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 for alcohol. Jellinek thought that loss of control was the primary marker of the onset of the crucial phase. During the chronic phase, marked by the occurrence of ‘benders,’ or prolonged intoxications, profound physical and moral difficulties precede the failure of the rationalization system and increasing interpersonal, vocational, and perhaps legal troubles. Severe alcohol-related problems, such as psychosis, cognitive deficits, and tremors most often occur during this stage.
