As alcoholism progresses, the cells in the body become more and more resistant to the short-term effects of alcohol. As a person continues drinking excessively, the cells will continue to adapt. Eventually, the presence of alcohol becomes the norm for the body, and the long-term damage continues. The primary way a person with early-stage alcoholism differs from someone in middle-stage alcoholism is that alcohol is no longer leveraged for a quick high. When a person with alcoholism reaches end stagealcoholism, 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.
Who’s at Risk for Alcoholism?
In addition to interventions and support, it’s important to create a holistic approach to address the underlying factors contributing to alcoholism. This may involve lifestyle changes, stress management techniques, and developing healthy coping mechanisms. Building a strong support network and seeking professional help are crucial steps towards addressing alcoholism and improving long-term outcomes. It is essential to recognize and address the specific needs of children growing up in households affected by alcoholism.
Early Warning Signs of Alcoholism in a Loved One
You’ll live in safe, substance-free housing and have access to professional medical monitoring. The primary symptom of stage one is the development of alcohol tolerance. This stage of alcoholism is difficult to notice, even for the person misusing alcohol. It is important to know the signs that develop during each stage to ensure your loved one seeks treatment for their addiction early on. The earlier they seek treatment, the better their chance of successful recovery.
Liver Health During Treatment
When you call, you will be connected to a healthcare professional who specializes in alcoholism, life expectancy of an alcoholic addiction, and mental health disorders. We can help answer your questions about alcohol addiction or help find an Alcoholics Anonymous group near you. If you or a loved one has an alcohol use disorder, don’t hesitate to call us. The damaged liver can cause other complications in the body since it is a vital organ.
What are the Stages of Alcoholism?
Early damage to the liver causes fat to deposit onto the liver, resulting in hepatic steatosis, or alcoholic fatty liver disease. Fatty liver disease often has no symptoms and can usually be reversed. Treating people with AUD can be complex as other disorders may be evident. The treatment plan will also depend on the severity of the alcoholism and if there are other health issues present, such as seizures. Alcohol-induced cardiomyopathy is yet another serious cardiovascular problem caused by heavy drinking over a long period. People who are in the late alcoholic stage have been drinking for years.
Their alcohol withdrawal symptoms are so severe that they must drink continually to avoid them. Understanding the life expectancy of individuals struggling with alcoholism is crucial in comprehending the impact of this disorder on overall health and mortality rates. Alcohol use disorder is a progressive disease that includes a beginning, middle, and end stage, which can result in life-threatening health conditions. It’s not often talked about, but left untreated, alcohol use disorder can be a fatal disease. In fact, it contributes to about 88,000 deaths annually in the U.S., making alcohol the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States. By following these steps, individuals can significantly improve their life expectancy and overall quality of life.
Public Health
- An intervention from loved ones can help some people recognize and accept that they need professional help.
- By seeking help, individuals with alcoholism can access a range of resources and interventions designed to address their specific needs.
- But for a person who drinks heavily, the body adapts the majority of the time.
- Surrounding oneself with positive influences, understanding friends, and family members can provide the necessary support during challenging times.
- However, these signs should be a warning that an individual’s drinking problem may become increasingly worse.
- They may only feel well when they maintain a consistent level of alcohol in their bloodstream.
The alcoholic probably isn’t sleeping or eating well at this point and may not be keeping up with personal hygiene. Alcoholics in this stage have a hard time controlling their drinking. They may begin drinking early in the day and plan their day around their drinking. In social situations, they may be unable to stop drinking when others do and find that they can’t handle as much as they previously could without becoming drunk.
- In addition, there may be problems in their relationships as they continue to prioritize drinking over their marriage, children, or partners.
- At this point, it’s obvious to those close to you that you’re struggling.
Late-stage, or end-stage alcoholism, is a full-blown addiction to alcohol, often with damaging physical and mental health effects. Alcohol detox and treatment are nearly always necessary at this stage. After ongoing heavy use, the body may develop a physical dependence in middle-stage alcoholism, where they’ll experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop drinking. Chronic alcohol disorder, meaning excessive alcohol consumption, can literally take years off of your life. On average, end-stage alcoholics have their lives shortened by 30 years due to the diseases that are directly linked to their drinking. It is essential to recognize and address the health consequences of alcoholism, as early intervention and support can significantly improve outcomes.
