
What Is Alcoholism?
Alcoholism was identified in 1956 as an illness by the American Medical Association (AMA). It's a disease—an altering of the brain that controls a person's motivation and ability to make healthy choices. Once it takes hold, it can be hard to shake loose—without the right help.
Potential Predictors of Alcohol Use Disorders
Some factors pop up again and again when determining who might have an issue with alcoholism. The first factor is the age at which a person has his or her first drink (the younger people are when they first start drinking, the more likely they are to drink more heavily into adulthood); the other factors are genetics and environment. If you're in the "at-risk" population, it doesn't take much to become dependent on alcohol or other drugs. No one plans on becoming dependent.
The most destructive form of alcoholism is chronic alcoholism, an emotionally, socially, and physically devastating disease. Alcoholism emerges from alcohol abuse when there's a pattern of drinking despite adverse consequences. Alcoholism and alcohol abuse are both categorized as alcohol use disorders—affecting people of all ages and stages of life. The severity of the disease lies on a spectrum, ranging from mild to severe dependence, also known as chronic alcoholism (although even a mild disorder can spiral out of control without early treatment). Many people can drink alcohol and not become addicted. But for some, drinking alcohol leads to alcoholism.
The Stages of Alcoholism: Recognizing the Signs
The Jellinek Curve, created by E. Morton Jellinek in the 1950s and later revised by British psychiatrist Max Glatt, is a chart that describes the typical phases of alcoholism and recovery. The point of this research was to show that alcohol addiction is a progression, and there's a "vicious circle" associated with obsessive drinking, with much to lose along the way if people don't seek help. The curve shows that life can get worse if the cycle of dependence isn't broken, but it can also get better through recovery.
Stage 1: Pre-Alcoholic Do you drink to feel better about yourself? Do you drink to dull the pain? Do you drink to forget, stop worrying, or eliminate anxiety? If so, your drinking could escalate without help.
Stage 2: Early Alcoholic Blacking out from drinking too much is a warning sign of this stage, along with lying about drinking, drinking excessively, and thinking obsessively about drinking.
Stage 3: Middle Alcoholic At this point, it's evident to those close to you that you're struggling. You might miss work, forget to pick up the kids, become irritable, and notice physical signs of alcohol abuse (facial redness, weight gain or loss, sluggishness, stomach bloating). Support groups can be a highly effective form of help at this stage.
Stage 4: Late Alcoholic At this stage, drinking becomes everything in your life, often at the expense of your livelihood, your health, and your relationships. Attempts to stop drinking can result in tremors or hallucinations, but therapy, detox, and rehab can help you get your life back.
Stage 5: Recovery Once stabilized, the goal is to transition from detox to treatment, to maintenance (practicing sober living by changing your life), to transcendence—the final step in the path to recovery.

Do You Need Help? 10 Warning Signs of Alcoholism
Recognizing the symptoms of alcoholism can make a tremendous difference in getting proper treatment and heading down the path to recovery. Some warning signs include:
Drinking more than planned or intended
Failing to fulfill obligations at school, work or home (making drinking a priority, despite responsibilities, leading to missed school or work)
Continuing to use despite negative impacts on relationships, financial situation or health
Using in situations that could be physically hazardous, like drinking and driving
Showing an increased tolerance to alcohol (drinking more in order to achieve the same desired effect). Because the brain changes with alcohol abuse, one of the first physiological signs of addiction is building up a tolerance.
Experiencing physical or psychological withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop drinking (anxiety, depression, insomnia, nausea, sweating, hand tremors/"the shakes," confusion, seizures and visual hallucinations)
Losing interest in once-enjoyed activities or becoming socially isolated
Becoming dishonest or secretive, aggressive, moody, or temperamental—people who have an alcohol addiction will try to hide it.
Craving alcohol, such as drinking first thing in the morning
Spending an inordinate amount of time thinking about drinking, acquiring alcohol, and recovering from hangovers
Some Physical Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction
Rapid weight gain or loss
Slow or staggering walk
Inability to sleep or stay awake
Unexplained bruises or marks
Glazed or red eyes
Cold, sweaty palms or shaking hands
Puffy face, blushing or paleness
Nausea, vomiting or excessive sweating
Low or no energy
Depressed or anxious
Deterioration of personal appearance or hygiene
If you think a family member or loved one might be showing signs, signals or symptoms of alcoholism, know that it won't "go away" on its own. Their brain is changing—and without help, there can be serious long-term consequences. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, "an estimated 88,000 people die from alcohol-related causes annually, making alcohol the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States."
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