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.

4. This in turn is indicative of an increased drug
tolerance. 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. 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.

6. 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. 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.

7. 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.
It is important to recognize that not all symptoms
need to occur at each stage to move on to the
next one. Further, they may not occur in the
same order as outlined above. However the
progression of the disease of addiction follows
a predictable curve, and if left untreated, the
consequences are fatal. It is important to note
that the addict can enter addiction recovery in
any stage of the disease so that it can get
arrested.

8. Resources:
http://sobamesa.com
http://ezinearticles.com/?Progressive-Stages-of-Alcohol-
Addiction&id=8965823