Awareness

What Are the Stages of Alcoholism: Signs, Risks, and Support

Written By

Jagruti Rehab

Published on: 14 Jun 2025

Alcoholism is a common term for Alcohol Use Disorder. It is a medical condition that progresses with time and has a serious impact on the body and mind of the patients and their families. Identifying the warning signs of the disease early is crucial for seeking effective treatment and achieving a complete recovery. 

This blog explores the different stages of alcoholism and suggests ways to identify them and when to seek support. With the right guidance, such as that offered at Jagruti Rehabilitation Centre, recovery is always possible.

What Are the Stages of Alcoholism?

Alcoholism is not a medical condition that appears overnight, it develops with time. Alcoholism typically starts with a curiosity and self-discovery, then it turns to occasional harmless drinking and gradually progresses into life-altering addictions. Cognisance of the varied stages of alcoholism is crucial to identify the early warning signs of the disease and take appropriate action before it starts affecting lives.

1. Pre-Alcoholic Stage

Pre-alcoholic stages of alcoholism are marked by:

• Occasional drinking: Drinking begins in the form of discovering and tasting a new item and occasionally, or during social meet-ups, taking a peg or two.
• Managing stress: Individuals consume alcohol to relax, manage stress, and anxiety, or control sleep disturbances.
• Increased tolerance: Tolerance for alcohol increases with time, and more alcohol is needed to get the buzz. 

In this stage of alcoholism, people do not notice significant changes in the patient. Detecting the patient’s downhill trend towards the disease becomes difficult.

2. Early-Stage Alcoholism

You can notice people in the early stages of alcoholism when:

• Drinking becomes frequent: At this stage, drinking is no longer an occasional or casual activity; it is frequent and turns into a coping mechanism. 
• Issues are ignored: Patients start hiding their alcohol drinking habits, minimise the alcohol drinking issues and deny that their drinking is turning into a problem. 
• Lifestyle changes: People associated with the patient start to notice changes in the patient’s behaviour, mood and lifestyle.
• Alcohol is craved: Tolerance for alcohol becomes high, and patients crave alcohol.

3. Middle-Stage Alcoholism

In middle-stage alcoholism, alcohol dependence in patients is palpable to those who stay and work with them. Here is how to recognise them:

• Dependency takes hold: The patient feels the physical and psychological need for alcohol. They go through withdrawal symptoms when alcohol is not consumed. It includes, but is not exclusive to, anxiety, shakiness, or sweating.
• Neglects responsibilities: The patient takes no notice of their domestic, professional or academic responsibilities. 
• Physical health deteriorates: Alcohol takes a toll on the patient's physical health. It can swell up the liver or bring in digestive issues.

4. Late-Stage or End-Stage Alcoholism

The end stage of alcoholism is detrimental to patients’ lives - physically, socially, emotionally and financially. Noticeable warning signs of patients in this stage of the disease include:

• Alcohol dominates lives: In this stage, alcohol takes control over the patients’ lives. Patients don't have any control over the amount of their alcohol consumption. They prioritise drinking over their health, their connections with their loved ones and their career.
• Suffer from chronic health issues: Patients suffer from deadly and chronic health issues. It can range from liver cirrhosis to cardiological issues and brain damage.
• Socially isolate themselves: The patients isolate themselves socially and suffer from severe emotional distress that can often lead to life-threatening complications.

Recognising these stages of alcoholism is the first step towards seeking help. Early intervention can prevent long-term damage and open the door to recovery.

5. End-Stage Alcoholism and Health Complications

Many people ask, "What is the last stage of alcoholism?" The final or end-stage is marked by severe physical, emotional, and psychological deterioration. At this point, alcohol addiction completely dominates the individual’s life.

Major health risks in end-stage alcoholism include:

• Liver cirrhosis and failure
• Heart disease and high blood pressure
• Pancreatitis
• Brain damage or memory issues
• Weakened immune system
• Mental health disorders like depression and psychosis

Withdrawal without medical help can be dangerous and even fatal. That’s why supervised detox at centres like Jagruti Rehabilitation Centre is essential. Comprehensive treatment at this stage focuses on managing complications and restoring dignity and health.

Related Learning: Alcoholism Case Study

Am I in Danger of Alcoholism?

If you are concerned about your drinking or someone else's, ask these important questions:

• Do I often drink more than I intended?
• Do I feel anxious or unwell when I don’t drink?
• Do I need alcohol to feel relaxed or happy?
• Have loved ones commented on my drinking habits?

If you answered yes to any of the above, it could indicate a developing alcohol use disorder. It is essential to act early and seek professional guidance.

The 3 Stages of Alcoholism Recovery

Recovery is possible at any stage with the right treatment and support. The recovery journey typically includes:

1. Detoxification
   • Safely removing alcohol from the body under medical supervision
2. Safely removing alcohol from the body under medical supervision
3. Rehabilitation
   • Therapy, counselling, and skill-building to understand and manage addiction
4. Therapy, counselling, and skill-building to understand and manage addiction
5. Maintenance and Aftercare
   • Ongoing support to prevent relapse and maintain healthy habits
6. Ongoing support to prevent relapse and maintain healthy habits
7. Safely removing alcohol from the body under medical supervision
8. Therapy, counselling, and skill-building to understand and manage addiction
9. Ongoing support to prevent relapse and maintain healthy habits

At Jagruti Rehabilitation Centre in Bangalore, we personalise treatment plans to address every stage of alcoholism and ensure long-term recovery success.

Why Choose Jagruti Rehabilitation Centre for Alcohol Addiction Support?

At Jagruti Rehabilitation Centre, we understand the emotional and physical burden of alcoholism. We provide a compassionate, respectful environment where individuals can heal. Our experienced team offers:

• 24/7 medical and psychological care
• Individualised detox and rehabilitation plans
• Therapy and group counselling sessions
• Holistic approaches, including mindfulness, nutrition, and fitness

For elderly individuals dealing with alcohol dependence. Our team ensures older adults receive age-appropriate care and attention for both physical and mental wellness.

Author

Jagruti Rehabilitation Centre is a leading facility specializing in mental health, dementia, and addiction recovery. The team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and caregivers is committed to empowering individuals on their journey to recovery.