The four phases of alcoholism

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Due to the normalized consumption of alcohol in the social context, addiction to this substance often goes unnoticed. In many cases, the intervention begins when there is already a very strong dependency and achieving results is more complicated.

Written and verified by the psychologist Elena Sanz.

Alcohol intake is normalized in our society. It is part of our meetings and our way of relating to others. Therefore, it is difficult to detect when the escalation is increasing. In this context, knowing the phases of alcoholism will help us act in the early phases, where the intervention has better results.

It is common for the person who begins to develop an addiction to alcohol to deny what is happening. Likewise, it is a process that occurs gradually. For the same, If symptoms are not identified in the early stages, the problem will worsen.

The four phases of alcoholism

Pre-alcoholic phase

At this stage alcohol consumption begins. It is generally done in social settings and for recreational purposes. Alcohol becomes a tool to relieve tension and deal with emotional problems. This happens because ingestion activates the brain reward system, providing pleasant sensations to the person who consumes it.

However, if intake begins to occur frequently, the body’s metabolism changes and tolerance appears. Relatively quickly, larger amounts of alcohol begin to be needed to obtain the same effects.. Thus it is possible that from beer or wine one moves to liquors and that two glasses become five.

Initial or prodromal phase

Also called the early alcoholism stage, it gives rise to appearance of the first mental blackouts or memory failures. That is, it is possible that amnesia occurs over certain periods.

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At this time, alcohol becomes the subject’s main interest, increasing their concern about getting drinks or having them in any place or meeting they go to.

He begins to drink alcohol avidly, increasing consumption both to celebrate and to alleviate a bad moment. Any excuse is good. However, The individual begins to perceive that he or she is maintaining problematic consumption, so he or she feels guilty and begins to drink secretly..

For the same, They tend to be defensive when those close to them suggest their possible alcoholism problem.. They get offended and avoid conversations about it.

Crucial or critical phase

At this point, the preoccupation with alcohol is such that it banishes all other interests. Different areas of the person’s life begin to be seriously affected. There is loss of employment, abandonment of friends and a great deterioration in family life.

The subject loses control of consumption and tends to be boastful, hostile and aggressive. Social pressures from their environment only make the alcoholic rationalize and justify their behavior or start lying. to cover it up. It is also likely that geographical escapes will occur (fleeing one’s home or city thinking that the problem will not be such in another location).

However, even though the remorse is continuous, the person can try to maintain total abstinence during certain periods that end quickly. Paradoxically, tolerance decreases and they achieve the same state of intoxication with less alcoholwhich leads them to the illusion of thinking that they have the situation under control.

chronic phase

In this last stage, the alcoholic disease is established and the consequences are profound and irreversible. The individual needs to drink alcohol constantly, spending long periods of time drunk. You can consume any type of substance that contains alcohol even if it is not suitable for consumption.

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Their integrity and values disintegrate as do their cognitive abilities. (memory, attention, decision making…) that are severely affected. An enormous physical and mental deterioration occurs, and various mental disorders may appear. Ultimately, it is likely that the person will end up hospitalized and lose their life.

It is clear that the consequences of developing an alcohol dependence can be devastating at all levels. But, despite this, many times when you decide to take action it is already too late.

Thus, It is essential to know the process, the characteristics of each phase so that risk behaviors can be detected on time. Having the symptoms present can help you become truly aware of the situation.