Author: Alex Thompson

The Three Stages of Alcoholism: Early, Middle, & End-Stage Alcoholism

The body can become distressed even when a person stops drinking for a short time. When a person with alcoholism reaches end stage alcoholism, they have reached a point that is dramatically different from the initial stages. During the early stages of the disease, the person may drink heavily and may experience hangovers in between drinking episodes. However, during the end stage, the addiction has taken over, and the person may no longer be able to control their drinking impulses. Some chronic alcoholics develop a condition called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, which results from a thiamine (vitamin B-1) deficiency. The condition, which is sometimes called wet brain, is characterized by eye movement disorders, loss of muscle coordination, confusion and memory issues.

1. As the stage progresses, the disease takes hold and develops into middle-stage alcoholism.
2. Because alcohol is orally ingested, it’s processed through your digestive system and liver, leading to rapid absorption into your blood.
3. The end-stage alcoholic suffers from a host of physical problems, including severe damage to vital organs such as the liver.
4. End-stage alcoholism, or late-stage alcoholism, is the final stage of an alcohol use disorder, resulting in serious physical and mental conditions as well as other life consequences from years of alcohol misuse.
5. She has extensive experience in working with patients at all levels of care and has additional training in family dynamics, codependency, relapse prevention, and stress management.

” Each person’s body is different, so when consuming alcohol varies, we react differently. And this constant drinking increases their risk for short-term and long-term injuries. The injuries can result in fatal sickness, which may, in turn, lead to death. Specifically, the genes that contribute the most to the risk for alcoholism and alcohol consumption are alcohol dehydrogenase 1B (ADH1B) and aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2). The variants ADH1B48His and ADH1B370Cys metabolize ethanol at higher rates than ADH1B1, and ALDH2504K has a protective effect against alcohol use disorders. Needle/syringe exchange programs are one of the key harm reduction strategies.

While every person’s alcohol addiction is unique, alcohol affects people in similar ways. Most people with an alcohol use disorder progress through three typical stages. It is important to note that recovery from alcoholism is a lifelong process. Even after successful treatment, an alcoholic must continue to manage their disease and avoid relapse.

Get Treatment for Alcohol Abuse Before It’s Too Late

Unlike an opioid overdose death that can happen in a matter of minutes, dying from end-stage alcoholism is usually slow, painful and undignified. There’s often a notable lack of compassion for people who are dying from alcohol use disorder among caregivers, family members and the general public. Recovery from alcoholism is a challenging process, but with commitment and support, it is possible to live a healthy and fulfilling life in sobriety.

In September of 2023 he received his Bachelors of Arts Degree in Psychology with a concentration in addiction. In 2024 he will pursue his Master’s in Clinical Counseling on his way to ultimately become a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. Shaun’s goal is to help people realize their potential in recovery and heal no matter what they have been through. An individual with an addiction to alcohol will move through the stages of the disease as they continue to drink and drink larger quantities. The last stage is end stage alcoholism, which can severely shorten the life expectancy of an alcoholic. Treating the alcohol use disorder, along with the health problems caused by chronic, heavy drinking, may be possible.

Alcoholism is a sickness and it must be treated; otherwise, it worsens. In the worst case, the answer to the question of how long do alcoholics live would be “not very long.” This is because you don’t have much control over your appetite for alcohol. In truth, there is no straight answer to the question, “how long do alcoholics live?

It’s much safer and healthier to choose a path of sobriety and growth than to try to drink less. You’re not alone in this journey – we are here to support you every step of the way. Take back control of your life and start on the road to recovery now.

She also shares her 12 years of administrative & customer service experience as a member of the intake/admissions department. As the Clinical Nurse Manager for Hemet Valley Recovery Center & Sage Retreat, Crystal’s nursing career began as an LVN graduating from Concorde Career College in 2010. Crystal went on to earn her Registered Nursing degree from Mt. San Jacinto College. Crystal also has a background in Medical Surgical Nursing with a specialty in orthopedic surgery from Riverside University Health System, a level 1 trauma hospital. She now has over 12 years of experience in Chemical Dependency nursing, and is currently in the process of obtaining her degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

When alcohol enters the bloodstream, one of the central impacts is slowing the rate of communication between nerve cells. The rate of communication returns to its typical levels once alcohol leaves the body. If a person drinks frequently or more heavily, the nerve cells in the brain adapt by reducing the number of places they can receive these messages. Stopping is impossible at this point without professional help because of the severe and potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms that would occur if they quit cold turkey. By this stage, their drinking is taking an obvious physical toll as well.

Stage 3: Late-Stage or End-Stage Alcoholism

Other lifestyle factors that can influence the average lifespan of an alcoholic include stress levels, sleep habits, and overall mental health. Alcoholics may be more likely to experience stress and anxiety, which can lead to a range of health problems. This disease affects the physical and mental health of anyone who struggles with it.

Work performance usually suffers at this stage, and impairment in the workplace is common. Middle-stage alcoholics may become irritable or angry if confronted about their drinking. Even though alcohol has become a significant part of everyday life, early-stage alcoholics often deny that they have a problem and may be defensive about their drinking. They may also rationalize, or make excuses, for their behavior and insist they can stop drinking whenever they feel like it. Even if your loved one seeks help, you may still need help and support to overcome the effects. Many people refer to alcoholism as a “family disease” because it can have a major impact on all members of the family whether they realize it or not.

Benefits of Substance Use Disorder Treatment

Assuming leadership responsibility in 2013 as the Clinical Nurse Manager, addiction treatment has become Melinda’s passion. 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.

Alcohol’s Role Taking Hold

This can lead to malnutrition and a weakened immune system, which can increase the risk of developing a range of health problems. Is 81 years old, whereas the overall average lifespan of an alcoholic is 52 years old. Let us be your guide and provide all the support you need to regain control of your life and begin the path to recovery. Patricia Bellard has been with Hemet Valley Recovery Center & Sage Retreat for 10 years as the Director of Business Services. She has also been instrumental in the development of Intake and Admission Services, Accounts Receivables, and contracting negotiations. Patricia began her career at Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital in Whittier.

Alcohol-Related Liver Disease

Esther’s extensive knowledge in Crisis Intervention has helped her motivate many individuals suffering from substance abuse issues take the first steps towards healing. Is a Licensed and Board Certified Acupuncturist that specializes in Physical Medicine and Pain Management. Rebecca has a passion for helping people reach their health goals through the most natural means possible.