How It Begins, Progresses, and Transforms a Person
Alcoholism, or Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), is a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide.
In England, 608,416 adults (18 and older) were estimated to have alcohol dependence in 2019–2020. This is 1% (6,025) more than in 2018–2019 and 2% (12,560) more than in 2015–2016.
It doesn’t develop overnight but progresses gradually, often starting innocently and escalating into a life-altering condition. Along the way, it can profoundly change a person’s personality, behaviour, and relationships. In this blog, we’ll explore how alcoholism begins, how it progresses, and the typical traits that characterise someone struggling with AUD.
How Alcoholism Begins
Alcoholism often starts subtly, making it difficult to recognise in its early stages. Here’s how it typically begins:
1. Social Drinking: For many, alcohol use starts in social settings. A glass of wine at dinner, a beer with friends, or a toast at a celebration can feel harmless. At this stage, drinking is often a way to relax, bond, or celebrate.
2. Increased Tolerance: Over time, the body builds a tolerance to alcohol. This means the person needs to drink more to achieve the same effects they once felt with smaller amounts. What started as one or two drinks may turn into three or four.
3. Drinking to Cope: As life stressors mount—work pressure, relationship issues, or emotional pain—some individuals begin to use alcohol as a coping mechanism. Instead of drinking for pleasure, they drink to numb negative feelings or escape reality.
4. Loss of Control: At this point, the individual may find it hard to stop drinking once they start. They might intend to have just one drink but consume far more. This loss of control is a key warning sign of AUD.
The Progression of Alcoholism and Its Impact on Personality
As alcoholism progresses, it doesn’t just affect the body—it also alters the mind and personality. Here’s how the disease typically evolves and changes a person:
Early Stages: Subtle Changes
Increased Irritability: People may become more irritable or moody, especially when not drinking. Alcohol becomes a crutch to manage emotions.
Defensiveness: They might become defensive about their drinking habits, dismissing concerns from loved ones with statements like, “I can stop anytime I want.”
Prioritising Alcohol: Social activities and hobbies may take a backseat to drinking. The person might start choosing events where alcohol is available over those where it isn’t.
Middle Stages: Noticeable Shifts
Mood Swings: Alcohol’s impact on the brain can lead to erratic mood swings. The person may seem happy and cheerful while drinking but angry, depressed, or anxious when sober.
Neglecting Responsibilities: Work, family, and personal responsibilities may begin to suffer. The individual might miss deadlines, neglect household chores, or forget important events.
Isolation: As drinking becomes more central to their life, they may withdraw from friends and family who don’t drink or who express concern about their habits.
Late Stages: Profound Personality Changes
Manipulative Behaviour: To continue drinking, the person may lie, manipulate, or guilt-trip others. They might hide alcohol, make excuses, or blame others for their problems.
Aggression or Hostility: Alcohol can lower inhibitions and increase aggression. The person may become verbally or even physically abusive, especially when confronted about their drinking.
Emotional Numbness: Over time, alcohol can dull emotions. The person may seem detached, apathetic, or unable to connect with others on an emotional level.
Loss of Self-Respect: As the disease takes hold, the individual may feel shame or guilt about their behaviour but feel powerless to change it. This can lead to a cycle of drinking to escape these negative feelings.
Typical Traits of an Alcoholic
While every individual is unique, there are common traits often seen in those struggling with AUD:
2. Preoccupation with Alcohol: Alcohol becomes the centre of their life. They may spend a lot of time thinking about drinking, planning when they can drink next, or recovering from its effects.
3. Secrecy and Dishonesty: Hiding alcohol, lying about their consumption, or sneaking drinks are common behaviours.
4. Impulsivity and Poor Decision-Making: Alcohol impairs judgment, leading to risky behaviours like drunk driving, spending money recklessly, or engaging in unsafe activities.
5. Self-Centeredness: As the disease progresses, the person may become increasingly self-focused, prioritising their need for alcohol over the needs and feelings of others.
6. Hopelessness and Despair: In the later stages, many alcoholics feel trapped in a cycle they can’t escape. They may struggle with depression, anxiety, or thoughts of self-harm.
Breaking the Cycle
Recognising the signs of alcoholism is the first step toward recovery. While the disease can drastically change a person, it’s important to remember that AUD is treatable. This emphasis on the potential for recovery instills hope and optimism in the individual and family members. With the proper support—whether through therapy, support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, or medical intervention—individuals can regain control of their lives and rebuild their relationships. The first stage of recovery is detox, which is available even at home.
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcoholism, reaching out for help is crucial. Recovery is a journey that leads to a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.
Alcoholism doesn’t define a person, but it can profoundly shape their life if left unaddressed. By understanding how it starts, progresses, and impacts personality, we can better support those affected and encourage them to seek the help they need.
If you or your loved one is struggling with alcohol-related issues, call Freephone at 0800 140 4044
Freephone: 0800 140 4044
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