PROGRESSIVE STAGES OF ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE

Early

·         Escape drinking

·         Binge Drinking

·         Guilt feelings

·         Sneaking drinks

·         Difficulty stopping once drinking has begun

·         Increased tolerance

·         Preoccupation with drinking

·         Occasional blackouts

Middle

• Loss of control
• Self-hate
• Impaired social relationships
• Changes in drinking patterns (more frequent binge drinking)
• Temporary sobriety
• Morning drinking
• Dietary neglect
• Increased blackouts

Late

• Prolonged binges
• Alcohol used to control withdrawal symptoms
• Alcohol psychosis
• Nutritional disease
• Frequent blackouts