Information and Facts About the Classic Alcoholic Behavior in the Four Stages of Alcoholism
Alcoholism is a progressive degenerative disease that can be analyzed and broken down into four stages of alcoholic behavior. It is asserted that one of the most productive ways to study the complexities involved in alcoholic behavior is to examine the classic alcoholic behaviors in each of the four stages of alcoholism.
Alcoholic Behavior in the First Stage of Alcoholism
In the first stage of alcoholism, drinking is no longer social but becomes a means of emotional escape from problems, inhibitions, anxiety, and in many instances, from the realities of life. Stated in another way, early in the disease an individual starts to depend on the mood altering capabilities of alcohol consumption.
Also at this stage of alcoholism, a gradual increase in tolerance develops, meaning that increasing amounts of alcohol are needed in order for the problem drinker to "feel the buzz" or to "get high."
Furthermore, it is common for people in the first stage of alcoholism to start quickly drinking a few alcoholic beverages before attending social functions and to increase social drinking to 3 to 5 drinks per day.
Alcoholic Behavior in the Second Stage of Alcoholism
In the second stage of alcoholism, the need to drink becomes more intense. During this stage of the disease, the individual frequently starts to drink earlier in the day. As tolerance increases, moreover, the person drinks because of dependence on alcohol, rather than because of emotional and psychological stress and anxiety relief. During this stage, loss of control does not yet happen on a regular basis; it is, however, gradually observed by others such as neighbors, co-workers, relatives, friends, and family members.
Denial
Also at this stage of the disease, the drinker may begin to feel shame and to worry about his or drinking. Although the disease is not yet full blown, drinkers during this stage are typically unsuccessful in their attempts to stop drinking. At this stage, some problem drinkers have been known to change brands of alcohol and/or to switch from hard liquor to wine coolers, beer or wine. Sadly, to help quiet the internal conflicts they now experience, problem drinkers during this stage of the disease resort to denial of the problem.
During this stage, physical symptoms such as hand tremors, hangovers, and stomach problems increase. Regrettably, rather than focusing on their drinking as the cause of the many problems they now face, drinkers during this stage start blaming others and things external to themselves.
Alcoholic Behavior in the Third Stage of Alcoholism
In the third stage of alcoholism, the loss of control becomes more pronounced and more problematic. This means that the alcoholic is usually unable to drink according to his or her intentions. For example, once the person takes the first drink, he or she can no longer control what will happen, even though the intention might have been to have one or two drinks. During this stage of the disease, the drinker starts to experience serious alcohol-related, financial, employment, legal, and relationship problems.
Avoidance of People and Eye-Openers
During this stage of the illness, the drinker frequently starts to avoid friends and family and commonly experiences a loss of interest in things that used to be important or fun. Also common during this stage are "eye-openers," that is, drinks that are taken whenever the alcoholic awakens. Eye-openers are usually taken to calm the nerves, lessen a hangover, or to quiet their feelings of remorse the problem drinker experiences after a period of time without ingesting a drink.
The Alcoholic Starts to Neglect Things
As the drinking increases the alcoholic starts to neglect most things of importance, even necessities such as personal hygiene, food, water, shelter, and personal relationships. Ironically, at this stage of the disease, rather than experiencing an increase in tolerance, the drinker experiences a decrease in alcohol tolerance, meaning that less alcohol is required by the alcoholic to feel the effects of alcohol. And finally, during this stage, the alcohol often makes half-hearted attempts at seeking medical assistance.
The Lack of Follow Through
Due to the fact that alcoholics usually fail to admit the extent of their drinking, unfortunately, they rarely receive any lasting medical treatment. Even when they disclose a small aspect of the "truth" regarding their drinking behavior with their doctor or with a health care professional, regrettably, they often fail to follow through with the medical instructions, therefore accomplishing little, if anything of significance regarding their disease.
Alcoholic Behavior in the Fourth Stage of Alcoholism
The fourth and final stage of alcoholism is characterized by a chronic loss of control. In the earlier stages of the disease, the alcoholic may have been successful in maintaining a job. Now, however, drinking starts earlier in the day and usually continues throughout the day. Few, if any, full-time work positions, however, can be maintained once an individual has reached this state of affairs.
