The Last Stages of Alcoholism: Signs, Symptoms, and What to Expect

People tend to refer to any alcohol addiction as “alcoholism.” Healthcare workers and other professionals recognize the need for more specificity. After all, an alcohol use disorder, or AUD, is a progressive disorder. Patients’ needs vary greatly depending on their situation. Those who battle AUDs often start as social drinkers before developing problematic behaviors that eventually lead to addiction. To provide effective care, doctors recognize standardized stages of alcohol use. These include the early, chronic, and end stages.

End-stage alcoholism, or late-stage alcoholism, is the last stage. It is typically reached after years of alcohol use. This alcohol use has often taken a heavy toll on the person’s mental and physical health. It’s likely to have impacted their relationships, finances, work, and more.

While quitting may seem difficult, it is possible, especially with professional assistance. In fact, seeking treatment is key for anyone in the advanced stages of alcoholism when they’re ready to reach for recovery. The health impacts of alcohol withdrawal can be extremely dangerous for end-stage alcoholics. Working with professionals enhances safety during this pivotal transition. Professional treatment programs also offer vital support as they move forward with their recovery journey.

Understanding the Stages of Alcoholism

Doctors use 11 symptoms set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 to diagnose an AUD and determine its severity. These include:

1. Amount: The amount of alcohol used is often more than intended.
2. Control: Attempts to control alcohol use fail. Or, there is a dogged but unfulfilled desire for control.
3. Time: Major amounts of time are invested in obtaining, using, or recovering from alcohol.
4. Craving: The individual experiences a strong desire to use alcohol.
5. Obligation breach: As a result of their alcohol use, they fail to complete a major obligation at work, school, or home.
6. Relationship damage: They continue to use alcohol despite it triggering problems in their personal or professional lives.
7. Activity sacrificed: They stop or cut back on personal or professional activities to use alcohol.
8. Danger courted: They repeatedly consume alcohol in situations that include the potential for physical harm.
9. Hardship: They continue alcohol use despite awareness that persistent physical or mental issues are related to their drinking.
10. Tolerance: They experience tolerance. This means they need notably more alcohol to achieve intoxification. Or, the same amount of alcohol produces a conspicuously diminished impact.
11. Withdrawal: They experience typical withdrawal symptoms when they don’t drink. Or, they use alcohol to avoid these symptoms.

Many people can consume alcohol socially or occasionally and never have a problem. Others will embrace the lowered stress and euphoria that alcohol can bring and become hooked. These individuals may have environmental or genetic factors that put them at greater risk of addiction. Unfortunately, the progression through the stages of alcoholism leads to a gradual decline in both physical and mental health.

In the early stages of an AUD, drinking is most frequently done in a social setting. However, it grows to excess over time. Eventually, people begin to display a few of the 11 criteria listed above. Doctors diagnose anyone with two to three of these symptoms as having a mild AUD.

Doctors tend to diagnose those who have four or five of the above symptoms with a moderate AUD. Many in the middle stages fall into this category. They may be chronic alcohol users. They crave alcohol. In addition, they experience tolerance, so they need more alcohol to feel the same effect. Many also must consume alcohol regularly to escape withdrawal. They are often unable to stop drinking independently, but recovery is possible with professional assistance.

What about those with six or more symptoms from the list? Doctors normally diagnose a severe AUD. These patients are often end-stage alcoholics. Patient histories reveal years of alcohol consumption, negative impacts on their work and social lives, and health struggles that include physical and mental health troubles. Experiencing tolerance and withdrawal means that professional support is a must for those in this stage who wish to safely quit.

Exploring the Symptoms of End-stage Alcoholism

Long-term alcohol abuse can take a heavy toll on the mind. People with end-stage alcoholism can have trouble with cognition and memory. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, which is also known as alcoholic dementia, is possible. What about mental health challenges? Anxiety, depression, and mood disorders are common in people with alcoholism.

Late-stage alcoholism also causes significant physical deterioration. The liver is on the front lines of processing alcohol, so it is one of the organs badly damaged by heavy drinking. Cirrhosis, the final stage of alcohol-related liver disease, is scarring of the liver tissue. It can be deadly if not treated. Other common issues that plague patients at this stage include malnutrition, heart failure, pancreatitis, and various cancers.

Years of prioritizing alcohol can also have heavy emotional consequences. For the patient, trying to make peace with the damage done to relationships and rebuild in a healthy way can present immense challenges. Loved ones of those who are battling an AUD are also impacted by watching the struggle. Recognizing this and finding support is important for their own health and their ability to support their loved one effectively.

