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The 5 Stages of Being Drunk

Person near windown thinking about the 5 stages of being drunk

Are you worried that your or a loved one’s alcohol intake may be a dependence? Do you think certain areas of your life are negatively impacted by drinking? Has a previous social activity turned into a habit regardless of the venue? If you relate to these questions, do not hesitate to contact Ashwood Recovery online or call 888.341.3607 to learn more about the stages of drinking and how our alcohol addiction treatment program in Idaho can help you or a struggling loved one.

What Are the 5 Stages of Being Drunk?

The consumption of alcohol has long been a part of human socialization. The first recorded alcoholic beverage dates back as early as 7000 B.C.—and they have been consistently part of social gatherings since then. While partaking in alcohol may seem like a harmless bit of fun, a person must always be mindful of how much they have consumed. When drinking alcohol becomes a problem, it is not the act of drinking but the volume and frequency that one drinks.

If you are worried that you or a loved one may be struggling with alcohol use disorder, observe behaviors and see if you can pick out the five stages of being intoxicated with alcohol:

  1. Being tipsy – In this first stage of alcohol intoxication, the person has had one or two drinks and has started feeling a buzz. The alcohol has reached their bloodstream, and they feel happy with the release of endorphins. They become relaxed, chatty, and confident.
  2. Intoxication – The person has a couple more drinks. They begin to lose their inhibitions. They become excited and chatty. At this point, they would have a blood alcohol level above the threshold for driving safely.
  3. Being drunk – The person has had more than the recommended amount of alcohol for a social setting, and people around them may be telling them to stop. They begin to lose mental and physical awareness. They are clumsy and lack coordination.
  4. Stupor – The person has drunk so much alcohol that they’ve gotten sick, passed out, or both. At this stage, they have enough alcohol in their system that they are at risk for alcohol poisoning.
  5. Coma and possible death – At a blood alcohol level of around 0.40, the person is at high risk of alcohol poisoning. Their body temperature may drop, and their heart may even stop beating. Medical attention is strongly advised.

What stage is typically reached when you or your loved one consumes alcohol? How frequently do they drink to the point of intoxication at that stage? If the person consistently reaches stage three or four, it may be necessary to assess whether they have an alcohol use disorder.

What Are the Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction?

If a person drinks into a stupor regularly, it may be time to ask if they have alcohol dependence. Here are a few common symptoms:

  • They find that their tolerance has increased, causing them to drink more than they used to feel the same effects.
  • They spend a lot of time drinking, being drunk, or being hungover.
  • They prefer to drink over other activities, to the detriment of their work or relationships.
  • They experience symptoms of alcohol withdrawal when they begin to feel sober, making them unable to stop drinking.

Suppose you believe that a person’s drinking habit has turned into alcohol addiction. In that case, it may be time to seek the proper alcohol addiction treatment program to get them back to sobriety.

Enroll in Alcohol Addiction Treatment at Ashwood Recovery

At our outpatient center at Ashwood Recovery in Boise, Idaho, we offer flexible treatment programs that can be catered to each patient’s budget and schedule. We believe in a holistic treatment approach supporting long-term recovery, including a host of after-care programs to ensure continued sobriety. Our friendly and well-trained staff are ready to assist you or your loved one on the road to a sober lifestyle. Contact our team online or call 888.341.3607 today and start the journey towards recovery.