The Alcohol Needs to Drink
In the earlier stages of dependency, the problem drinker has a choice whether or not he or she would take the first drink. Once the alcoholic had the first drink, he or she commonly lost all control and would then continue drinking. In the last stage of alcoholism, however, alcoholics no longer have a choice: they must consume alcohol in order to function on a daily basis.
Benders
During the last stage of alcoholism, benders are typical. That is, in this stage of the disease, the problem drinker gets helplessly and hopelessly drunk and may stay in this condition for days at a time. The unattainable goal for the drinker at this time is to recapture the feeling of euphoria he or she once experienced. In this stage, the alcoholic almost always exhibits an utter disregard for everything of importance, including food, shelter, personal hygiene, family, employment, and health. These occasional flights into oblivion, ironically, are best described as drinking to get away from the problems caused by drinking.
The Shakes
In the second or third stages of alcoholism the alcoholic's hands may have trembled slightly on mornings after getting drunk. In the final stage of alcoholism, however, alcoholics get "the shakes" whenever they try or are forced to abstain from drinking. These tremors are an indication of a severe nervous disorder that now affects the problem drinker's entire body.
The DTs
When "the shakes" are combined with hallucinations, the result is known as "the DTs" or delirium tremens, a potentially fatal form of alcohol withdrawal that can result if the problem drinker does not receive immediate alcoholism treatment. Not surprisingly, after an attack of the DTs, more than a few alcoholics promise to never drink again. Sadly, most of them do not and cannot fulfill their promise, and so they ultimately return to drinking and the negative, damaging, and unhealthy pattern of drinking starts all over again.
The Need For an Easily Accessible Supply of Alcohol
In the final stage of the disease, having an easily accessible supply of alcohol close at hand (to avoid "the shakes") becomes one of the most, if not the most important thing in the life of the alcoholic. During this stage, the alcoholic will do almost anything to get the alcohol they need. Once the alcohol is secured, alcoholics will commonly hide their bottles so that they can get a drink whenever they need it, which typically means any hour of the day or the night.
Classic Alcoholic Behavior: Conclusion
Based on the information articulated above, it is clear that the four stages of classic alcoholic behavior do not paint a pretty picture of the sad realities that most chronic alcoholics experience. Perhaps the damaging and unhealthy consequences of this disease might not make much of an impact on those who are already alcohol dependent. It is hoped, however, that exposing the facts about this disease to our youth BEFORE they start abusing alcohol will prevent many of our teens from suffering the grim fate of most alcoholics.
Alcoholic Behavior and Other Alcohol-Related Quick Facts
Did you know...
"According to substance abuse research, because the purity and dosage of illegal drugs (such as heroin) are uncontrolled, drug overdose is a constant risk. There are over 10,000 deaths directly attributable to drug abuse in the United States every year. The substances most frequently involved are cocaine, heroin, and morphine, often combined with alcohol or other drugs.""Researchers say it is not clear what mechanisms link early alcohol use to behavior problems later in life. It may be that alcohol disrupts the development of adequate social and academic skills that are needed to succeed later in life. Or early alcohol use may signal that an individual is predisposed to use drugs and develop other behavioral problems."
"According to alcoholism research, alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a group of symptoms manifested by people who suddenly quit drinking alcohol after a pattern of continuous and excessive consumption. These symptoms can range from mild to moderate to severe and include both physical and psychological components."
"Educate yourself about alcohol's effects on a person and the person's family. Learn how alcohol affects health and how it can lead to serious health problems. You can get information by contacting an alcohol and drug treatment center in your area and talking with a health professional trained in dealing with alcohol use problems."
"People in distress, whether it is from alcohol, drugs, depression, gambling or eating disorders usually display poor coping skills. These poor coping skills are often negatively impacting them and concerned people around them."
"U.S. driving statistics show that a driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.10 or greater is seven times more likely to be involved in a fatal motor vehicle crash than is a driver who has not consumed alcoholic beverages, and a driver with an alcohol concentration of 0.15 or greater is about 25 times more likely."
