How To Identify Stages of Alcohol Addiction-CBT Kenya

There are five stages of alcoholism that a person will go through before he or she can be classed as an alcoholic.

Knowing the signs and symptoms of each stage can aid you in seeking help before your problem turns into dependence and addiction.

1.Experimenting:

The first stage of alcoholism is a general experimentation with alcohol. These drinkers may be new to different forms of alcohol and likely to test their limits. This experimental stage is commonly seen in young adults.

2. Increased tolerance:

Drinkers leave the experimental stage when their alcohol consumption becomes more frequent. Instead of just drinking at parties once in a while, you may find yourself drinking every weekend.

3.Negative Consequences:

Uncontrolled alcohol abuse eventually leads to problem drinking. While any form of alcohol abuse is problematic, the term “problem drinker” refers to someone who starts experiencing the impacts of their habit.

You may become more depressed, more anxious, or start losing sleep. You may start to feel sick from heavy drinking but enjoy its effects too much to care. Many drinkers at this stage are more likely to drink and drive or experience legal troubles as a result of their drinking.

4.Dependence:

Dependence forms after the problem drinking stage.

At this point, you have an attachment to alcohol that has taken over your routine. You’re aware of the adverse effects, but no longer have control over your alcohol consumption.

Alcoholism has two facets: dependence and addiction. A person can be dependent on alcohol, but not yet addicted.

Alcohol dependence also means that you have developed a tolerance for drinking. As a result, you may have to drink larger quantities to get “buzzed” or drunk. Increased drinking has more damaging effects on the body.

5.Addiction

The final stage of alcoholism is an addiction. At this stage, you no longer want to drink just for pleasure. Alcohol addiction is characterized by a physical and psychological need to drink.

People with alcohol addiction physically crave the substance and are often inconsolable until they start drinking again. They may be addicted to other drugs as well.

One of the biggest concerns with risky drinkers is when they don’t think they have a problem. Any stage of alcoholism is problematic. Moderate drinking is the only safe way to consume alcohol, but drinking, in general, isn’t safe for everyone.

Identifying problems with alcohol early can help prevent dependence and addiction. Medical treatment may be necessary to detoxify the body of alcohol and to obtain a fresh start. Since many people with alcoholism endure psychological problems, individual or group therapy may help in overcoming addiction.

Treatment For Addiction

Addiction to alcohol can be treated through rehabilitation.

Residential rehabilitation – rehab for short – describes a drug and/or alcohol treatment programme that is provided in a residential setting. It is a general term for intensive, supervised programs designed to help people stop using drugs or alcohol and give them the tools they need to live a healthy life.

Below is a list of rehabilitation centres in Coast Region, Kenya.

References