Alcoholism is a disease that causes individuals to completely depend on alcohol, with little or no control over how much alcohol is consumed or when the consumption takes place. Alcoholism is a disease that not only affects the drinker, but also their family, friends and entire support system. There are three stages of alcoholism, where the dependency on alcohol increases with each stage.
Middle Stage
During the second or middle stage of alcoholism, the alcoholic develops an increased tolerance of alcohol and a greater amount is required to achieve the same results. According to the University of Massachusetts, the alcoholic begins to feel shame related to their drinking and may try to stop. Family and friends begin to notice diminishing control in the alcoholic when drinking occurs. In order to keep drinking, the affected individual places blame for their problems on other things in their life while remaining in denial that their drinking is a problem.
Last Stage
The last stage of alcoholism is characterized by the individual's inability to think about anything other than alcohol. By the time that the alcoholic arrives at the final stage, their body is completely dependent on alcohol. The desire to drink is often so strong that the person becomes malnourished because eating food becomes unimportant. Family relationships suffer because the alcoholic is unable to do anything other than drink. The alcoholic may experience symptoms such as hallucinations, mood swings and panic attacks. Suicide may be attempted during the final stage of alcoholism because the alcoholic may have lost jobs, family relationships, money and possibly their home.
Treatment
Effective treatment of alcoholism requires that the alcoholic recognize that the problem exists and commit to the treatment plan. Some forms of treatment include inpatient hospitalization for complete detoxification or simple outpatient therapy. Alcoholics in the final stages must completely give up the use of alcohol explains MayoClinic.com. Recovery from alcoholism is a lifelong journey and support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous are effective to provide continued encouragement.
