Long-term addiction treatment programs can help manage cravings and prevent relapse, supplemented by nutritional support and management of comorbid medical conditions. Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding triggers and engaging in healthy activities, are important for maintaining sobriety. To be diagnosed, patients who screen positive for binge drinking or heavy alcohol use must experience at least two of the 11 outlined symptoms 9 within a 12-month period. If you recognize any signs of alcoholism in your life or have concerns about a loved one, it is crucial to explore addiction treatment as soon as possible. At this point, an alcoholic won’t engage in activities or go out with friends and family if it hampers the ability to access alcohol.

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. In the middle stage, drinking may become a staple of daily life. It may sound backward, but the person may feel that they function better when they are intoxicated. This is because they only feel the negative effects of alcohol when they stop drinking. In early-stage alcoholism, the person maintains and may increase their alcohol use.

How do you tell the difference between the stages of alcoholism?

In a separate research study, it was found that those individuals who reported drinking excessive amounts had shorter life expectancies at age 40 of approximately 4 to 5 years. Approximately 20% of the alcohol-related survival difference was attributed to death from cardiovascular disease. Further exploration and analysis of the study results revealed that people who drank beer or spirits, as well as binge drinkers, had the highest risk for mortality from all causes. After a long period of continuous heavy drinking, alcohol has contributed to the damage and deterioration of vital organs such as the liver, heart, kidneys, pancreas, and brain. Mental problems such as dementia or delirium tremens (DTs) occur, and they face an increased risk of developing cancer. The most effective treatment during the early stages of alcoholism includes therapy and support groups.

You may also be addicted to other drugs and have mental health issues at this point. You may also be exhibiting compulsive behaviors in your end stage alcoholism. Alcoholism is a condition that causes a number of negative effects on the body and mind.

Treatment for Alcoholism

Because alcohol is orally ingested, it’s processed through your digestive system and liver, leading to rapid absorption into your blood. As this alcohol-rich blood is pumped throughout your body, the alcohol affects every single organ and cell, leading to dramatic changes in how your body functions. Alcohol is classified as a sedative-hypnotic drug, a substance that depresses the central nervous system, especially when consumed in high doses. This can impact a range of essential functions in your body including your respiratory system, your brain function, and your organs, leading to a slowing of both voluntary and involuntary functions. Your treatment plan will include various therapies that may consist of cognitive-behavioral therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing.

Do not wait another day for the healing, life-changing treatment you deserve. If you are ready to take the first step in your recovery journey, we will walk the rest of the way with you. Getting treatment before reaching this serious point is the best way to avoid these consequences.

Heavy alcohol use for long periods of time can lead to alcoholism, which can eventually be terminal.

In Texas, 18.7% of adults (consistent with nation-wide results) reported binge drinking in the past 30 days or excessive use weekly. Binge drinking is defined as four or more drinks for a female and five or more for a male in two hours. Excessive or chronic use, for purposes of the study, was considered eight or more drinks for women and 15 or more for men. The line in which it passes from a harmless pastime to a life-threatening problem can sometimes be blurry. By examining behavior and possible signs of an alcohol use disorder, one can get a clearer picture if they have a problem, or to help a friend or loved one who may not see the signs in themselves.

• The term, “end-stage,” leads many people to believe that end-stage alcoholism is terminal.
• Based on your situation, your treatment professional will recommend a course of action and a treatment plan.
• The ensuing pain, which radiates out from the center of one’s abdomen, can be so excruciating that it is crippling.
• End-stage alcoholism is a life-threatening condition that almost always requires medical care and treatment to overcome.
• Esther received a Certificate of Achievement in Addiction Studies at San Diego City College and has been a certified CADCII since 2002.

It isn’t until they reach end-stage alcoholism that they experience symptoms, with many culminating in a sudden attack of pancreatitis. This occurs when the first drink is taken, which can occur well before the legal age of 21. It involves trying different types of alcohol and often involves binge drinking, consuming high amounts in relatively short amounts of time. The most effective treatment for overcoming Selecting the Most Suitable Sober House for Addiction Recovery alcoholism involves a clinically-proven combination of behavioral therapy, medications, and attending support groups. This provides a safe and structured environment for people to address all medical, emotional, and psychological aspects of their drinking for lifelong recovery. If you are concerned about your own or a loved one’s drinking, professional treatment is a beneficial option to consider.

The immune system becomes compromised, for instance, a situation that leaves the victim open to a number of serious illnesses. Brain, heart, and liver damage can also occur during this final stage of alcohol use disorder. Eventually, if left untreated, it can also lead to premature death. Being able to identify the stages of alcoholism can help individuals find recovery before they experience the significant long-term physical and mental health consequences of end-stage alcoholism.

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcoholism, don’t wait to get help. While alcohol abuse has become normalized in today’s society, frequent abuse of this substance can lead to lasting physical, psychological,…. Emily brings with her over 3 years of experience in the addiction field having previously worked for a local substance abuse treatment program. She also shares her 12 years of administrative & customer service experience as a member of the intake/admissions department. Jace joined Hemet Valley Recovery in 2006 after she graduated from 4-D College in Colton, CA.