According to his purpose, the three stages of alcoholism are called early stage alcoholism, middle stage alcoholism, and late stage alcoholism.
1. Early stage alcoholism
Also known as the beginning or the "honeymoon phase" of alcoholism, this stage typically lasts for 1-5 years and involves increased alcohol consumption over time. During this period, the individual may still be functioning relatively well in their personal and professional lives. However, they might feel the need to consume alcohol to cope with stress, anxiety, or social situations. The early stage of alcoholism is often characterized by a growing dependence on alcohol, but the individual may not yet recognize this dependence.
2. Middle stage alcoholism
In this stage, the individual's alcohol consumption has escalated significantly, and their addiction has worsened over the years. The individual may experience blackouts, memory loss, and other negative consequences of heavy drinking. As the dependency on alcohol becomes more severe, the person may find it difficult to stop drinking and may experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop. Social and occupational functioning may also decline during this stage, and the individual may find it increasingly difficult to cope with everyday life.
3. Late stage alcoholism
The late stage of alcoholism is also referred to as the "end stage" or "chronic stage" and occurs when the individual's addiction has progressed significantly and is in a critical condition. At this point, the person may experience physical and mental problems, such as liver cirrhosis, malnutrition, depression, and other health complications. Their ability to function in daily life is severely impaired, and they may become isolated and develop a sense of hopelessness. The late stage of alcoholism often requires professional help to manage symptoms and provide support for the individual and their family.