Signs of End-Stage Alcoholism

Alcoholism is an insidious and chronic disease that over time can wreak havoc in every area of the alcoholic's life. Alcoholics may become obsessed with drinking and have no control over how much they drink. Serious health issues are often present In the final stage of the disease.

A Progressive Disease

• Physical dependence on alcohol develops gradually. Chronic drinking can lead to a chemical imbalance in your brain. In time, this imbalance may cause your body to require alcohol to feel normal.

  A seasoned alcoholic has built a strong tolerance to alcohol and requires an increasing number of drinks to feel its effects. In late-stage alcoholism, drinking starts shortly after awaking and continues throughout the day.

Withdrawal Symptoms

• In the final stages of the disease, physical withdrawal symptoms are common if you don't consume alcohol. Withdrawal symptoms may include shaking, sweating and nausea.

Obsessed with Alcohol

• A number of key symptoms point to late-stage alcoholism. By now, the alcoholic is obsessed with drinking. There is a greater likelihood of benders or extended states of intoxication. He or she may experience symptoms of psychosis including auditory and visual hallucinations.

Out of Control

• Simply put, the life of the late stage alcohol is out of control. He or she may realize that their lives have become completely unmanageable. In the final stage of the disease, an alcoholic may have unexplained fears and harbor unreasonable hostility and resentment toward others.

Relationship & Financial issues

• The impaired thinking of a late stage alcoholic often results in the devaluation of personal relationships.

  It is common for an alcoholic to vehemently deny that he or she has a drinking problem although they may express persistent remorse for their drinking.

  He or she may have severe financial problems. By now the alcoholic has little or no control over their drinking and may be unable to maintain employment.

Weakened Immune System

• Many years of drinking can compromise the immune system of the alcoholic. A late-stage alcoholic may suffer from serious health issues such as cirrhosis of the liver, heart failure, hepatitis, respiratory infections and brain damage, some of which is reversible.

A Vicious Cycle

• The high tolerance to alcohol makes it difficult to achieve the goal of getting "high." By now a vicious cycle is in place as the late-stage alcoholic wants to get drunk to forget about the mountain of problems caused by drinking.

  It's never too late to be treated for alcoholism. Treatment, therapy, self-help and 12- step groups can help alcoholics to recover