The development of alcoholism goes through three main stages. The first stage in the development of alcoholism is marked by mental dependence, the second – by the emergence and progression of dependence in the physical plane, at the third stage of the development of alcoholism, the final formation of dependence occurs.
The first stage of the development of alcoholism
At this stage, people suffering from alcohol dependence usually lose their protective reflexes from alcohol consumption, that is, they acquire the ability to drink several times more than usual. The gag reflex can be detected when alcohol is consumed after prolonged abstinence, on the basis of a long binge, when the chronic gastrointestinal tract worsens. In addition, vomiting can open in case of severe intoxication with artificial alcohol substitutes, which are now offered in a large assortment to the consumer.
Symptoms of the first stage of the development of alcoholism:
– a change in tolerance, expressed in the loss of protective reflexes of the body and the ability of a person to consume a large amount of even strong alcohol;
– loss of the ability to self-control, that is, a person becomes unable to stop after a certain amount of drunk;
– the development of a painful craving for alcohol, expressed in an irresistible desire to drink;
– the development of mental dependence on alcohol, forcing a person to take alcohol again and again, in spite of the developing dependence.
The second stage of the development of alcoholism
The second stage is considered the “flourishing” of alcoholic illness, the main symptom of which is the hangover syndrome.
The hangover syndrome, which forms at the first stage of the development of alcoholism, appears at the second stage after almost every drinking period. In particular, it is especially intense with prolonged binges. The desire to get drunk can often completely suppress all other aspirations and desires. Hangover syndrome usually lasts from two days to three weeks. After that, for about a month, asthenoneurotic phenomena are noted , consisting in the loss of normal sleep, rapid fatigue, nervousness and extreme irritability, and a decrease in working capacity.
In other words, the second stage in the development of alcoholism presupposes a distinction between two forms of alcohol consumption – permanent and cyclical. However, even this kind of dependence on alcohol in some cases may not go beyond the norm. Nevertheless, at this stage, the narrowing of the interests of the dependent person is clearly visible.
The third stage in the development of alcoholism
The last stage in the development of addiction is characterized by complete destruction of the brain, which becomes the cause of personality degradation.
The types of drinking at this stage are a reflection of the latest rise in the reserves of the human body. On the basis of a sharp reduction in tolerance and self-control, regular binges or constant alcohol intoxication are noted. The sobriety interval is usually very short, lasting no more than a month. The saturation of the body with alcohol occurs continuously, ending at the moment when, as they say, “no longer climbs.” The hangover period is longer than the binge period. The hangover at this stage is extremely difficult. Seizures and delirium tremens are very common.
Continuous drinking is characterized by an intense reduction in susceptibility to alcoholic beverages. The addicted person should take alcohol in small doses, but throughout the day, even at night. The developing reduction in the one-time and daily amount of alcohol occurs for the simple reason that the alcoholic’s body is extremely depleted.