Chronic alcohol abuse over an extended time takes a toll on the mind and body. Alcohol use disorder’s progression often results in physical and mental health issues, relationship problems, isolation, financial difficulties, and many other serious consequences.
The most severe stage of alcohol use disorder (AUD) is called end-stage alcoholism. It occurs when someone has struggled with a drinking problem for years and is dealing with severe or life-threatening mental or physical side effects.
When alcohol becomes life-threatening or dangerous to someone’s well-being, the person struggling and their loved ones must take immediate action to get help.
We’re here to help at Genesis House if you’re searching for resources. We offer alcohol addiction treatment programs and can guide you each step of the way. Keep reading to learn more about the late stage of alcohol addiction, its effects, and treatment options available.
What Is End-Stage Alcoholism?
End-stage alcoholism, also called stage 4 alcoholism, is the final and most severe stage in the progression of AUD. It follows years of heavy alcohol use and dependence, where someone has struggled to stop drinking and frequently consumed alcohol in a binge-like pattern.
At this point, the physical and psychological damage alcohol has caused will be severe and often visible. You may notice signs in a loved one like severe weight loss, wounds that aren’t healing, or an overall poor physical appearance.
Those visible signs are usually combined with severe health conditions that can become life-threatening without receiving the proper treatment as soon as possible.
Signs and Symptoms of End-Stage Alcoholism
The signs and symptoms of end-stage alcoholism can be both physical and mental. Here’s a quick review of the signs in each category to know how to spot them in someone struggling.
Physical Symptoms
The physical signs of end-stage alcoholism can include:
- Jaundice: The symptoms of jaundice consist of a yellowing of the skin or eyes. It’s a common symptom of alcohol-related liver disease. Studies show that those who present symptoms of jaundice commonly report consuming 30 to 50 grams or more of alcohol per day for an extended time.
- Liver failure: Liver failure can also occur due to alcohol-related damage. Common signs of liver failure from alcohol are cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, hepatitis, itchy skin, bleeding, and fluid retention.
- Vomiting blood or gastrointestinal bleeding: Severe liver damage from prolonged alcohol abuse can result in vomiting blood or gastrointestinal bleeding. Some in the final stage of alcoholism may also vomit blood because of damage to the esophagus from heavy drinking.
- Ascites: This is noticeable abdominal swelling caused by a buildup of excessive fluid in the abdomen. It’s usually related to alcoholic cirrhosis or hepatitis.
- Malnutrition and weight loss: Ongoing heavy alcohol use is often associated with malnutrition and severe weight loss because alcohol interferes with nutrient absorption and utilization. Alcohol can also start to replace nutritious food consumption since it’s calorie-rich (making someone feel full), but provides no nutritional value.
- Poor wound healing: Continuous heavy drinking can have substantial effects on the immune system, including reducing the body’s healing capabilities. Therefore, you may see someone in the end stages of alcoholism with cuts or scrapes that aren’t healing.
Mental and Behavioral Symptoms
Late-stage alcoholism is also associated with many mental and behavioral signs, including:
- Severe memory issues: Long-term alcohol use is associated with Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, also called wet brain syndrome. It’s a form of alcohol-related dementia that can cause severe memory loss, psychosis, and be life-threatening.
- Mood swings: The effects of later-stage alcoholism can make mood swings more common, including irritability, short, aggressive outbursts, sadness, and anxiousness.
- Hallucinations or paranoia: Research shows that chronic alcohol abuse may result in hallucinations or increased paranoia. The hallucinations are often auditory, where someone hears things that aren’t real, and occur during or after a period of heavy drinking.
- Social isolation and hopelessness: Isolation and feelings of hopelessness are often connected with AUD. It’s common for those struggling to continue isolating to try to cover up their drinking problem or have relationship troubles related to drinking that lead to worsening feelings of isolation over time.
- Ongoing drinking despite multiple health scares: Continuing to drink after health issues arise is a significant sign of end-stage alcoholism. Those who’ve struggled with AUD for a long time will often feel like they can’t function normally without alcohol and feel unsure where to go or what to do to stop drinking.
Health Risks and Consequences
Several health risks are associated with end-stage alcoholism and can be severe or life-threatening if they go untreated. Those include:
- Liver and kidney failure: The liver and kidneys are responsible for removing alcohol from the body’s system. Drinking too much can be toxic and damaging to these crucial organs. If liver and kidney failure go untreated, it can result in bleeding, infections, heart damage, coma, or death.
- Heart damage: Ongoing alcohol abuse can lead to alcohol-induced cardiomyopathy. It’s a condition that changes the heart’s shape and leads to damage over time. It can result in heart failure or severe side effects like trouble breathing, fluid buildup, and hardening of the liver.