"It is estimated that in 1997, more than 30 million people in the United States and Europe suffered from chronic alcohol and drug addiction; approximately 22 million individuals with an alcohol addiction, 6 million individuals with a cocaine addiction and almost 2 million individuals with a heroin addiction."
"You can receive ongoing alcohol abuse support through aftercare programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous. You might want to discuss your need for a particular type of ongoing treatment or support program with your doctor or counselor."
"If you are convicted of drunk driving, your auto insurance premiums can double, and in some states, even triple. You may want to shop around; some companies specialize in high-risk policies."
"In the United States, depression is a common cause of alcoholism as the depressed person seeks a way out of their problems or a relief from insomnia. Unfortunately, alcohol is itself a depressant, so the problem is only compounded."
"Most teens are aware of the dangers of drinking and driving, yet many ignore it. And many don't seem to recognize the dangers of driving after using illicit drugs, including marijuana. Educational efforts need to be targeted to include the dangers of both drinking and drug-related driving."
"In a study called Project CHOICES, University of Virginia Health System researchers found that a few non-judgmental, non-confrontational counseling sessions had a significant impact on women at high risk for binge drinking, unplanned pregnancy, and exposure to alcohol during pregnancy."
"According to substance abuse research scientists, even at low doses, alcohol significantly impairs the judgment and coordination required to operate machinery or drive a vehicle safely. Research findings like these reinforce the following message: if you drink, don't drive."
"Recent research demonstrates that the drugs most likely to produce effective results when treating alcohol withdrawal symptoms are the benzodiazepines: the shorter-acting benzodiazepines such as Serax and Ativan or the longer-acting benzodiazepines like Valium and Librium."
"The Department of Transportation (DOT) procedures established for mandatory alcohol testing require the employment of a standardized breathalyzer. The categories of testing that are allowed by the DOT are the following: post-accident, reasonable suspicion, and random."
"Research has demonstrated that American children who are raised in single-family households are almost twice as likely to experience an alcohol-related problem such as alcohol abuse as compared with children who are raised by both parents in the same household."
"Lack of parental support, monitoring, and communication have been significantly related to frequency of drinking, heavy drinking, and drunkenness among adolescents. Harsh, inconsistent discipline and hostility or rejection toward children have also been found to significantly predict adolescent drinking and alcohol-related problems."
"People who begin to drink at a young age are at much higher risk of developing a problem with alcohol later in life. According to one research study, it was found that 45 percent of the people who began drinking before the age of 14 developed later alcohol dependence, compared with only 10 percent of those who waited until they were 21 or older to start drinking."
"Various studies have demonstrated that inpatient detoxification programs are longer lasting and more effective than outpatient detox programs. The significant issue here, however, is the following: the more severe the alcohol-related withdrawal symptoms, the more likely that inpatient detoxification programs should be used."
"To claim that alcoholism is a brain disease is not same thing as saying that people addicted to alcohol are not responsible for their actions, or that they are simply unsuspecting and unfortunate bystanders of the unhealthy and damaging effects excessive and abusive alcohol use has on their brains and on virtually every aspect of their lives."
"Recently in some states, another type of "driving under the influence" has been identified, namely, driving under the combined influence of alcohol and other drugs. Interestingly, the drugs contributing to the impaired condition do not need to be illegal. That is, these "other drugs" can be legal prescriptions or even over-the-counter remedies and treatments."
"Research shows that continual use of alcohol can lead to erosive gastritis, which can limit the absorption of nutrients and vitamins associated with several serious neurological and mental disorders, including memory loss, sleep disturbances, brain damage, loss of sexual responsiveness, and psychosis such as Korsakoff' syndrome and Wernike's Encephalopathy."
"Alcohol withdrawal is treated by oral or IV hydration along with medications that reverse the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. The most common medications used to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms are benzodiazepines."
"All treatment approaches to alcoholism recovery depend on the desire of the person to get and remain sober. Effective treatment programs enhance this motivation with intervention and therapy."
"You have an alcohol problem if your use of alcohol interferes with your health or daily living. You develop alcoholism if you become physically or psychologically dependent on alcohol."
