Is End-Stage Alcoholism Too Late for Treatment?

End-stage alcoholism is not too late for treatment. However, the end-stage alcoholic may have conditions caused by prolonged and excessive drinking that may be too late to reverse. But the alcoholism itself can still be treated if the patient makes a commitment to seek and follow a treatment program. But without a strong commitment, his chances of recovery are slim.

• It's never too late

End-Stage Alcoholism

• In the end stage, the alcoholic suffers with an obsession to drink almost all the time. He suffers blackouts and memory loss and possibly hallucinations and delirium tremens as well. He also has an elevated risk of death from other causes, not only medical but also accidents and suicide. Malnutrition can also be a problem, affecting digestion and his immune system, making him more susceptible to other diseases and adverse medical conditions. If he does not seek a cure, his risk of death is almost imminent.

Commitment

• An end-stage alcoholic has probably sought treatment before and has failed. She may have been in outpatient care or inpatient care or has tried self-help or peer support programs. But her reason for failure can always be attributed to a lack of commitment. If she is to succeed in her treatment in end-stage alcoholism, she must be wholly committed or she will return to drinking. As is commonly stated in Alcoholics Anonymous, "we tried to find and easier softer way, but half measures availed us nothing."

Withdrawal

• For an end-stage alcoholic to try to quit drinking cold-turkey can be medically dangerous. According to the website "Learn-About-Alcoholism.com," on its "Alcoholism Withdrawal" fact sheet, symptoms could include "seizures, fever, delirium or severe confusion, hallucinations or irregular heartbeat," and possibly even death. But if an alcoholic seeks proper medical treatment, a professionally monitored withdrawal procedure at a qualified hospital can see him through safely. It is not too late for him just because he may suffer from withdrawal.

Detoxification

• Detoxification treatment should go along with withdrawal monitoring, but both should be completed before the alcoholic starts on a program of psychological recovery. Alcohol causes brain damage, and until at least some of this damage has had a chance to repair, psychological treatment may not take effect. It would be as if he were still drunk. So the medical process of detoxification will need to be completed before an alcoholic can enter the road to recovery. But if the alcoholic is committed, his chances of recovery improve greatly. He will not be too late.

Inpatient Care

• Several inpatient care facilities are available throughout the United States that can treat and monitor the alcoholic through all stages of the recovery process. With a strong sense of commitment, the end-stage alcoholic can survive through withdrawal, detoxification, psychological rehabilitation and conditioning to get to a point where he can continue his life without alcohol. But without the commitment and the desire to live, little can be done. At this point, whether it is too late or not is up to the alcoholic.

Finding Treatment

• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services maintains a website to help you find an alcohol treatment center in your area. Go to dasis3.samhsa.gov/ and click on your state, then add your local information, then click "DETAILED SEARCH" to find a center for your specific needs. You can call or arrange a personal interview for admission information. Be sure to check with your insurance company for possible coverage.