how long does it take to develop alcohol dependence? 5 Shocking Stages Explained 2025

The Timeline of Alcohol Dependence: What You Need to Know

How long does it take to develop alcohol dependence varies significantly from person to person, but understanding the general timeline can help identify risks early.

Quick Answer: How Long Does It Take to Develop Alcohol Dependence?

• No fixed timeline – Development varies widely based on individual factors
• Typical range: From several months to years of regular heavy drinking
• For some individuals: Physical dependence can develop in as little as a few weeks
• Clinical diagnosis: Usually requires at least 3 months of daily or near-daily use
• Risk factors: Genetics, mental health, trauma history, and drinking patterns all influence speed of dependence

The path to alcohol dependence isn’t a straight line with clear signposts. It’s a gradual process that happens differently for each person, influenced by genetics, environment, drinking patterns, and mental health. While some people may develop dependence after weeks of heavy drinking, others might drink heavily for years before showing signs of addiction.

What makes this journey so unpredictable is how alcohol affects brain chemistry. When consumed, alcohol quickly reaches the brain, triggering a spike in “feel-good” neurotransmitters. Over time, the brain adapts to these changes, requiring more alcohol to achieve the same effect – what we call tolerance, an early warning sign of developing dependence.

I’m Rachel Acres, founder of The Freedom Room, and my understanding of how long does it take to develop alcohol dependence comes not just from professional training but from my personal journey through addiction and nine years of sobriety. Having walked this path myself, I know that dependence isn’t just about physical symptoms—it’s a complex change that affects every aspect of life.

Understanding Alcohol Dependence

When we talk about alcohol dependence, we’re describing much more than just drinking too much. It’s a complex relationship with alcohol that gradually develops as your brain chemistry changes in response to regular drinking.

At its heart, alcohol dependence is about losing the ability to choose freely whether to drink or not. Your body and mind begin to feel like they need alcohol to function normally, creating a powerful pull that can override even your strongest intentions to cut back or stop.

The key signs that dependence is developing include tolerance (needing more alcohol to get the same effect), persistent cravings that can be difficult to ignore, and withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop. These withdrawal symptoms aren’t just psychological—they’re very real physical responses that can include shaking, sweating, anxiety, and in severe cases, even seizures.

As your relationship with alcohol changes, you might notice other warning signs too: finding it hard to control how much you drink once you start, neglecting responsibilities at work or home, and continuing to drink despite clear problems it’s causing in your health, relationships, or other areas of life.

Mental health plays a crucial role in this process too. Many people with alcohol dependence also experience depression, anxiety, or trauma—sometimes these conditions preceded the drinking problem, and sometimes they developed alongside it. This connection between mental health and alcohol use is why comprehensive treatment approaches tend to be most effective.

Alcohol Dependence vs Casual Use

There’s a meaningful difference between enjoying a glass of wine with dinner and developing a dependence on alcohol, though the transition between these states often happens gradually, with no clear dividing line.

Health authorities provide guidelines to help us understand low-risk drinking. In Australia, recommendations suggest no more than 10 standard drinks per week and no more than 4 on any single day. The UK similarly advises keeping to under 14 units weekly, spread across at least three days.

What separates casual drinking from dependence isn’t just about the amount you consume, though that’s certainly relevant. It’s also about your relationship with alcohol. Can you easily take or leave it? Do you drink to improve already pleasant experiences, or have you begun to drink to cope with difficult emotions or situations? Does alcohol fit into your life, or has your life begun to revolve around drinking?

The answers to these questions help clarify where someone falls on the spectrum from casual use to dependence, and importantly, whether their drinking patterns might be cause for concern.

Why Terminology Matters

The language we use to talk about alcohol problems has evolved significantly in recent years, and for good reason. The shift from terms like “alcoholic” and “alcoholism” toward more clinical language like “alcohol use disorder” (AUD) or “alcohol dependence” reflects our growing understanding of these conditions.

This change isn’t just about being politically correct—it’s about accuracy and compassion. By recognising that alcohol problems exist on a spectrum rather than as an all-or-nothing condition, we create space for earlier intervention and more personalised approaches to treatment.

