End-Stage Alcoholism: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

This chronic, progressive disease can be fatal in its most severe form, but that doesn’t happen overnight. End-stage alcoholism typically follows years of untreated or poorly managed alcohol addiction. In addition to physical health problems, alcoholism can cause debilitating mental health issues. Alcoholism can also make symptoms of an underlying mental condition worse.

Alcoholism is a progressive condition—the longer it goes on, the worse it usually gets. While the early stages may involve occasional binge drinking or growing dependence, the final stages are marked by severe physical, psychological, and social deterioration. Being at a later stage can make recovery more challenging, but recovery is possible at any stage of alcoholism.

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All these factors combine, causing alcohol to seriously increase the financial strains in your life. Whether you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. Calls to numbers marked with (I) symbols will be answered or returned by one of the treatment providers listed in our Terms and Conditions, each of which is a paid advertiser. Is a licensed and practicing pharmacist and medical writer who specializes in different substances, the effects of substance abuse, and substance use disorder.

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• Their health struggles and ongoing substance use may test your emotional limits.
• We do not receive any fee or commission dependent upon which treatment or provider a caller chooses.
• End-stage alcoholism usually comes with at least one serious health problem, like liver damage or brain issues.
• Once you quit drinking, your body can begin to recover from some of the damage or, at the very least, prevent it from getting worse.
• Additionally, those who grow up around alcohol or someone addicted to alcohol are more likely to drink and develop an addiction themselves.

This can often lead to malnutrition as well as anemia, a blood condition where the red blood cell count is lower than normal or there is a problem with the proteins in the cell. According to Verywell Mind, cirrhosis was the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. in 2022, representing the final stage of alcohol-related liver disease. It’s actually much more possible than you think with immediate medical intervention and comprehensive treatment. Attempts to quit drinking may lead to delirium tremens or hallucinations. Without proper medical attention, end-stage alcoholism can be life-threatening.

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• Typically, an individual reaches end-stage alcoholism after years of alcohol abuse.
• This fact alone causes alcoholism to exert a serious financial strain.
• For those who survive the medical crisis of end-stage alcoholism, naltrexone can play a crucial role in preventing relapse by blocking alcohol’s reinforcing effects.

We list any treatment center that meets our rehab criteria, giving you the best list of options possible when looking for treatment. Discover affordable rehab centers near you, offering easy access and convenience. Stay close to family and friends while getting the support you need. A heavy drinker may drink more frequently or drink excessive amounts when drinking socially.

The undeniable truth is that end-stage alcoholism represents a medical emergency where multiple organ systems are failing simultaneously and death is imminent without immediate intervention. According to Addiction Center, this represents the sixth and final stage of alcohol use disorder progression. You’ll want to make sure that you understand the signs of life-threatening complications like liver failure and brain damage to ensure immediate medical attention is sought when needed.

Q: What are the health effects of end-stage alcoholism?

End-stage alcoholism can lead to long-term health issues, damage to internal organs, and brain damage. Most people in end-stage alcoholism will require a medically assisted detox to help manage severe and life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Medications used in treating alcohol withdrawal include Antabuse (disulfiram), Revia or Depade (naltrexone), and Campral (acamprosate). You’ll need to understand that end-stage alcoholism requires immediate professional medical intervention, not attempts at self-treatment or gradual reduction. This is an extremely critical situation that goes well beyond just wanting to cut back on drinking.

Treatment often starts with medical detox and continues with a combination of therapy, support, and long-term strategies. Late-stage, or end-stage alcoholism, is a full-blown addiction to alcohol, often with damaging physical and mental health effects. Alcohol detox and treatment are nearly always necessary at this stage. Mental health disorders can be confusing and difficult, especially if they haven’t been diagnosed yet.

The end stage is the most dangerous and can lead to life-threatening health conditions. Estimates suggest that end-stage complications like alcoholic cardiomyopathy and cirrhosis significantly reduce life expectancy,3 especially without treatment. Outcomes get better with early intervention and comprehensive care. Join our global mission of connecting patients with addiction and mental health treatment.

Phases of Addiction Leading To End-Stage Alcoholism

Call an addiction specialist such as SAMHSA today to get advice and support with seeking treatment for alcohol addiction. Alternatively, visit our rehab directory to get help near you today. Don’t let outdated ideas about willpower and “choosing” to recover fool you into thinking that end-stage alcoholism can be addressed without intensive medical intervention. The criteria for what makes this stage of alcohol use disorder life-threatening is well-established based on decades of medical research. The health complications that come with end-stage alcoholism increase the likelihood of death.

Withdrawal symptoms become more intense and life-threatening, making cessation without medical assistance extremely risky. End-stage alcoholism is the final, most destructive stage of alcoholism. Typically, an individual reaches end-stage alcoholism after years of alcohol abuse. At this point, people who have spent years drinking may have developed health issues and mental health conditions in addition to their alcohol abuse. Major organ damage and failure often occur during this time, as well as interpersonal consequences like isolation and job loss. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.

Mental Health Symptoms

Recovery.com combines independent research with expert guidance on addiction and mental health treatment. End Stage Alcoholism Our mission is to help everyone find the best path to recovery through the most comprehensive, helpful network of treatment providers worldwide. Whencasual drinkersmove into early-stage alcoholism, their tolerance begins to rise. They can often hold conversations without stuttering or slurring.

A medically-assisted detox will help you stay as safe and comfortable as possible, giving you the best chance of success and making the entire experience more comfortable. There’s a proven genetic component to alcohol addiction that makes it more likely to occur and harder to beat. Additionally, those who grow up around alcohol or someone addicted to alcohol are more likely to drink and develop an addiction themselves. Genetics and family history both play a role in the development of alcoholism and the end-stage conditions that it eventually leads to.