What Is End-Stage Alcoholism?
Alcohol addiction comes in various stages, from mild addiction to full-blown abuse. It can start with just having an occasional drink to consistently getting blackout drunk, producing devastating consequences that negatively impact the person’s life. The worst stage health-wise is end-stage alcoholism, which can be fatal if left untreated. It can cause severe health problems like liver failure and disability and reduce life expectancy due to health complications. Please keep reading to discover more about what is end-stage alcoholism and how to recognize and overcome this severe health issue.
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What Are the Symptoms of End-Stage Alcoholism?
End-stage alcoholism occurs when an alcoholic’s body becomes so dependent on receiving alcohol that it cannot function without it. The symptoms of end-stage alcoholism involve severe physical and mental health deterioration due to long-term alcohol abuse. Alcoholism symptoms can include:
- Cirrhosis of the liver, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), and swelling in the abdomen and legs.
- Memory problems, confusion, and potential development of alcohol-related dementia.
- Tremors, hallucinations, seizures, and delirium tremens when attempting to stop drinking.
- Increased risk of infections and diseases.
- High blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and increased risk of heart failure.
- Ulcers, internal bleeding, and malnutrition.
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas, causing severe abdominal pain and digestive issues.
- Frequent blackouts and loss of consciousness.
- Severe mood swings and potential co-occurring mental health disorders like depression or anxiety.
- Inability to function without alcohol.
- Social isolation and breakdown of relationships.
- Neglect of personal hygiene and appearance.
These late-stage symptoms require immediate medical attention. When going through these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek help at a professional alcohol addiction treatment center.
What Is the Most Serious Withdrawal Symptom Associated With Alcoholism?
The most serious withdrawal symptom of end-stage alcoholism is delirium tremens (DTs). DTs are considered a medical emergency due to their potentially life-threatening nature, and people experiencing the condition need to seek help right away.
DTs generally occur within 48 to 96 hours after someone with severe alcohol addiction has their last drink. It may also occur up to 10 days following their previous alcohol consumption. The severe symptoms that result from DTs include confusion and disorientation, hallucinations, and agitation or restlessness. People experiencing DTs may also suffer from seizures, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, severe sweating, fever, and tremors.
The risks associated with delirium tremens are significant and can be fatal if left untreated. Without proper medical intervention, DTs can lead to potentially life-threatening health issues. Given these serious risks, immediate alcohol addiction treatment is crucial for anyone experiencing delirium tremens. Treatment for DTs requires a professional medical approach. This includes personal monitoring of vital signs and the use of medications to manage symptoms and prevent seizures.
What Is the Life Expectancy of an Alcoholic Person?
The life expectancy of a person suffering from alcohol addiction takes a steep decline compared to the general population. The life expectancy can vary widely depending on numerous factors. On average, people with alcohol addiction have a life expectancy that is about 25 years shorter than the general population. This decline is because of various alcohol-related health complications and the increased chances of physical accidents.
The life expectancy of people struggling with alcoholism depends on the duration and severity of alcohol abuse. The longer and more intense periods of drinking generally lead to shorter life expectancies. Lifestyle factors, such as diet, exercise habits, and smoking, can also impact an alcoholic’s life expectancy. Access to healthcare and alcohol abuse treatment can also determine an alcoholic’s life expectancy, with undergoing support for addiction recovery helping improve the chances of a longer and healthier life.
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What Happens at the End of Life of an Alcoholic?
When someone has spent years battling addiction nears the end of life due to the condition, they will often experience severe physical and mental complications. The body and its organs, particularly the liver, may be significantly damaged, causing numerous issues and physical pain. Cognitive decline is also common for people at the end stage of alcoholism. Alcohol-related dementia, also known as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, can lead to confusion, memory loss, and personality changes.
Many people with alcohol addiction may have difficult relationships with family and friends, leading to isolation in their final days. This isolation may cause the person to experience fear, regret, depression, or anxiety as they deal with their addiction by themselves. This may cause people to drink even more to try and cope with the isolation as their possible end of life nears.
Just like the addiction itself, not everyone’s end-of-life experience will be the same. It can vary greatly depending on available support systems and whether the person underwent proper addiction treatment. While the end of life may be near, it’s never too late to seek addiction care to make the process easier. The human body is great at repairing itself, but it starts with the commitment to find treatment for a sober life.
Call Resurgence and Get Help If You’re Wondering What Is End-Stage Alcoholism
No matter how long an addiction has lasted, it is possible to overcome it with professional treatment. For people seeking help for alcohol addiction, Resurgence Behavioral Health can help. Resurgence Behavioral Health provides compassionate and highly trained medical staff who use a holistic approach to addiction treatment. Each patient is treated as an individual, so they are treated based on their physical, emotional, and cognitive states. We feature alcohol addiction treatment programs that include inpatient and outpatient treatment for a range of addictions. We also offer detox services to overcome the physical side of addiction, with our therapy programs designed to tackle the mental challenges of overcoming addiction and sustaining recovery. For more information on what is end-stage alcoholism and how to overcome alcohol addiction with professional treatment, please call Resurgence Behavioral Health at 855-458-0050 or contact us online to learn more about how we can help.