The spectrum concept acknowledges that people can experience alcohol-related problems of varying severity, and that these problems can change over time. Someone might move from low-risk drinking to hazardous drinking to dependence, or might reduce their drinking and move in the opposite direction with proper support.

Perhaps most importantly, using more precise, less stigmatising terminology helps remove barriers to seeking help. Many people avoid getting support because they don’t identify with stereotypical images of “alcoholics” or fear being labelled. By talking about alcohol use disorder as a health condition that can affect anyone—rather than a moral failing or character flaw—we make it easier for people to acknowledge problems and seek the help they need.

More info about criteria can help you better understand where you or a loved one might fall on this spectrum, and what next steps might be appropriate.

How Long Does It Take to Develop Alcohol Dependence?

If you’re wondering how long does it take to develop alcohol dependence, you’re asking a question with no straightforward answer. The timeline varies remarkably from person to person – like fingerprints, no two journeys into dependence look exactly the same.

For some people, physical dependence can develop surprisingly quickly – in a matter of weeks with heavy, consistent drinking. For others, it might take several years of regular consumption before dependence takes hold. This wide variation often leaves people confused about their own relationship with alcohol.

According to research from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, dependence typically develops after several months or years of heavy drinking, but individual differences can be dramatic. From a clinical perspective, doctors usually require at least three months of daily or near-daily drinking to diagnose alcohol dependence, though the brain chemistry changes that underpin dependence can begin much earlier.

Your drinking pattern plays a crucial role in how quickly dependence develops. Heavy daily drinking accelerates the process significantly compared to occasional drinking. Binge drinking – consuming 5+ drinks for men or 4+ for women within about two hours – can fast-track dependence by repeatedly exposing the brain to high alcohol concentrations. And starting in adolescence substantially increases risk, as teenage brains are still developing and particularly vulnerable to alcohol’s effects.

Gender differences matter too. Women generally develop alcohol-related problems more quickly than men. This isn’t about willpower or character – it’s biology. Women typically have higher body fat percentages and lower body water content, meaning alcohol becomes more concentrated in their bloodstream. They also produce less of the enzyme that breaks down alcohol in the stomach.

The Phrase “how long does it take to develop alcohol dependence” Explained

When people search for information about how long does it take to develop alcohol dependence, they’re often trying to understand if their drinking—or a loved one’s—is crossing into dangerous territory. Perhaps they’ve noticed some concerning patterns or physical symptoms and are seeking reassurance or confirmation.

This search reflects one of the most common misconceptions about alcohol dependence: that it develops according to some predictable calendar. The reality is much more nuanced. Dependence follows what scientists call a dose-response relationship – the more alcohol consumed over time, the higher the risk. But this relationship isn’t linear and gets modified by your unique vulnerability factors.

What matters most is cumulative exposure. Regular heavy drinking creates more opportunities for neuroadaptation – those brain changes that underlie dependence. This is why frequency matters as much as quantity. Someone who drinks heavily every day faces greater risk than someone who consumes the same amount spread across a month.

Understanding that dependence develops gradually rather than suddenly can be empowering. It means there’s often time to recognize early warning signs and make changes before severe problems develop. The progression isn’t inevitable – it’s a path that can be altered at many points along the way.

“how long does it take to develop alcohol dependence” Across Life Stages

Your risk and timeline for developing alcohol dependence shift significantly across different life stages:

During adolescence and young adulthood (12-25 years), the brain is particularly vulnerable. It’s still developing, especially the prefrontal cortex that governs decision-making and impulse control. Research shows that those who start drinking before age 15 are five times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who wait until 21. The binge drinking culture common among young people can accelerate dependence by repeatedly flooding the developing brain with alcohol.

In young to middle adulthood (25-45 years), different risks emerge. Career pressures, relationship challenges, and family responsibilities can lead to using alcohol as a stress reliever or coping mechanism. What begins as an occasional glass of wine to unwind might gradually increase in frequency or quantity. The social normalization of regular drinking – “wine mom” culture or after-work drinks – can mask developing problems, making them harder to identify.

For those in middle to late adulthood (45+ years), physiological changes mean the body processes alcohol less efficiently. Two drinks might affect you like four did in your younger years. Life transitions like retirement, bereavement, or increasing isolation can trigger increased drinking. Additionally, alcohol interactions with medications become more common and potentially dangerous.

