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Alcoholism has been known by a variety of terms, including alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence. As individuals continue to drink alcohol over time, progressive changes may occur in the structure stages of alcoholism and function of their brains. These changes can compromise brain function and drive the transition from controlled, occasional use to chronic misuse, which can be difficult to control.

• This makes you want to drink more often, even if it causes harm.
• GABA controls impulsiveness, while glutamate stimulates the nervous system.
• You may need inpatient medical (hospital), residential rehabilitation (rehab), outpatient intensive therapy or outpatient maintenance.
• It’s not often talked about, but left untreated, alcohol use disorder can be a fatal disease.
• Seeking professional help early can prevent a return to drinking.

Stage #3: Problem drinking

Some people may be hesitant to seek treatment because they don’t want to abstain entirely. Moderation management or moderation treatment can be an effective approach, in which people learn responsible drinking habits through a structured program. Research suggests this form of treatment can help people shift from heavy to moderate drinking, improve quality of life, and enhance emotional well-being. Before it becomes problematic, why do people turn to alcohol in the first place? One is simply its rewarding consequences, such as having fun or escaping social anxiety. Having an impulsive personality plays into the decision to seek rewards despite negative repercussions.

Characteristics of the Late-Alcoholic Stage

In some people, the initial reaction may feel like an increase in energy. But as you continue to drink, you become drowsy and have less control over your actions. Inpatient treatment takes place at a licensed residential treatment center. You’ll live in safe, substance-free housing and have access to professional medical monitoring. They are typically obvious to others, including coworkers, family members, and friends.

Symptoms and Causes

Another factor is stress, because alcohol can alleviate distressing emotions. Social norms, such as drinking during a happy hour or on a college campus, and positive experiences with alcohol in the past (as opposed to getting nauseous or flushed) play a role as well. Like all addictions, alcohol use disorder is linked to a complex combination of biological, social, and psychological factors. Research highlights a genetic component to the disorder, as about half of one’s predisposition to alcoholism can be attributed to genetic makeup. People may turn to alcohol as a way to cope with trauma or other, often unrecognized psychological disorders.

Physical Signs of Alcoholism

You can prevent alcohol use disorder by limiting your alcohol intake. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, women shouldn’t drink more than one drink per day, and men shouldn’t drink more than two drinks per day. Alcohol use disorder can cause serious and lasting damage to your liver. When you drink too much, your liver has a harder time filtering the alcohol and other toxins from your bloodstream.

Treatment for alcohol use disorder

Outpatient treatment is less intensive than inpatient treatment or partial hospitalization programs. They are best for people who have a high motivation to recover but cannot leave their responsibilities at home, work, or school. For those who need help right away, WebMD Connect to Care specialists are standing by to get you started on the road to recovery today. In addition, medications may be able to help ease or stop drinking and guard against relapses.

Alcohol use disorder is a problematic pattern of alcohol use that leads to distress in one’s daily life, according to the DSM-5. Experiencing at least two symptoms throughout the course of a year merits a diagnosis, from mild to moderate to severe. After ongoing heavy use, the body may develop a physical dependence in middle-stage alcoholism, where they’ll experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop drinking.

Hosted by Amy Morin, LCSW, this episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast shares strategies for coping with alcohol cravings and other addictions, featuring addiction specialist John Umhau, MD. At any moment, someone’s aggravating behavior or our own bad luck can set us off on an emotional spiral that threatens to derail our entire day. Here’s how we can face our triggers with less reactivity so that we can get on with our lives. Making amends is a part of addiction recovery, but it is a beneficial practice for anyone. It can free us from guilt, repair relationships, and bring a new perspective. Detaching with love is an often-recommended strategy for coping with a loved one’s addiction.