Different signs during the stages of alcoholism may vary among individuals. Some alcoholics may reach the later stages sooner than others. But advancement of the disease is usually considered to be early, middle and later stages. The alcoholic stands a better chance of recovery when there is admission of alcoholism during the early or middle stages and treatment is sought.
Early Stage
The alcoholic may begin to start drinking to get relief from problems, according to the Cleveland Clinic. There is a need for more alcohol to get the pleasurable effect of drinking alcohol because of the tolerance that begins to build up. The person may not even appear drunk because of the tolerance. Gulping drinks is not uncommon. Blackouts may occur. That is when the alcoholic does not remember events or fails to make commitments from the periods when drinking takes place. Hiding alcohol in unusual places or sneaking drinks occurs often. Activities may be planned more often around drinking as alcohol dominates the person's thinking. The early stage is often a prolonged stage.
Middle Stage
Loss of control and drinking for longer periods of time begins to occur, according to Dr. James West of the Betty Ford Center. There are repeated attempts to quit drinking that fail. The alcoholic may not show up at family get-togethers or social functions, because drinking takes precedence over most events. Financial and legal problems often happen at this time. There may be loss of jobs or family problems. Withdrawal from alcohol becomes difficult at this stage. Withdrawal symptoms, such as shakiness and nausea, occur when there is an attempt to quit drinking, the Mayo Clinic notes. Withdrawal symptoms often prevent an alcoholic from giving up drinking. But the alcoholic continues to come up with reasons for drinking, despite the problems it causes. The alcoholic often denies there is a drinking problem, but starts drinking earlier and earlier. There may be personality or mood changes during this time.
Late Stage
Severe withdrawal symptoms when quitting are common because the body needs the alcohol fix. Symptoms can be dangerous and include delirium tremens, or DTs, because of long-term dependence on alcohol. Morning shakes are common. Changes in the brain can begin to deteriorate the mind and bring on impaired judgment, Dr. West explains. There may be memory problems and difficulty in concentrating at this stage. This is the period when complications can begin, including liver disease, heart disease and esophageal cancer. It is often difficult to stop drinking at this point, but some alcoholics are able to do it before fatal consequences develop.