At each life stage, different risk factors predominate, but the underlying process remains similar: regular exposure leads to tolerance, which often leads to increased consumption, and eventually to physical and psychological dependence if the cycle continues unchecked.

The Stages of Progression (Jellinek Curve Simplified)

The journey from casual drinking to alcohol dependence isn’t a sudden leap—it’s more like a gradual slide down a slope that gets steeper as you go. Back in the 1950s, researcher E. Morton Jellinek mapped this journey in what’s now known as the Jellinek Curve, giving us a framework that still helps us understand this progression today.

While everyone’s path is unique, most people who develop alcohol dependence move through similar stages:

1. Pre-alcoholic Stage: What begins as occasional drinks to unwind gradually becomes more frequent
2. Early Stage: Tolerance builds, blackouts start occurring, and you might find yourself sneaking extra drinks
3. Middle Stage: Control slips away, attempts to quit fail, and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms appear
4. Late Stage: Extended periods of intoxication lead to serious health problems and social isolation

These stages blend into each other—there’s no clear moment when you move from one to the next. And not everyone experiences all stages in exactly the same way. Think of it more as a helpful roadmap than a rigid blueprint.

Pre-Alcoholic: Experiment & Social Use

Most of us start drinking in pretty innocent ways—maybe at a friend’s party, a wedding toast, or just out of curiosity. At this early stage, alcohol is usually about positive experiences: celebrating, connecting with others, or simply satisfying curiosity about what it feels like.

During this pre-alcoholic phase, drinking is mostly a social activity. You can easily go without alcohol with no discomfort, and it hasn’t started causing problems in your life. You’re drinking for enjoyment, not to cope with stress or difficult emotions.

What makes this stage significant is how alcohol affects your brain’s reward system. Each drink triggers a little spike of dopamine—that feel-good neurotransmitter that tells your brain “this is pleasurable, do it again.” These positive associations are being quietly filed away in your subconscious.

For most people, drinking stays in this experimental, occasional phase indefinitely. But for those with certain risk factors—like a family history of addiction, past trauma, or certain mental health conditions—these early positive experiences can be the first step on a longer journey.

Early Stage: Regular & Risky Use

As casual drinking shifts into a more regular pattern, subtle changes begin to occur. You might notice you need more drinks to get the same buzz (that’s tolerance building), or that Friday drinks have expanded to include Thursday and Wednesday too.

This stage often includes your first blackouts—those scary gaps in memory where you were conscious but your brain wasn’t recording the experience. You might laugh these off with friends or make excuses about drinking on an empty stomach, but they’re actually early warning signs of how alcohol is affecting your brain.

What’s particularly significant during this stage is the changing role alcohol plays in your life. It’s no longer just about having fun—it’s increasingly becoming a way to manage stress, anxiety, or other difficult emotions. This shift from drinking for pleasure to drinking for relief is a crucial warning sign.

Behind the scenes, your brain is adapting to regular alcohol exposure. Your GABA receptors (which alcohol improves) become less sensitive, while your glutamate receptors (which alcohol suppresses) become more sensitive. This neurological tug-of-war is why you need more alcohol to achieve the same level of intoxication.

How long this stage lasts varies enormously. For someone with a genetic predisposition who drinks heavily, it might last just a few months. For others, it might continue for years without progressing further. You can learn more about what drives this progression at our page on alcohol dependence causes.

Middle Stage: Dependence Takes Hold

The middle stage marks the transition to true alcohol dependence, where both your brain chemistry and daily routines have been significantly altered by alcohol.

The clearest sign you’ve entered this stage is experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you’re not drinking—the shakiness, anxiety, nausea, and sweating that signal your body has adapted to functioning with alcohol present. You might find yourself having a morning drink just to steady your hands or calm your nerves.

Cravings become intense and difficult to ignore. You may make promises to cut down or control your drinking, only to break them repeatedly. Drinking alone or in secret becomes more common, and you might start hiding bottles or lying about how much you’re consuming.

Relationships often suffer during this stage as alcohol takes priority over people and responsibilities. Hobbies and interests that once brought joy may fall by the wayside.

