Individuals who are addicted to alcohol and are diagnosed with an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) may experience many symptoms that are more severe based on the stage of alcoholism they fall in.
At Starbridge Recovery, we can support individuals in any stage of alcoholism with our innovative and forward-thinking treatment programs. Contact us to see how our luxury treatment can support you.
What Causes Alcoholism?
While no one thing specifically causes alcoholism, individuals can have more significant risks based on a few specific factors. Things like underage drinking, genetic history of alcoholism, and mental health can all impact the likelihood of developing an addiction to alcohol.
Underage drinking plays a factor in the likelihood of developing alcoholism. Because this shows a level of irresponsibility and the early development of an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, the sneaking, thrill, and likelihood of binge drinking in these situations can increase the risk for individuals drinking under the age of 21. Additionally, a study determined that individuals that start drinking under the age of 15 are five times as likely to develop an alcohol use disorder than other individuals.
Additionally, genetic history and environment also play a factor in the development of an alcohol use disorder. Individuals who have a biological parent who struggles with addiction or who are raised in an environment where addiction and unsafe drinking practices are evident are more likely to demonstrate unsafe drinking habits based on how they were raised. While this is not a guarantee that a person will become an alcoholic, individuals are approximately 60% more likely to develop alcoholism if they have a parent who is an alcoholic.
Mental health also plays a huge factor in the development of an alcohol use disorder. Individuals who struggle with mental health disorders like depression, trauma, and ADHD are more likely to develop an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. Additionally, individuals may use alcohol to modify their symptomatic behavior or mood for undiagnosed conditions.
Finally, it is important to note that alcoholism can happen to anyone, and these factors do not need to apply; they simply increase the likelihood of development.
What are the Stages of Alcoholism?
Many individuals are problem drinkers or excessive drinkers who never develop alcoholism; however, these unsafe drinking habits like binge drinking or drinking more than eight drinks for women and 15 drinks for men per week increase the risk of developing a tolerance and dependence on alcohol.
Alcoholism has three stages; mild, moderate, and severe, which is the standard for medical professionals to assess substance use disorders. According to the following criteria, if you have at least two symptoms on this list, you have an alcohol use disorder. Mild AUD is described as 2-3 symptoms, 4-5 are moderate AUD, and six or more indicate a severe AUD.
- Have you consumed more alcohol than originally intended?
- Have you ever tried to cut down on drinking but failed to do so?
- Do you spend an excessive amount of time drinking, or recovering from drinking?
- Have you had trouble thinking about anything besides drinking?
- Have you found that drinking—or being sick from drinking—often interfered with taking care of your responsibilities at work, home, or school?
- Have you continued to drink even though it was causing trouble with your family or friends?
- Have you given up or cut back on activities that were important or interesting to you, or gave you to order to drink?
- Have you hurt yourself while using equipment or taking place in activities while intoxicated?
- Have you continued to drink even though it was making you feel depressed or anxious or adding to another health problem? Or after having had a memory blackout?
- Have you had to drink much more than you once did to get the effect you want? Or found that your usual number of drinks had much less effect than before?
- Have you found that when the effects of alcohol were wearing off, you had withdrawal symptoms, such as trouble sleeping, shakiness, restlessness, nausea, sweating, a racing heart, or a seizure? Or sensed things that were not there?
What are the Signs of Late Stage Alcoholism?
Late-stage alcoholism can have noticeable health problems associated with severe AUD. For example, heavy use can cause problems with the brain, heart, liver, pancreas, cancer, and immune system.
According to the NHS, individuals who are dependent on alcohol will experience increased physical and mental symptoms in addition to social issues like increased risk of homelessness, unemployment, and domestic abuse.
Finding Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Southern California
Starbridge Recovery is a luxury alcohol addiction treatment program in Southern California capable of supporting individuals experiencing mild alcoholism through late-stage alcoholism. Through our combination of traditional and unique addiction treatment programs, clients can work to develop the necessary skills to successfully maintain sobriety.
Contact us today to see how our treatment program can help you through any stage of recovery.