Knowledge centre · Illustrated explainer
Reading alcohol addiction as a cycle
A diagram distinguishing reward, negative affect and anticipation.
- Binge / intoxication
- Withdrawal / negative affect
- Preoccupation / anticipation
How to read the diagram
NIAAA describes alcohol addiction using a three-stage model. Alongside reward processes, it considers negative affect and anticipation associated with renewed use.
These are not fixed stages experienced identically by everyone. A diagram is not a brain scan; behaviour alone cannot reveal activity in a specific brain region or establish a diagnosis.
Limits of this account
This alcohol-focused account cannot be directly generalised to all behavioural addictions; it gives no withdrawal or medication instructions.
Sources and their relevance
- NIAAA — The Cycle of Alcohol Addiction
Explains a three-stage conceptual model of alcohol addiction.
Sources checked: 16 October 2026. Original conceptual diagrams prepared for this site. General information, not individual diagnosis or a care plan.