Alcohol

Alcoholism

Over 95,000 People Pass Away Annually

Resulting in the 3rd leading preventable cause of death, Liver Disease, Heart Disease, Depression, and Stroke. Thus, resulting in many more medical issues that are directly correlated with Alcohol abuse.

3 Million

Americans over the age of 60 are alcohol dependent.

20%

of suicide victims in the US are Alcoholics.

18%

of families live or have lived with someone who has struggled with Alcoholism. 

Over 55%

of alcoholic abusers have a history of childhood trauma.

6 Stages of Alcohol Use

Stage 1

Experimenting and Euphoria

This is the first stage and is often described as an experimental or euphoric stage of alcohol use. Many people will be first exposed as a youth or in the early stages of adulthood. Depending on one’s stature and physique 2-3 drinks will bring you into the “tipsy” stage. This will often cause one to gain more confidence and result in more consumption with a slower reaction time. Binge drinking will commonly come out of this first stage. Even though this stage seems harmless or even insignificant, this is the first stepping stone to a lifetime of alcohol abuse.

Stage 2

Tolerance

During this second stage an individual will begin to consume alcohol more frequently, although this might still be considered the “excitement” phase. Drinks will typically still be consumed in a social setting but ones tolerance will begin to change with increased consumption and you will need to consume more and more to achieve the same effect that was felt during stage 1. Drinking will start to become a coping method to blow off steam and start to see the beginnings of dependency.

Stage 3

Confusion

During this 3rd stage consuming more than 5 drinks in 60 minutes leads to this confusion stage and leads directly into intoxication. Major outbursts, loss of coordination, difficulty walking or standing are major warning signs. Another sign in stage 3 is typically called a “black out” period where you are still conscience but unable to recall events. Depression, anxiety, problems sleeping and even isolation can occur, however the rabbit hole has gotten deeper and dependency has started.

Stage 4

Dependency

For a lot of people Dependency is the turning point in their lives. Often confused with alcohol addiction these two are not the same. Dependency will often come first and then bridge into addiction. When someone is considered dependent on alcohol consumption, they will start to lose control on when and how much they are consuming. At this point they have acquired a tolerance and will seek to consume more often to achieve the desired affects they felt in stages 1-3.

Here are some key signs associated with Alcohol withdrawal

– Tremors (shakes)

– Alcohol hallucinations

– Seizures

– Sweating

– Irritability or aggression

Stage 5

Addiction

This stage is considered the most disruptive and detrimental to one’s relationships, mental health and overall quality of life. This is where someone is 100% mentally and physically engulfed in alcohol addiction. During this stage it can be common but not exclusively associated with abuse of other common substances. The body has now taken more than it can handle and will start to break down. Signs and symptoms are, but not limited to the following:

– Heart disease

– Liver damage

– Depression and other mental disorders

– Anxiety

– In some cases suicide.

This stage can possibly lead to suicide/Death

Stage 6

Recovery

This stage is by far the hardest but most rewarding. It takes a tremendous amount of will power and a rock solid support system. From addiction to detox and then onto treatment and then putting into practice relapse prevention tools. Recovery is 100% within reach. Here are ATCNEW, we offer a support staff with integrated faith based curriculum as well as an aftercare support system. We want to hand you the best chance at life long sobriety.