New Twitter Follow
Denman's Twitter Posts!
New Featured Alcoholism-Related Lenses
-
Alcoholism Symptoms
-
As increasing numbers of individuals experience various symptoms of alcoholism, more and more people are asking how they can better cope with or significantly reduce these symptoms. Regarding symptoms of alcoholism, it is important to point out...
-
Alcohol Poisoning
-
Alcohol poisoning, also known as alcohol overdose, is a dangerous and sometimes deadly result of drinking extreme amounts of ethanol alcohol. It is important to point out that binge drinking (consuming five or more alcoholic drinks at one sitti...
-
Alcoholism Statistics
-
Alcoholism is a progressive degenerative disease that includes the following four symptoms: craving, physical dependence, the loss of control, and tolerance. There are a number of various issues regarding alcoholism that need to be s...
-
Alcohol Abuse Facts and Information
-
Here's some basic but important alcohol abuse information. Alcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking that results in ongoing alcohol-related relationship problems; the failure to attend to important responsibilities at home, school, or at work; dr...
-
The Four Stages of Alcoholism
-
Alcoholism is a progressive degenerative disease that includes the following four symptoms: craving, physical dependence, tolerance, and the loss of control. Alcoholism is a complex topic that can be better understood when it is studied an...
An Important and Relevant Fact
Every addictive substance elicits pleasant states or relieves anxiety and stress. Repeated use of the addictive substance induces adaptive changes in the brain that lead to physical dependence, uncontrollable craving, tolerance, and, all too frequently, relapse.
Great Alcohol Related Stuff on eBay
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
Great Alcohol-Related Stuff on CafePress
Your online store for alcohol-related products!
World's Greatest Sponsor Teddy Bear
"Ahh, sponsors- where would we be without them? Let them know they are the greatest."
Price: 15.99
ALCOHOL ABUSE AWARENESS Women's Cap Sleeve T-Shirt
Raise alcohol abuse awreness with the Stomp Out Alcohol Abuse t-shirt.
Price: 30.99
Recovery Gift-Teddy Bear: 1 year clean&sober (bl)
A gift for someone who is clean and sober one year!
Price: 16.99
More Great Alcohol-Related Stuff on CafePress
Words to Live By Hooded Sweatshirt
You have heard most of these wonderful words at some point in your life. It's unbelievable just how true they really are.
Price: 27.99
Have a sober day t-shirts & more BBQ Apron
A reminder about the importance of sobriety for "problem drinkers" who love to BBQ!
Price: 19.99
Sweet, Sexy and Sober Cap
Take a look at our wonderful hats and caps. We are not a glum lot : )
Price: 17.99
I am allergic to alcohol Long Sleeve Dark T-Shirt
A reminder of the power of alcohol and relapse.
Price: 33.99
Even More Great Alcohol-Related Stuff on CafePress
Happy Joyous & Free Tile Coaster
God knows you went through hell to get there so why not shout it to the world!
Price: 7.50
"Got Serenity?" Infant/Toddler T-Shirt
A reminder of the importance of serenity in life.
Price: 11.99
don't give up before the miracle Women's T-Shirt
A message of hope about the miracle of recovery.
Price: 25.99
7 days without a meeting Teddy Bear
A cute reminder that 7 Days without a meeting makes one Weak!
Price: 17.99
IT WORKS IF YOU WORK IT Men's Sleeveless Tee
An inspirational gift for the celebration of sobriety and recovery.
Price: 16.49
Current News About Alcoholic Behavior from Yahoo News
Your online resource about alcoholic behavior news, facts, and info
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byReader Feedback
Thank you for visiting my "Alcoholic Behavior" lens. Feel free to post a quick hello and share some of your thoughts and stories about alcoholism and alcohol abuse.
