Alcohol addiction is a progressive condition, usually characterized by an increase in tolerance, loss of control and withdrawal symptoms. An increase in tolerance means an individual must drink more and more to get the desired effects; a loss of control means that the individual can no longer predict the amount of alcohol he/she will consume in one setting; and, withdrawal means that the individual will experience pain and discomfort when drinking is discontinued. With regular use of relatively moderate daily amounts, an individual may become psychologically and physically addicted to alcohol.

Three Stages of Alcohol Addiction

There are three stages to alcohol addiction. In the first stage the individual will experience an increase in tolerance. He/she may experience blackouts (alcohol induces amnesia) and hide their drinking from others.

In the second stage the individual will experience a loss of control as mentioned above and find making excuses for drinking is a common occurrence, and possibly, experiencing some social decay, like getting arrested for drunk driving, experiencing problems at work and/or at home. In this stage the individual may attempt to quit drinking and make promises that are never kept, while seeing an increase in blackouts.

The last stage, or late stage of alcohol addiction, the individual may see tolerance to alcohol decrease and find that it takes only a few drinks to be totally drunk. This stage is severe and the alcohol addicted person will find that continued use of alcohol will be the only option to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms.

Physical Effects

Physical addiction occurs consistently with heavy drinkers. Their bodies have adapted to the large amounts of alcohol and suffer severe withdrawal if they suddenly stop. Alcohol withdrawal ranges from sleeplessness, sweating, poor appetite, jumpiness, the shakes (recognized in hand tremors), hallucinations, seizures and even death.

No matter what stage the alcohol addicted person is at, physical damage to the body can occur causing a variety of alcohol related medical problems.

Sobriety is not easy, but it is possible with treatment and support.