As the Australian Alcohol and Drug Foundation explains, withdrawal symptoms can begin as early as 6-8 hours after your last drink, with more severe symptoms peaking at 24-72 hours. This uncomfortable—and sometimes dangerous—withdrawal drives many people to continue drinking, creating a cycle that becomes increasingly difficult to break without support.

Late Stage: Chronic Dependence & Health Decline

The late or end stage of alcohol dependence brings severe consequences that affect virtually every aspect of life.

By this point, drinking often occurs throughout the day, and withdrawal symptoms can be so severe they require medical management. Your body, after years of processing alcohol, begins to show serious signs of damage. Your liver may develop fatty deposits, inflammation (alcoholic hepatitis), or permanent scarring (cirrhosis). In fact, about 70% of people with alcoholic liver disease have an alcohol dependency problem.

Brain damage can range from mild cognitive problems to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a serious condition caused by thiamine deficiency that affects memory and coordination. You might notice problems with thinking clearly, remembering things, or making sound decisions.

Relationships often collapse under the weight of addiction, leading to social isolation. Job loss or serious workplace problems are common, sometimes resulting in financial crisis or even homelessness.

The progression to this stage typically takes years, though the timeline varies based on drinking patterns and biological factors. Some people never reach this stage—either because they seek help earlier or because other health complications intervene.

Understanding these stages helps explain how long it takes to develop alcohol dependence and why early intervention is so crucial. If you recognize yourself or someone you care about in any of these descriptions, know that help is available at every stage of this journey. You can learn more about the overall progression at our page on understanding alcoholism.

Factors That Speed Up or Slow Down Dependence

When it comes to alcohol dependence, we’re all unique. Some people develop problems quickly, while others might drink heavily for years without becoming dependent. This isn’t random chance – it’s the result of several key factors working together that either accelerate or slow down the journey to dependence.

Our genetic makeup plays a surprisingly powerful role in our vulnerability to alcohol problems. Research has identified over 50 genes that influence how we respond to alcohol, with genetics accounting for about 50-60% of the risk for developing alcohol use disorder. This explains why those family connections matter so much – if your parents or siblings struggled with alcohol, your risk increases significantly. In fact, children of alcoholics are 4-10 times more likely to develop alcoholism themselves compared to children of non-alcoholics.

Your mental health also significantly shapes how long does it take to develop alcohol dependence. When alcohol becomes a way to manage anxiety, depression, or trauma, dependence can develop much faster. I’ve worked with many clients who began drinking to quiet racing thoughts or numb emotional pain, only to find themselves needing alcohol just to feel normal within months rather than years. This self-medication pattern is particularly dangerous because it creates a powerful psychological reliance alongside the physical dependence.

The way you drink matters enormously too. Daily or near-daily drinking accelerates dependence by giving your brain no recovery time between exposures. Binge drinking – those episodes where you consume 4+ drinks (for women) or 5+ drinks (for men) in a short period – can be particularly harmful because they expose your brain to high concentrations of alcohol, fast-tracking those neurological changes that underpin dependence.

Our bodies process alcohol differently too. Women typically develop alcohol problems more quickly than men because they generally have a higher percentage of body fat and less water content, leading to higher blood alcohol concentrations from the same amount of alcohol. Age matters as well – both teenagers with developing brains and older adults with changing metabolism face increased vulnerability.

Your environment shapes your drinking in ways you might not even notice. Living or working in places where heavy drinking is normalised can make it harder to recognise when you’re crossing into risky territory. High-stress environments may push you toward using alcohol as a daily stress reliever, while strong social connections can provide protective buffers against escalating use.

Research published in Nature Genetics has shown that these factors don’t operate in isolation – they interact in complex ways that can either amplify or reduce risk. For example, someone with genetic risk factors might never develop problems if they have strong social support and effective stress management skills, while someone with fewer genetic risk factors might develop dependence quickly if they use alcohol to cope with untreated trauma.

Understanding these factors isn’t just academic – it’s practical knowledge that can help you make more informed choices about your relationship with alcohol. By recognising your personal risk factors, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself or seek help earlier if you notice warning signs. At The Freedom Room, we take time to understand each client’s unique risk profile, creating personalised recovery plans that address their specific vulnerabilities and strengths.