Thanks,
denman4
|
zenzine
Yours is one of the lenses I do appreciate. Organized, clear, and the content is very juicy! I've knew a lot of people who have been in the stages you mentioned, and people dropping by in your lens can really say "you're right!". Posted September 23, 2008 |
|
prevageprice
Great lens!This has got lots of information regarding alcoholic behaviour and It is very useful to people. Posted August 31, 2008 |
|
|
BradChamp
Great lens.. Check out my lens on fat loss 4 idiots Posted August 28, 2008 |
|
qlcoach
Five Star Lens! There is a generic feature to addictions that cause people to abuse themselves and others. Thanks for sharing this lens. Please see how I try to help others in new ways too: Posted August 27, 2008 |
|
deepwrinklecream
Hi,This lens is very impressive and attractive as well. It is amazing to visit such a good lens. Posted August 25, 2008 |
Great Books About Alcoholic Behavior From Amazon
Your online resource for books about alcoholic behavior and other alcohol-related topics from Amazon
Substance Abuse: Information for School Counselors, Social Workers, Therapists, and Counselors (3rd Edition)
Amazon Price: $81.60 (as of 10/13/2008)
Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How Many Thousands of Men and Women Have Recovered from Alcoholism
Amazon Price: $10.85 (as of 10/13/2008)
Adult Children of Alcoholics
Amazon Price: $10.36 (as of 10/13/2008)
Love First: A New Approach to Intervention for Alcoholism and Drug Addiction (A Hazelden Guidebook) (Hezelden Guidebook)
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 10/13/2008)
Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 10/13/2008)
Alcoholic Behavior and Alcohol-Related Bookmarkers From Del.icio.us
Your online resource for social bookbarkers about alcoholic behavior and other alcohol-related topics
Alcoholic Behavior and Alcohol-Related Videos From YouTube
Your online resource for alcoholic behavior and other alcohol-related videos
News About Alcoholic Behavior from Google
Your online resource for up-to-the-minute facts, info, and news about alcoholic behavior and other alcohol-related topics
- Alcoholic burglar given 'last chance'
- By Craig Evry » AN alcoholic burglar who breached his curfew to steal booze has escaped jail for the third time in four months. Andrew Fodey, 20, of Alcock ...
- Survivor vows to help other girls
- Ms Douglas has volunteered for a children's charity, attends church, applied for university, regularly attends Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and intends to ...
- : Doug Thorburn’s October 2008 Addiction Report Leads with ...
- They have, however, one key similarity: they are both sons of alcoholics. Barack Obama Sr. met Ann Dunham while both were studying at the University of ...
- Fears over ‘hidden’ stay-at-home alcoholics
- By Gavin Aitchison » SOARING costs in pubs and clubs are creating a hidden mass of stay-at-home alcoholics in York, it was warned today. ...
Stages of Alcoholism and Classic Alcoholic Behavior Links
- Late Stage Alcoholism
- Late stage alcoholism usually means the fourth and final stage of alcoholism. The late stage of alcoholism is characterized by a chronic loss of control.
- Alcoholism - Last Stage
- Alcoholism - Last Stage. The fourth and final stage of alcoholism is characterised by a chronic loss of control. In the last stage of alcoholism alcoholics no longer have a choice: they rnust drink.
- Classic Alcoholic Behavior
- Classic alcoholic behavior typically includes an increase in drinking, denial, and problems and a decrese in health, control, and will power as alcoholism increases.
- Alcoholism Stages
- Alcoholism is a progressive degenerative disease that can be better understood when it is analyzed and evaluated via the four alcoholism stages.
Alcoholic Behavior News and Info from Moreover
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byAlcoholic Behavior RSS Feeds From Sphere
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byAlcoholic Behavior News and Info from MSN News
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byAlcoholic Behavior RSS Feeds from BlogDigger
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byAlcoholic Behavior News and Info from Bloglines
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byAlcoholism News from the Oxford Journals
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byAlcoholism News from Clinical and Experimental Research
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byAlcoholic Behavior News from Google Blogs
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byNews about Alcoholic Behavior from the Librarians Internet Index
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byNews about Alcoholic Behavior from ehow.com
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byAlcohol and Drug-Related Links
about alcoholism information - alcohol essentials
- About Alcoholism Information
- People need relevant information about alcoholism if they are to become more aware about and steer clear of the unhealthy and dangerous effects of alcoholism.
- Info About Drug Abuse
- Drug abuse is defined as the excessive and repeated use of drugs to elicit pleasure or to escape from pain, problems, or reality despite negative consequences.
