End-Stage Alcoholism: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Alcoholism or alcohol use disorder is a severe condition that impacts millions around the world. However, one does not get from a drink or two to alcoholism overnight. It happens in stages. The last stage of alcoholism is known as end-stage alcoholism. It is the most severe stage, where one can even experience life-threatening symptoms and death.

In this blog, we will explore what are the signs of end-stage alcoholism, the risks of end-stage symptoms, and the road to recovery from here.

Common Signs and Symptoms of End-Stage Alcoholism

Alcoholism begins with the pre-alcoholic stage and progresses to the early alcoholic stage, middle alcoholic stage, and finally, the late alcoholic stage. The late alcoholic stage is known as the end-stage alcoholism, where the symptoms become serious and life-threatening. The common signs of end-stage alcoholism you need to be aware of are as follows:

Physical End-Stage Alcoholism Symptoms:

• Liver damage
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Increased risk of cancer.

Psychological End-Stage Alcoholism Symptoms:

• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Depressed mood
• Psychosis (a break with reality)
• Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (dementia-like symptoms)
• Delirium tremens (delirium and other cognitive changes).

Behavioral End-Stage Alcoholism Symptoms:

• Aggressive and hostile behavior
• Social withdrawal
• Isolation.

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Health Risks and Complications Associated with Advanced Alcoholism

There are a number of risks and complications associated with the final stages of alcoholism, especially end-stage alcoholism. Here is a glimpse of what these look like:

Malnutrition:

Heavy and frequent drinking can hinder the absorption, metabolism, and storage of food.

Cirrhosis:

A condition known as alcohol-related liver disease worsens and leads to cirrhosis with heavy drinking. This is the inflammation and scarring of the liver tissue, which is an irreversible, life-threatening condition.

Eye-Related Problems:

Nystagmus (rapid movement of the eyes) and even paralysis of the eye muscles are common eye-related problems associated with the final stages of alcoholism.

Chronic Pancreatitis:

The damage to the pancreas because of heavy drinking is undeniable. Pancreatitis is more dangerous because it can develop suddenly, leading to pain, weight loss, and even diabetes.

Cardiovascular Diseases:

Common cardiovascular conditions experienced during end-stage alcoholism are high blood pressure, angina, alcoholic cardiomyopathy, and a heightened risk of heart failure.

Cancer:

End-stage alcoholism can also increase the risk of cancer, specifically cancers of the mouth, throat, liver, colon, and breast.

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Treatment Options for End-Stage Alcoholism and Why Early Intervention Matters?

End-stage alcoholism is a severe condition. But it does not matter how severe alcoholism gets, it is treatable. However, early intervention is needed because the final stages of alcoholism can increase the risk of life-threatening conditions and fatalities. In fact, in end-stage alcoholism, life expectancy is reduced by 30 years. So, an early intervention leads to a better prognosis.

Treatment for end-stage alcoholism is holistic and personalized so that it is effective for the person who wants to take this journey toward sobriety.

Medically-Supervised Detoxification:

Detox is when alcohol is gradually tapered off from the body under safe and controlled conditions to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Psychotherapy:

Think of detox like a band-aid, but psychotherapy as the cornerstone of the treatment. Motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and rational emotive behavior therapy are mainly used to get to the bottom of alcoholism and equip the person with healthy coping strategies so that they can deal with life triggers, temptations, and stressors without resorting to alcoholism.

Medication Management:

Medicines like acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone are prescribed, monitored, and adjusted to deal with cravings and uplift the quality of life.

Relapse Prevention:

Relapse is a huge risk with alcohol use disorder and can undo the effort a person has put into their recovery. Therefore, personalized relapse prevention is designed to minimize the chances of relapse.

Support Groups:

Enrolling in informal peer support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and others can provide an opportunity for a person to benefit from shared experiences and learning as they take ownership of their own recovery.

Sober Living:

Sometimes, even after rehab, a person needs that bit of structure and support as they transition back to independent living. Sober living homes provide a substance-free, structured environment where they can relax and recover from alcohol use, along with an understanding community.

How to Support a Loved One Facing End-Stage Alcoholism?

Watching a loved one struggle with end-stage alcoholism can be as difficult as the condition itself. It can become even more challenging when the person is in denial and refuses to seek the care they need. Nevertheless, it is important for you as a loved one to be patient. With love, concern, and understanding, they will eventually seek treatment.

In the meantime, you can encourage and motivate them toward treatment by pointing out how alcoholism has become their enemy and what they can stand to gain by entering rehab (either residential or outpatient). Whatever happens, never confront or shame your loved one. You can even speak to licensed mental health practitioners to provide direction in these tough times.

In this struggle, it is common to lose sight of your own well-being as well. So, self-care is important. Set boundaries, maintain a healthy diet and physical exercise, engage in social activities, and surround yourself with a strong social support system. You can even reach out to groups like Al-Anon and Families Anonymous for support and resources as well.