Phases and Stages of Alcoholism - What Does the Development of Alcohol Disease Look Like | NG

Alcohol addiction doesn't appear overnight. Most often it develops gradually, and the first signals can seem innocent: a drink after work, boozy parties every weekend, or a glass in the evening for "better" sleep. Alcoholism is characterized by individual phases and stages that over time lead to loss of control over drinking and increasingly obvious consequences.

Jellinek's Phases of Alcoholism – Division into 4 Phases of Alcoholism

Jellinek's division is one of the most frequently cited models describing the phases of alcohol addiction development. It's helpful because it organizes the typical changes that appear as the disease progresses: from social and occasional drinking through loss of control, and then to the chronic phase with clear consequences. In practice, the pace of going through alcoholism stages varies, and not every person goes through all elements in the same way. However, the scheme shows well how alcohol can gradually take control. We distinguish:

• Initial phase

• Warning phase

• Critical phase

• Chronic phase

Initial Phase – First Phases of Alcohol Addiction

The initial phase is a stage that often lasts very long and can be confused with ordinary social drinking. During this stage of alcoholism, the drink begins to serve the function of regulating emotions: it helps to relax, release tension, improve mood, or reward oneself after a difficult day. Over time, a subtle change in thinking also appears: the person increasingly looks for occasions to drink, plans meetings with alcohol in mind, or feels disappointed when there's nothing to drink. Characteristic is growing tolerance, often called a "strong head." To get the same effect, you need to drink more than before, although getting drunk may still happen rarely. At this stage, control over the amount and frequency of drinking is usually still possible, which is why it's easiest to stop the problem's development here. However, if a feeling appears that alcohol is becoming necessary for relaxation, sleep, or disconnecting from stress, it's worth treating this as a warning signal and consulting the situation with a specialist before the addiction moves into the next phases.

Warning Phase of Alcoholism – When Drinking Stops Being "Occasional"

In this phase, the drinking person may increasingly initiate drinking occasions themselves, and in a group drink more than others. Alcohol then begins to play a constant role as a mood improver: after drinking, relief and relaxation appear because it allows escape from tension, stress, or difficult emotions. In this stage of alcoholism, drinking without occasion and first episodes of drinking beverages alone or in secret are also typical. Behavior also changes: boundaries are more easily crossed, inhibitions disappear faster, and in many people, there's also a growing tendency toward impulsive decisions. Memory lapses may also appear more frequently. This is a stage where defense mechanisms can be triggered: justification ("everyone drinks"), rationalization ("I deserved it after a hard week"), looking for excuses ("it's just once"). The person may notice they're drinking more often but rarely calls it a problem. In practice, it's precisely the warning phase that's a signal not to wait for a worse moment, but to consult with a doctor and stop the disease's development.

Critical Phase – Stage Where Alcoholism Takes Control

At this stage, the patient often cannot independently regulate the amount of alcohol or stop. Hunger begins to resemble compulsion, and promises made to oneself and loved ones quickly prove ineffective. In practice, this means that alcohol increasingly wins over reason and earlier plans. At this stage, the phases of alcohol addiction development often become visible in the entire lifestyle. Everyday life begins to revolve around drinking. There may appear among others:

• neglecting relationships,

• decline in work quality,

• withdrawal from interests and activities,

• sometimes deterioration in caring for appearance or health.

Mental symptoms often join in, such as:

• lowered self-esteem,

• feeling of emptiness,

• irritability,

• mood swings,

• decreased libido and difficulties in the sexual sphere.

Despite mounting consequences, the person in the critical phase may still suppress the problem and react with anger to attempts at conversation or help. Also typical are alcohol binges alternating with short periods of abstinence, which give an illusory sense of control over the situation. In reality, this is a signal that addiction has entered an advanced stage and professional support should be sought as soon as possible.

Chronic Phase – Last Stage of Alcoholism and Health Consequences

The chronic phase is the most advanced stage, where alcohol disease takes practically full control over daily functioning. Drinking stops being a choice or element of meetings and becomes a constant need. The person may reach for alcohol from morning and remain under its influence most of the time, and sobriety periods are short or almost absent. Also characteristic of this phase is a paradoxical phenomenon: after earlier tolerance increase, its decrease often appears. This means that a smaller amount of alcohol is sufficient to achieve strong intoxication than before, despite the addiction being more advanced. At the same time, interrupting drinking is increasingly associated with withdrawal symptoms. In some people, serious mental disorders also appear, such as intensified anxiety, psychotic symptoms, or confusion.

Stages of Alcohol Disease and Health Effects – Permanent Damage in Chronic Phase

In the chronic phase, the risk of permanent organ damage increases. Long-term alcohol abuse can lead to:

• serious liver diseases,

• nervous system damage,

• cardiovascular problems,

• cognitive function disorders, such as deterioration of memory, concentration, and logical thinking.

Untreated addiction at this stage often means progressive body depletion and real life threat, so even in an advanced stage of alcoholism, it's worth seeking specialized help as soon as possible. The earlier treatment begins, the greater the chance to stop further damage and safely go through withdrawal.

Degrees of Alcoholism and Daily Functioning – How to Recognize the Stage?

Degrees of alcoholism are easiest to notice not by the amount of promille, but by how drinking affects daily decisions, relationships, and obligations. In the initial stages, the alcoholic usually functions seemingly normally, but increasingly plans the day so that an opportunity to drink appears. Over time, tolerance grows, tension appears when alcohol is lacking, and breaks in drinking become shorter. In a more advanced stage of alcoholism, the priority changes: alcohol stops being an addition and becomes the axis of the day. Typical are justifying drinking, hiding the amount, conflicts at home, decline in work quality, and neglecting health. In heavier degrees, binges appear, withdrawal symptoms, and loss of control, i.e., situations where the person cannot stop drinking despite consequences. If you see that alcohol is beginning to rule the rhythm of your life, this is a signal to take the matter seriously and seek help.

6 Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction and Alcoholism Symptoms That Should Worry

Symptoms of alcohol addiction can be insidious, especially at the beginning. If they repeat regularly, it's worth treating them as a warning signal. The most common include:

1. Growing tolerance, i.e., the need for a larger amount of alcohol to feel the same effect.

1. Loss of control over drinking.

1. Drinking in inadequate or risky situations, e.g., before obligations, alone, in secret.

1. Alcohol hunger and tension when there's no possibility to drink, as well as thinking about alcohol in advance.

1. Withdrawal symptoms after a break: including tremors, sweating, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, heart palpitations.

1. Drinking despite consequences, i.e., continuing alcohol consumption despite health, family, or professional problems.

If you see several of these elements in yourself, this is not a weaker period but possible disease development. The earlier you consult the symptoms, the easier it is to stop the addiction's progress.

When to Seek Help – Support for Patients at Nasz Gabinet

It's worth seeking help especially when alcohol begins to serve as an emotion regulator or loss of control, binges, withdrawal symptoms, or hiding drinking appear. You don't need to wait for a spectacular crisis. Early reaction usually means a shorter path to regaining sobriety and less health damage. At our facility, you'll receive outpatient, discreet support adapted to the situation. If safe interruption of an alcohol binge is necessary, we offer safe detox, and we'll plan further steps to reduce relapse risk and really support change in daily life. If you have doubts, one contact is enough to discuss the situation and select the appropriate form of treatment.

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