Alcohol abuse that progresses to a use problem happens over time

• Stage of risk: This is when you drink for pleasure, to unwind, or to cope with stress. You can begin to grow tolerant to alcohol
• Alcohol use disorder in early stage: At this stage, you've advanced to experiencing blackouts, drinking in private or alone, and having frequent thoughts about alcohol
• Alcoholism in the middle stages:Your drinking has gotten out of hand and is causing issues in your day-to-day life (work, family, financial, physical and mental health). Lab testing and imaging can reveal organ damage
• End-stage alcoholism: Drinking has replaced food, intimacy, health, and happiness as the primary emphasis of your existence. Despair, organ damage problems, and death are all on the horizon