It is a well established fact that addiction is a disease, and a progressive one at that.

1. Progressive Stages of
Alcohol Addiction

2. It is a well established fact that addiction is a disease, and a
progressive one at that. The disease can be broadly classified into
three different stages: Early stage, middle stage, late stage. Each
stage is characterized by certain behaviours and cognitive
mechanisms. In addiction recovery the client and family are
helped to identify the current stage of addiction the client is
currently in. Families approach de-addiction treatment centres
usually in the last stage.

3. In the early stage, the individual begins to sneak drinks/drugs. He also
becomes preoccupied with alcohol/drugs and spends time in thinking of
ways to obtain, use or hide his substance abuse. Then in order to what is
popularly called as "chasing the high", he begins to change his
consumption pattern by gulping the drink fast instead of sipping it, or
using other ways to speed up the drug intake for example, injecting
directly. He will also start avoiding reference to his using and start to
experience memory blackouts. These blackouts render him incapable of
remembering certain incidents or periods of time while he was under
the influence. This in turn is indicative of an increased drug tolerance.

4. Well wishers may suggest drug and alcohol de-addiction centre's as a
preventative measure. Next, he will also begin to feel the need to use
before and after social occasions. This suggests a compromised ability
to integrate into a social structure (parties, weddings, other social
occasions); and is often also accompanied by isolation. Soon after this
comes 'relief drinking' where he begins to feel uncomfortable in
situations without the alcohol/drugs.

5. In the middle stage, the user experiences a loss of control over his use. The
value system begins to get affected, along with an increased frequency
of relief drinking/using there is dishonesty about the use, and its
consequences. The user will try to come up with different ways to hide
or lie about using. Often others are also made to lie to protect him
against the consequences of his using. Now he starts experiencing
'morning craving' and needs a drink or to use his drug as soon as he
wakes up.

6. Due to his loss of control, he tries periods of forced abstinence or attempts
to change geographical location to bring using under control but they
are not successful. Others around him disapprove of his using.
Aggression and rationalization is common. In alcohol de-addiction
treatment the cognitive distortions, such as rationalization, minimizing,
diverting are addressed. This is often part of a greater problem of
denial, which is a primitive self defense mechanism against the harsh
reality of the addict's addiction and its losses. It is because of this denial
that addiction recovery is greatly delayed.

7. He also builds unreasonable resentments and devalues personal
relationships. Unable to sustain a job, he often loses it. At this point a
majority of his drinking/using is done alone. Grandiosity is evident in
an attempt to cover up feelings of low self esteem. He once again
attempts to control, but fails. Poor eating is common. Sexual drive is
affected.

8. In the late stage of drug and alcohol addiction, he experiences shakes and
tremors and in order to control them, he starts to go on lengthy binges.
Thinking and cognitive processes are impaired. Irrationality prevails.
The guilt experienced in the previous stage turns into persistent
remorse. Addressing this guilt is a big part of addiction recovery.
Emotional instability increases, and tolerance decreases. Physical health
and moral standards deteriorate significantly. At this stage, he is usually
admitted into a drug and alcohol de-addiction centre for treatment or
into a psychiatric hospital. By this stage he has exhausted all alibis and
if help is still not sought, it usually results in death.

9. You can find help here:
http://goo.gl/uz5sDc

10. Good luck! Bye!