Recognising Warning Signs and Health Consequences

Have you ever wondered if your drinking—or a loved one’s—might be crossing into dangerous territory? The signs of developing alcohol dependence often appear gradually, making them easy to dismiss or explain away. But recognising these warning signs early can make all the difference in preventing further progression.

When I talk with clients at The Freedom Room, many tell me they wish they’d spotted the signs sooner. That’s why understanding what to look for is so important.

Your body often sends the first signals that alcohol is becoming a problem. Increased tolerance—needing more drinks to feel the same effects—is one of the earliest physical warning signs. You might also notice mild trembling or anxiety when you haven’t had a drink for a while, or changes in your sleep patterns and digestive health. These subtle physical changes are your body adapting to regular alcohol exposure.

Behavioural changes can be equally telling. Drinking alone or hiding alcohol around the house might start as occasional habits but can signal a shifting relationship with alcohol. You might find yourself making excuses about your drinking or minimising how much you’ve consumed when others ask. Perhaps most concerning is when you continue drinking despite experiencing negative consequences—whether that’s missing work, arguments with loved ones, or health issues.

The psychological signs are often the most difficult to recognise in ourselves. Preoccupation with alcohol—thinking about when you’ll have your next drink even while at work or with family—suggests alcohol is taking priority in your thoughts. Using alcohol to manage emotions like stress, anxiety, or sadness rather than as an occasional pleasure is another red flag. Memory blackouts, even partial ones, are never normal and always indicate drinking at harmful levels.

Without intervention, these warning signs can lead to serious health consequences. While most people are familiar with the short-term effects like impaired coordination and hangovers, the long-term impact of alcohol dependence is far more concerning.

Liver damage progresses from fatty liver to potentially fatal cirrhosis, with research showing that seven out of ten people with alcoholic liver disease have an alcohol dependency problem. Your cardiovascular system suffers too, with increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Digestive problems like pancreatitis can be excruciatingly painful, while your immune system weakens, leaving you vulnerable to infections.

Perhaps most alarming is the increased cancer risk—alcohol is a known carcinogen linked to cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, and breast. Your brain isn’t spared either, with potential neurological complications ranging from mild cognitive impairment to permanent brain damage.

When to Seek Professional Diagnosis

If you’re wondering whether it’s time to seek help, trust that instinct. Professional support is advisable if you or someone you care about experiences any of these signs:

• Inability to limit drinking once started
• Continued drinking despite relationship, work, or health problems
• Spending significant time drinking or recovering from drinking
• Experiencing strong cravings or withdrawal symptoms
• Neglecting important activities in favour of drinking
• Taking risks while under the influence, like driving

A professional assessment typically begins with a medical evaluation to check your overall health and look for alcohol-related damage. Blood tests can detect liver inflammation and other health impacts, while screening tools like the AUDIT questionnaire help evaluate your drinking patterns. A thorough psychological assessment explores mental health issues that may contribute to or result from drinking.

According to clinical guidelines, alcohol dependence can be diagnosed based on continuous daily (or almost daily) use over a period of at least three months, along with specific symptoms like impaired control and continued use despite harm.

Seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of courage and self-awareness. At The Freedom Room, we’ve seen countless people transform their lives after taking that first step. Early intervention significantly improves outcomes, so reaching out sooner rather than later gives you the best chance of recovery.

Whether you’re concerned about your own drinking or that of someone you love, understanding these warning signs could be the first step toward healing. The path to dependence might be gradual, but so too is the journey to recovery—one courageous step at a time.

Prevention, Diagnosis & Recovery Pathways

Prevention of alcohol dependence and early intervention are always preferable to treating established dependence. However, recovery is possible at any stage with appropriate support.

