Alcohol Part 1: The 3 stages of Alcoholism, Impulsive, Compulsive, Repulsive.

Alcohol Part 1

Alcohol is considered a drug with a rich medical history. It was commonly used as a sterilizing agent and is now commonly used as a hand sanitizer. In the past, it was used as an anesthetic, often seen in old movies during medical procedures. Whiskey was usually offered as a pain killer and also used to sterilise the medical equipment.

The calming effect of alcohol on the nervous system is due to its anaesthetising effect, providing a form of relief. It can also reduce inhibitions and judgement, making it a popular choice for social gatherings. 

Whether enjoying it in good company, with friends, or alone, it can enhance the experience of watching a game or having a meal. Alcohol has been a popular choice for centuries and has been a faithful companion to most  men and women.

So what goes wrong….. ?

It is argued that Alcoholism can be understood as it develops through 3 Stages.....

1. The Impulsive Stage

2. The Compulsive Stage 

3. The Repulsive Stage

The Impulsive Stage. 

Most drinkers start off and continue in this category for their whole drinking lives. It's an occasional thing, weddings, christenings, anniversaries, graduations, Christmas, New Year, it's a time to celebrate a special occasion or an event. A small sherry or glass of champagne, wine with a meal. These people can leave an unfinished drink or a half bottle of wine simply because they have had enough.

The impulsive stage can also includes teenage drinking, for the most part, a time to break boundaries, rebel, and experiment. 

The Compulsive Stage

We have learned by now that we like alcohol, we like socialising, we like the effect alcohol has on us. We can often be a different person with a little social lubrication.

We have "probably" established a liking for a particular beer, wine, or spirit that is our favourite.

The Compulsive Stage can start at any time, for some, it starts at university or when we start working full-time and it's a time to work hard and play harder.

We see brands advertised on the T.V., our favourite sports personality is associated with this brand, our parents like this, or it's freely available, sometimes it's cheap and has a high percentage of alcohol content, more bang for your buck £££$$$

A routine develops, fishing trips, sports days out, a glass of wine after a hard day at work, and a glass of wine with a meal. We enjoy a drink and have “decided" to engage in the pleasure of alcohol on a more regular basis, than an impulsive drinker.

It is during this stage that the early signs of problem drinking can be identified.

Telltale Signs that alcohol is becoming a problem....

It is generally recognised that if alcohol is costing you more than money

then alcohol is becoming a problem.

One of the earliest signs of problem drinking can be Blackouts,

this is what friends and family might say to you or ask you the morning after a session.

“do you remember what you said or did last night?”

And unfortunately sometimes the honest truth is that you have absolutely no or very little recollection of what you were saying or doing after a certain stage in your alcohol consumption.

You probably struggle to remember leaving a venue? and can't remember how you got home?, this is sometimes referred to as being “blind drunk”

You find that you like the effect produced by Alcohol so much that you don't know when to say No, and you have little desire to stop drinking, even though friends might say or think that you've had enough my friend?.

The Repulsive Stages

Friends and sometimes family stop inviting you to outings and social events

Powerlessness becomes a more regular experience, that is, wanting to stop but being unable to, maybe saying I'm only having one or two and it turns into a session.

Making promises to be somewhere but finding the Craic and atmosphere so enjoyable that we change our mind, and often fail to pass on our decision to others who matter?

Binge drinking, weekends only, or when I don't have the kids/ responsibilities.

Morning drinking or self medicating in some other form to calm our nerves, often refereed to as "the hair of the dog"

Medical issues, liver and kidney problems, shakes, anxiety, depression, sweating, wetting the bed.

Drink Driving, driving the morning after the night before.

Hiding alcohol on walks or behind the washing machine

More serious blackouts, waking up in police cell in custody…

Loss of a Job, promising never to drink on the job.

Loss of a relationship or friendship

Or threats of the loss of relationships or friendships

Issues with the authorities, Police interventions, Social Services,

Becoming violent, threatening, or aggressive,

Domestic Abuse Issues.

And more often than you might think Jails, institutions and Death.

impulsive, compulsive, repulsive