Occasional alcohol use rarely leads to a condition known as alcoholism; however, understanding the progressive nature of alcohol disorders is important for prevention of a potentially devastating life-long battle. Excessive alcohol use is attributed to 79,000 deaths each year in the United States, according to the statistics reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Alcoholism is considered a lifestyle-related disorder; in the early stages of the disorder, preventable measures can make the difference in progression of the disorder or living a sober life. There are several indicators of beginning stage alcoholism that impact an individual physically, socially and personally.
Increased Tolerance
Initially, the signs of excessive drinking may appear subtle, but the body is developing a tolerance to routine alcohol use. Tolerance refers to the progression from drinking a few alcohol beverages to achieve a buzz to drinking additional beverages to achieve the same level of intoxication.The University of Rochester notes that there are two forms of tolerance: metabolic and function tolerance. Metabolic tolerance results in the liver increasing enzyme production to metabolize the alcohol faster, causing a quicker elimination of alcohol out of the body. The quick elimination signals need for more alcohol to achieve the desire effects. Function tolerance refers to the lowered level of sensitivity from the effects of alcohol due to chronic use. Blood alcohol rises with every drink, yet the feeling of intoxication is different in functional tolerance than it was when drinking started.
Changes in Social Drinking
Social drinking can precipitate alcohol abuse. A social drinker can use alcohol or not during social events and there is no preoccupation associated with drinking. Changes occur in beginning stage of alcoholism that is reflected in social drinking patterns. The drinker may have obsessive thoughts about getting off work and attending happy hour or may vocalize needing to unwind with alcohol. During social events, alcohol use is more excessive when noticed by loved ones, but the drinker may not acknowledge any change in drinking at all. According to the Mayo Clinic, eventually the alcoholic loses interest in social drinking and transitions toward isolated drinking. When social drinking does occur, the alcoholic may choose a different, more accepting group of drinkers to associate with.
Personality and Routine Changes
On a personal level, alcoholism can be difficult to accept. Denial of having a problem commonly occurs during the beginning phase of alcoholism, which can lead to irritability, moodiness and compulsions to drink in order to "take the edge off." Guilt and shame are associated with early stage alcoholism as the person battles to recognize the existence of an alcohol problem. According to PsychCentral.com, beginning alcoholism often leads to disruptions in daily routines such as going to work on time due to hangovers from excessive drinking. This is a time when relatives often vocalize concern, but the drinker may not be willing to listen and may further isolate from people who care.