- Getting Sober and Staying Sober
- Learn more about sobriety, getting alcoholism treatment, and getting sober and staying sober so you can reclaim your life and start your alcohol recovery.
- Alcohol Abuse Info
- Discover new alcohol abuse information, alcohol abuse statistics, facts about the abuse of alcohol and the major problems that are related to alcohol abuse.
- Alcohol Abuse Basic Info
- Alcohol abuse often results in relationship issues, home, work, or school problems, legal difficulties, and physical injury during a twelve-month time period.
- Alcohol Abuse Details and Facts
- Alcohol abuse details is an informational website about alcohol use and abuse and the physical, social, emotional, and health effects of alcohol abuse.
- Alcohol Abuse Essential Info
- Alcohol abuse essentials is an informational website about alcohol use and abuse and the emotional, health, social, legal, and physical effects of alcohol abuse.
- Alcohol Addiction Info
- Learn how to read the signs of alcohol addiction and alcohol addiction information to change from a focus on alcohol and addiction to alcohol and sobriety.
- Essential Info About Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
- Alcohol essentials is an educational and informational website about alcohol use and abuse, alcoholism, alcohol addiction, and other alcohol-related topics.
Drug and Alcohol Related Resources
alcohol facts - alcohol treatment info
- Alcohol Facts
- Alcohol Facts is an educational and informational resource about alcohol abuse, alcohol intervention, sobriety, alcoholism, alcohol rehab, alcohol treatment, alcohol detox, and other alcohol-related topics.
- Alcohol Information
- Learn about relevant alcohol information and how alcohol awareness is needed in order to reduce or avoid the negative and unhealthy effects of excessive and irresponsible drinking.
- Alcohol Recovery Info
- Learn more about alcoholism and alcohol recovery and how alcohol dependent individuals need to quit drinking, get treatment, and stay sober so they can recover from their disease.
- Alcohol Test Info
- Discover why alcohol tests are increasing in the United States, what types of alcohol tests are employed, and why testing for alcohol is so important in the U.S. workplace.
- Alcohol Treatment Info
- Alcohol treatment programs typically employ a combination of education, staff support, counseling, and doctor prescribed medications to help a person stop drinking, attain sobriety, and start on the alcohol recovery process.
Drug and Alcohol Related Resources
alcoholics info - drug addiction facts
- Alcoholics Info
- Alcoholics Info is a website about what an alcoholic is, alcoholic behavior, consequences of alcoholism and the difference between alcohol abuse and alcoholism.
- Alcoholics Information
- Alcoholics Information is an educational resource about alcoholics, alcoholics information and alcoholic behavior by people who have developed alcoholism.
- Alcoholism Information
- Learn more about alcoholism, the causes of alcoholism, and various other bits of alcoholism information that will lead to more awareness about this disease.
- All About Alcoholism
- What is alcoholism? Learn more about alcoholism symptoms and why alcohol dependent people need professional alcoholism help to recovery from this disease.
- Drug Abuse Facts
- Drug abuse involves the excessive and repeated use of a drug in order to elicit pleasure or to escape from problems or reality despite negative consequences.
- Drug Addiction Facts
- Drug Addiction Facts is an educational resource that discusses drug addiction which is a debilitating disease that includes physical dependence, craving, the loss of control, and tolerance.
Alcohol and Drug Related Resources
drug addiction info - key alcohol info
- Drug Addiction Info
- Drug addiction is a debilitating disease that includes the following symptoms: the loss of control, craving, tolerance, and physical dependence.
- Drug Addiction Information
- Drug Addiction Information is an educational resource about drug addiction. Drug addiction is a debilitating disease that includes the following symptoms: craving, physical dependence, tolerance, and the loss of control.
- Info About Alcoholism
- People need more accurate info about alcoholism if they are to become more aware about and avoid the unhealthy and damaging consequences of alcoholism.
- Key Alcohol Info
- Key Alcohol Info is an educational resource that features information about alcohol use and abuse, alcoholism, alcohol addiction, alcohol rehab, and other alcohol-related topics.