Perhaps the best known developmental model for alcohol dependence was proposed by Jellinek (1946, 1962), who was the first to present a clearly articulated and empirically-based representation of the developmental course of alcoholism. He analyzed survey data obtained from a sample of individuals formerly or currently enrolled in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and proposed a normative course involving a sequence of developmental events that he partitioned into four distinct phases. The first, pre-alcoholic, phase of alcoholism was indicated by socially-motivated drinking. In this stage there is no qualitative difference between developing alcoholics and non-alcoholics, although in the former the relationship between alcohol and stress-relief begins developing. Covering-up behaviors and blackouts begin occurring in the prodromal stage of alcoholism, during which the difference between the alcoholic and the casual drinker becomes more prominent. Jellinek noted that, because of emerging guilt feelings and the developing fear of alcohol’s potential harmful effects, this is an optimal time for intervention. The third, crucial stage of alcoholism is characterized by a decrease in self-esteem, the loss of social footing, and the emergence of a physical need
