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From Social Drinker to Alcoholic |
Progression to Alcoholism:
There is a progression towards the development of alcoholism beginning with the acquaintance stage and ending with totally obsessive and destructive drinking. So where does social drinking end and alcoholism begin?
- First acquaintance with alcohol. (Many alcoholics can remember the first time they used alcohol as there was an immediate attraction.)
- Occasional social drinking, infrequent and small amounts.
- Regular or moderate social drinking, more frequent and increasing amounts, less than 14 units per week (I beer or 1 glass of wine or 1 tot = 1 unit).
- Heavy social drinking, regular use, occasional abuse of alcohol, amounts increasing.
- Problem drinking with consequences. Drinking regularly and heavily and with occasional problems (e.g. First DUI charge, Missed work because of hangover, or fight with partner because of excessive drinking). The drinker can still, at this point control or stop alcohol use.
- Impaired Control – not always in control
- Alcohol use increases in amounts and frequency with increasingly serious consequences.
- Loss of control.
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