread: the heart, pancreas, digestive system, and respiratory system all have characteristic changes in the late-stage alcoholic. The liver, however, suffers the most extensive damage.
User Comments
almost 3 years ago
tim
I believe my ex wife is also in the last stages, she is on the verge of insanity from this, it's so sad to see her this way. She believes if she stops she will die. I have been with her since she was 18 she is now 39. She has always been is my life, she is the love of my life. It has destroyed our marriage, family and one of our sons. This has destroyed her life. Nothing else I can say about it.
almost 3 years ago
As a recovered alcoholic I would like to give some advice to those who are thinking of stopping. I was unable to stop on my own 26 years ago and was sent by a doctor to attend AA meetings. It took 5 yrs. of relapse before I finally got the message that I could not pick up the first drink and from that time I have had continuous sobriety. The problem was that I still had ups and downs of mild depression, and had to continue to attend meetings to maintain my piece of mind. Five years ago I attended a Celebrate Recovery meeting and was introduced to the power of Jesus Christ in the life of a recovering alcoholic. Having a scientific mind I found it hard to believe in all the Jesus Way, but I saw a joy in the lives of the people following this Way that I did not see in AA. They were just happy. They told me that if I just faked it and was willing to believe, the Holy Spirit would do the rest. They were right, my life was transformed and I no longer have any depression in my life. I now work as a minister at The Solid Rock Christian Recovery Center in St. Petersburg Fl. sharing the Way to a joyful life free of addiction. You can accept happiness but joy is much better!
almost 4 years ago
As I'm reading this I cannot help but shed tears.......I believe my spouse of 17 years is in the last stage of alcoholism as he is in a complete state of drunkenness all the time.......What a sad life.......What a wasted life.....It's like just standing by and not being able to help a drowning man...only worse.....this pain has gone on for years......I cannot understand how our society just exists like this.......
almost 2 years ago
Mazzak
Well my father is an alcoholic and I say cheers! let him keep drinking and drinking until collapses and dies Good Riddance!!! but I hope this process would be sooner rather than later, well I guess the best things in life take time oh well guess I'll have to wait..
over 2 years ago
Steven
My father is an alcoholic, probably in the process of entering early stage 3. He must have a beer almost everywhere he goes. He takes a cooler for even 20 minute trips, and insists on having open containers while driving. He is almost perpetually drunk, when not sleeping.
It has severely harmed his job and drastically limited his income. He is also very irrational and oppressive, as well as negligent. He also blames all of the problems on everybody else in the household. It's really sad what 8-12+ drinks a day (for just one person) will do to a family.
5 months ago
Hi it's mark again I am now 16 years sober in the fellowship of A.A. { 1 DAY AT A TIME }
Love to all - seek help call A.A. they will come to your house or office to help you.
From Mark recovered alky in A.A.
5 months ago
Mark
My brother recently died quite young from alcoholism. He was narcissistic to the point of being intolerable, had a sense of entitlement that had to be seen to be believed and he was an abuser. He lived off his parents his entire life, denigrated everyone close to him, treated his son like dirt, stole from people, slandered me whenever possible and physically attacked my ten year old son. The last time I saw him five years ago he tried to brain me with a rock when I refused to join him in bed with his girlfriend - I pulled a gun on him and made it clear that I wouldn't hesitate to shoot him if he ever came near me again.
He moved to Brazil, receiving a monthly stipend from his father, then out of the blue began vomiting massive amounts of blood and died before the ambulance could pick him up, experiencing one of the most degrading and painful deaths known to man.
My family is devastated by his loss, but I can't believe how relieved I am that he's finally gone from the face of the earth. He was the worst person I ever met, and if that's what alcoholics are about, then I cannot imagine how anyone is able to tolerate their very existence.
about 1 year ago
Cindy
My husband is in the last stages of alcoholism and it is terrible to witness. He attended AA and stopped for 15 years. Then one day he picked up a drink. Now 7 years later he is near death. I have lost all hope and am waiting for the inevitable. It has destroyed our family and our children are both struggling with the consequences. God help my love.
about 1 year ago
Lisa
I am watching my father go through severe DT's right now. He is the CCU unit of the hospital. It is the single most worse thing I have ever witnessed. No matter how mad and upset I get with him over drinking...I would never wish this on anybody...however, the sad thng is that he will not remember any of it...maybe that would help him understand!
about 1 year ago
Mark
For GOD'S sake people you don't have to die from alcoholism - there is a way out { A.A. - Alcoholics Anonymous } look for it in your phone book make a call - someone will come out and see you.
Mark - recoverd alky - 15 years sober free of alcohol - 1 day at a time.
almost 2 years ago
Mark
There is help you don't have to die od alcoholism - go to AA and recover.
Recovered alky - Mark 14 years sober - 1 day at a time in AA