- Brain damage: Alcohol-related brain damage in the late stages is often associated with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (wet brain syndrome). It’s a severe condition that can lead to permanent neurological damage, such as memory loss, confusion, and loss of coordination.
- Increased risk of stroke and cancer: Alcoholism is linked to an increased risk of stroke and cancer, both of which can cause severe health consequences or be life-threatening.
Severe withdrawal symptoms like hallucinations, trouble breathing, or seizures are also more likely during the final stage of alcoholism, making a medical detox essential for health and safety. We can help with a safe and effective detox at Genesis House.
Why Immediate Treatment is Critical
Immediate intervention is crucial during the final stage of alcoholism because of the severity of mental and physical health issues involved. Many of the symptoms of end-stage alcoholism can be life-threatening if they go untreated and alcohol abuse continues.
If caught early, some of the damage can be slowed and stabilized. Therefore, acting right away is important before more permanent damage occurs.
Typically, treatment will involve hospitalization to stabilize any ongoing medical conditions and a medically assisted detox to safely manage any severe withdrawal symptoms.
How Genesis House Can Help
Genesis House is a drug and alcohol addiction treatment center. We offer medical detox and personalized treatment programs for chronic alcoholism that can help those struggling make a full recovery.
When you work with us, our friendly and knowledgeable treatment staff will deploy safe, compassionate, and evidence-based practices with 24/7 support to ensure high levels of care at each step.
If you or a loved one is showing signs of end-stage alcoholism, there’s still time to get help. Contact us today to learn more about how Genesis House can offer support.
FAQs
What Are the Signs of End-Stage Alcoholism?
Common signs of end-stage alcoholism include continuing to drink despite severe consequences or health problems, physical health conditions resulting from alcohol abuse, worsening mental health symptoms, weight loss, and a weakened immune system.
Can End-Stage Alcoholism be Reversed?
End-stage alcoholism can be treated, and someone can still achieve sobriety after reaching this stage. While not all physical health consequences of alcoholism can be reversed, many can be slowed, stabilized, and treated, especially when caught early.
Is Treatment Possible for Late-Stage Alcoholics?
Treatment is possible for late-stage alcoholics, and someone in the final stage can still achieve and maintain lasting sobriety with a well-rounded treatment plan. Typically, treatment will consist of medical detox to safely manage withdrawal symptoms, therapy, life skill building, and relapse prevention planning.
How Long Can You Live with End-Stage Alcoholism?
The amount of time someone can live without treatment in the end stage of alcoholism varies from person to person, depending on their history of alcohol abuse and health conditions they’re facing. On average, the research shows that it’s less than 5 years in many cases.
For example, a study from the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that those with late-stage liver disease resulting from alcoholism had a life expectancy of less than 5 years if they continued to drink. However, 90% of those who sought treatment and stopped drinking saw their expected lifespan increase substantially. Therefore, seeking treatment as soon as possible is crucial.
We’re here to help with personalized treatment options at Genesis House if you or a loved one is struggling with chronic alcohol abuse.
References
- Patel, Roshan, and William Gossman. “Alcoholic Liver Disease.” National Library of Medicine, StatPearls Publishing, 2023, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546632/
- Gramlich, Leah. Nutritional Status in Patients with Sustained Heavy Alcohol Use. 23 June 2023, https://www.uptodate.com/contents/nutritional-status-in-patients-with-sustained-heavy-alcohol-use
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. “Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome | National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).” www.niaaa.nih.gov, 2022, https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/wernicke-korsakoff-syndrome
- Bhat, Pookala S, et al. “Alcoholic Hallucinosis.” Industrial Psychiatry Journal, vol. 21, no. 2, 2012, p. 155, doi:10.4103/0972-6748.119646. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3830167/
- Cleveland Clinic. “Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic, 19 Nov. 2021, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21994-alcoholic-cardiomyopathy
- “Drinking & Stroke Risk.” Muschealth.org, https://muschealth.org/medical-services/geriatrics-and-aging/healthy-aging/drinking-and-stroke-risk
- American Cancer Society. “Alcohol Use and Cancer.” www.cancer.org, 9 June 2020, https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/diet-physical-activity/alcohol-use-and-cancer.html
- Testino, Gianni. “Acute Alcoholic Hepatitis, End Stage Alcoholic Liver Disease and Liver Transplantation: An Italian Position Statement.” World Journal of Gastroenterology, vol. 20, no. 40, 2014, p. 14642, doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i40.14642. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4209530/