Discovering the Health Risks of Untreated Alcoholism

Untreated alcoholism means that the body is continually exposed to excessive amounts of alcohol. The harm is severe. The liver scarring can cause digestive troubles, skin issues, and neurological and nervous system problems. The cardiovascular system may be weakened by damaged heart muscle, blocked arteries, or hypertension. Meanwhile, the brain may be damaged in ways that impact cognition, memory, and learning abilities.

The harm done by long-term alcohol use is severe, widespread, and involves many vital systems. Without intervention, people in the last stages of alcoholism face an increased risk of fatal outcomes.

The health risks of untreated alcoholism are further complicated by the widely acknowledged connection between alcohol abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders. This overlap makes diagnosis harder, complicates care, and can contribute to poorer outcomes.

Diving Into the Role of Detox in Treating End-stage Alcoholism

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that withdrawal from alcohol accounts for roughly 260,000 emergency department visits and 850 deaths each year. Detox, or medical care and monitoring, can mitigate this by having experts on hand to manage any painful and potentially life-threatening symptoms. Since withdrawal can be especially challenging for people with end-stage alcoholism, who may experience severe health complications, detox is crucial for these individuals.

Long-term alcohol abuse can also lead to serious health problems like liver damage, hepatitis, and pancreas problems, further emphasizing the importance of medical supervision during detox.

Common withdrawal symptoms include:

• Tremors
• Sweating
• Anxiety
• Elevated pulse rate
• Hypertension
• Insomnia
• Nausea or vomiting
• Seizures
• Delirium tremens (which can involve confusion and impairment)

Detox is a vital step. It allows people with AUDs to begin building solid foundations for their recoveries by safely managing withdrawal symptoms and addressing potential health complications.

Linking Mental Health and Addiction

There’s a clear link between AUDs and mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The NIAAA notes that there are several explanations for this co-occurrence:

• Mental health conditions and AUDs share risk factors, including genetics and environmental vulnerabilities.
• Individuals with existing mental health conditions may be at increased risk of developing an AUD because of the urge to self-medicate with alcohol.
• Alcohol use, especially during youth or over a long period, may increase the risk of developing a mental health condition.

AUDs and mental health conditions can reinforce and intensify each other. Treatments must address the whole person and all aspects of their health.

Personalized approaches that recognize each individual’s unique needs are key. Effective treatment programs often use a combination of tools, including medication, therapy, and more to support patients as they learn the skills and tools that will allow them to achieve and maintain their recovery.

Exploring Treatment Options at Garden State Treatment Center

Garden State Treatment Center delights in assisting our clients as they strive for recovery. To maximize the chance of success, we offer highly personalized addiction treatment plans for end-stage alcoholism.

We believe options are vital, so we never deliver cookie-cutter care. Anyone seeking care for an AUD can expect comprehensive care that is tailored to their needs. Our plans include a mix of medication, such as naltrexone to reduce cravings, therapy, and holistic support. We offer both inpatient and outpatient programs, depending on the individual’s needs and level of support required.

In addition to individual therapy, we also offer group therapy and support groups, which can be beneficial for both individuals and their family members. We recognize that many individuals with AUD also have co-occurring mental health issues, and our treatment plans are designed to address these needs as well.

Finally, we provide long-term strategies to boost well-being and reduce the odds of relapse.

Encouraging Support for Loved Ones of Alcoholics

Alcoholism is dubbed a “family disease” because of the way it impacts the entire family. Watching a loved one battle an AUD, wherever they are in their journey, can be overwhelming. Even when they seek treatment and are progressing to recovery, it can be an emotional ride.

Seeking help and support is empowering. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) can be a good resource for families.

Preventing Further Progression of Alcoholism

The damage done by alcoholism increases as the disease progresses. This can include serious health problems like heart disease, brain damage, and a weakened immune system. Early intervention increases the chance of stopping the harm sooner. It can protect physical and mental health and reduce strain on relationships.

Of course, recovery is always welcome. Once recovery begins, it’s important to remember that the journey is open-ended. Ongoing aftercare, which includes relapse prevention helps to set the stage for success. Making lifestyle changes, like reducing binge drinking and learning healthy coping methods instead of drinking alcohol, will also be key.

An untreated AUD, or alcohol dependence, can have a devastating impact on your health, work, relationships, finances, and more. Seeking professional help can be a way to reclaim your power. The experts at Garden State Treatment Center will carefully evaluate your situation and create a unique treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, including addressing any underlying substance use issues. To begin your recovery journey, contact Garden State Treatment Center call us today.

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Published on: 2025-01-30
Updated on: 2025-02-19