5 Of The Most Common Signs of Late-Stage Alcoholism

Dolly brings with her great compassion, empathy and her commitment to a life of service and recovery. Alcohol-related liver disease, or cirrhosis, is caused when a person drinks too much alcohol for a long time. The prognosis for someone diagnosed with cirrhosis depends on whether and how much fibrosis and inflammation are present.

The individual in sober house will experience serious mental and physical conditions, including possible life-threatening health conditions. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. However, late-stage alcoholism is characterized by an individual being completely unable to control their alcohol consumption. Stage four, also known as end-stage alcoholism, is when serious health conditions like cirrhosis of the liver, high blood pressure and alcohol-related dementia can develop.

Stage 3: Late-Stage or End-Stage Alcoholism

Chances are good you’ll find yourself constantly thinking about alcohol. You will experience the physical effects of alcoholism like weight gain or loss, stomach bloating, alcohol withdrawal headaches and shakiness, particularly when you’re craving a drink. Reaching the late-stage of alcohol use disorder poses serious consequences to a person’s physical and mental wellbeing. Many people at this point become unable to maintain a job or function normally in their usual routine. They may experience depression or anxiety as a result of alcohol use and may show less desire or motivation to tend to their hygiene or appearance.

It also has the most significant consequences when it comes to both physical and mental health. Medically monitored detox is crucial to early addiction recovery. Often this stage is required during the withdrawal phase of dependency. When an individual ceases using drugs or alcohol abruptly, they will inevitably experience severe withdrawal symptoms. Medical detox clinics keep patients physically safe, prescribing any medication necessary to avoid potentially life-threatening symptoms. When someone reaches end-stage alcoholism, their bodies and mental health take the biggest hit.

How can I prevent alcohol use disorder?

When you reach the end stage of alcoholism, your drinking has taken over your life. Alcoholism progresses through different stages, eventually leading to dependency and addiction. Late-stage alcoholism is the final stage of alcohol use disorder.

Many people do not recognize the signs of an unhealthy relationship with alcohol until they have begun to suffer serious consequences. Like most problems, getting support and treatment early can prevent the problem from growing and can help you avoid serious consequences. Alcoholic liver disease is treatable if it is caught before it causes severe damage. However, continued excessive drinking can shorten your lifespan.

End-Stage Alcoholism Symptoms

The information provided by AddictionHelp.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice. View our editorial content guidelines to learn how we create helpful content with integrity and compassion. The use of this website is subject to our privacy policy and disclaimer. Our free email newsletter offers guidance from top addiction specialists, inspiring sobriety stories, and practical recovery tips to help you or a loved one keep coming back and staying sober. While in this phase, an individual may still be able to function at work and home, but friends or family may begin to notice changes in their behavior.

They can often hold conversations without stuttering or slurring. They may appear to maintain coordination and motor skills to some degree. A person with a higher tolerance may not look intoxicated, despite drinking a large amount of alcohol. Others who have had less to drink may look more intoxicated than a person with a high tolerance. Many factors affect alcohol tolerance, including a person’s biochemistry, race, ethnicity, body mass and how an individual consumes alcohol.

With a management background, Kristal brings with her many skills including an advanced understanding of computer technology, administrative organization, multi-tasking and excellent customer service. With a passion for recovery, Kristal received her RADT in December of 2021. Her educational plans include obtaining her CADC certification, as well a greater understanding of the licensure and regulatory requirements as related to chemical dependency treatment.