Getting Help Early

Early intervention strategies include:

• Self-assessment tools: Online questionnaires or apps like MyDrinkaware can help identify risky drinking patterns
• Brief interventions: Short, focused conversations with healthcare providers about drinking habits
• Setting drinking limits: Following low-risk drinking guidelines (e.g., Australia’s recommendation of no more than 10 standard drinks per week)
• Alcohol-free days: Taking regular breaks from drinking to prevent tolerance
• Addressing underlying issues: Seeking help for mental health concerns or stress that might drive drinking

Community resources that can help include:

• GP services
• Community health centres
• University health services
• Employee assistance programs
• Online support communities

Medical & Therapeutic Treatment Options

For those who have developed dependence, various treatment options are available:

Medical treatments:

• Detoxification: Medically supervised withdrawal management to safely manage symptoms
• Medications: Several medications can help reduce cravings or make drinking less pleasurable
  • Naltrexone reduces the pleasurable effects of alcohol
  • Acamprosate helps restore brain chemistry
  • Disulfiram causes unpleasant reactions when alcohol is consumed

Therapeutic approaches:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and change thought patterns related to drinking
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Focuses on accepting uncomfortable thoughts while committing to change
• Motivational Improvement Therapy: Helps build motivation to change drinking behaviour
• Family therapy: Addresses family dynamics that may contribute to drinking
• Group therapy: Provides peer support and shared learning

Treatment settings:

• Outpatient treatment: Regular therapy sessions while living at home
• Intensive outpatient programs: More frequent treatment sessions
• Residential treatment: Full-time care in a treatment facility
• Support groups: Peer-led groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or SMART Recovery

The most effective approach often combines multiple treatment modalities custom to individual needs. Recovery is not a one-size-fits-all process, and what works for one person may not work for another.

Importantly, recovery is possible at any stage of dependence. While early intervention typically leads to better outcomes, even those with severe, long-standing dependence can and do recover with appropriate support.

Start Your Journey to Lifelong Recovery Today

Understanding how long does it take to develop alcohol dependence is just the beginning. The journey to recovery is deeply personal, and having the right support makes all the difference.

At The Freedom Room Wellness and Recovery in Strathpine QLD, we offer a unique approach to alcohol dependence treatment. What sets us apart is that our team members are all in recovery themselves. We’ve walked the path you’re on, and we understand the challenges, victories, and setbacks that come with overcoming alcohol dependence.

Our comprehensive services include:

• One-to-One Sessions: Personalised guidance from counsellors who understand your journey firsthand
• Family Sessions: Support for loved ones affected by alcohol dependence
• Couples Sessions: Working through recovery challenges with your partner
• Evidence-Based Therapies: Including CBT, ACT, and Twelve Step Facilitation
• Group Recovery Meetings: Building community and shared understanding
• Workshops: Developing practical skills for maintaining sobriety

Recovery isn’t just about stopping drinking—it’s about building a fulfilling life where alcohol is no longer needed. Our approach addresses the root causes of dependence and equips you with tools to manage stress, anxiety, and depression without turning to alcohol.

Whether you’re concerned about early signs of dependence or have been struggling for years, we’re here to support you without judgment. Our program is designed to meet you where you are and guide you toward lasting recovery.

Alcohol dependence develops over time, and recovery happens the same way—one day at a time. The timeline for developing dependence varies widely, but what matters most is recognising when alcohol is becoming problematic and taking steps to address it.

If you’re ready to take that first step or simply want to learn more about how we can help, we invite you to reach out. Your journey to a healthier relationship with alcohol—or freedom from alcohol altogether—can begin today.

Support & Resources

Reaching out for help is the bravest step you can take on your journey to recovery. If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol dependence, please know that compassionate, understanding support is just a phone call away.

The Freedom Room team is here for you during business hours, ready to listen without judgment and help you explore your options for recovery:

Our Office: (07) 3325 1531
Mobile: 0400 236 743 (Rachel)

We understand that the need for support doesn’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule. If you’re facing a crisis outside our office hours, these dedicated services are available around the clock:

Emergency Help: Call 000 if you or someone else is in immediate danger
AA Helpline: 1300 222 222 for peer support from those who understand addiction
Lifeline: 13 11 14 for crisis support and suicide prevention
Al-Anon: www.al-anon.org.au for family members and friends affected by someone else’s drinking

Alcohol dependence is a health condition, not a moral failing. Just as with any other health challenge, seeking professional help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether you’re concerned about early warning signs or have been struggling for years, support is available.

The path to recovery isn’t always straightforward, but you don’t have to walk it alone. With the right support network, many people find their way to a fulfilling life beyond alcohol dependence. Your journey toward healing can begin today with a simple phone call.