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The Stages of Alcoholism

Alcoholism develops in three stages. This disease can take many years to develop into a full blown addiction. Alcoholism begins when the drinker's physical and mental health become affected and ruled by alcohol. At this point they have gone from drinking to alcoholism.

The early stages of alcoholism usually go unnoticed by not only friends and family but also the drinker. A person begins drinking in this stage for new reasons such as daily stress or a personal or professional problem. They may drink to change their mood or avoid the one they are currently feeling.

As alcoholism develops into the intermediate stage, the drinker no longer needs a reason to drink and may even create a reason to drink. By now the drinker is drinking over socially and legally acceptable limits. They may even experience loss of control and blackouts. They may experience legal problems such as a DUI. Friend and family cannot escape the fact that drinking has become a problem for everyone. Should they try to confront the drinker, they are often met with anger and denial. The drinker has the false impression that they can stop drinking any time they want to. Even if the drinker does want to stop, they find the addiction has advanced to the point that the desire and craving for a drink is now too strong.

The advanced stages of alcoholism are many times devastation to the drinker and those around him or her. Friends and family have become despondent and disgusted with the destruction the drinker has brought upon themselves and others. There is irreversible damage to internal organs as the body and mind are destroyed by alcohol. Those who now try to get the drinker to stop drinking are wasting their time. The drinker is controlled by their alcoholism.

Once in the advanced stage, it will take a event of enormous proportions to get the drinker to decide they genuinely want to stop drinking. At this point the drinker will find that if they do attempt to stop their addiction, they will experience extreme withdrawal symptoms.

Addiction to alcohol is one of the hardest battles a person will face. While many alcoholics can beat their addictions, some cannot stop drinking no matter how hard they try. Alcohol is a powerful thing that is difficult to overcome, but remember that it can be done. Never stop reaching for a future that is free from alcohol and its problems.

Article Source: http://www.articleadventure.com

Discover how to quit Abusing Alcohol by Ed Philips and Quit Alcohol Today.

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