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Late Stage Alcoholism

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image: doctor writing in chart of chronic alcoholicThere are four stages of alcoholism.  Late stage alcoholism usually means the fourth and final stage of alcoholism.  This fourth or late stage of alcoholism is characterized by a chronic loss of control.  Stated differently, in the earlier stages of alcohol dependency, the alcoholic had a choice whether he or she would take the first drink.  

In the last or late stage of alcoholism, however, an alcoholic no longer has a choice: he or she must drink in order to function on a daily basis.

Late Stage of Alcoholism, Employment and Control

In the earlier stages of alcoholism, the person may have been relatively successful in maintaining regular employment.  Now, however, drinking typically starts earlier in the day and usually continues throughout the day.

It should come as no surprise that very few, if any, full-time positions can be maintained once a person has reached this unfortunate set of circumstances.

In the earlier stages of dependency, the alcoholic had a choice whether he or she would take the first drink. 

Once the alcoholic had the first drink, he or she generally lost all control and would then continue drinking.  In the late stage of alcoholism, however, alcoholics no longer have a choice. 

More precisely, in the late and final stage of alcoholism, unfortunately, alcoholics must drink in order to function.

Benders:  Late Stage Alcoholism Flights Into Oblivion

During the late stage of alcoholism, benders are common.  That is, in this stage, the alcoholic gets helplessly drunk and might remain in this condition for days at a time.  The unattainable goal for the alcoholic at this time is to re-discover the feeling of euphoria they once experienced.

In this stage, the alcoholic typically manifests an utter disregard for everything, including family, relationships, food, shelter, and employment.  Paradoxically, these occasional flights into oblivion are best described as drinking to get away from the problems caused by drinking.

In the second or third stages of alcoholism the alcoholic's hands may have trembled slightly on mornings after getting drunk.  In the final and late stage of alcoholism, however, alcoholics get "the shakes" whenever they attempt or are forced to refrain from drinking.  These tremors are warning signals of a severe nervous disorder that now affects the entire body of the alcoholic.

Delirium Tremens

When "the shakes" are combined with hallucinations, the result is known as "the DTs" or delirium tremens, a potentially fatal form of alcohol withdrawal if the alcoholic does not receive immediate medical intervention.  After an attack of the DTs, many alcoholics promise to never drink again.  Regrettably, most of them do not and can not fulfill their promise, and so they eventually return to drinking, and the process starts all over again. 

People who crave sugar may also be at higher risk for alcoholism. In one study, 62% of male alcoholics enjoyed a sweet sugar solution compared with only 21% of those without a drinking problem.

The Need For an Easily Accessible Supply of Alcohol

In the fourth and late stage of alcoholism, having an easily accessible supply of alcohol close at hand (to avoid "the shakes") becomes the most meaningful goal in the life of the alcoholic.  

During this stage, the alcoholic will do almost anything to get the alcohol he or she requires.  Once the alcohol is secured, alcoholics will usually hide their bottles so that they can get a drink whenever they need it, which typically means any hour of the day or the night.

Regarding alcoholism and drinking problems, employers can be particularly effective. Their approach should also be compassionate but strong, threatening the employee with loss of employment if he or she does not seek help. Some large companies provide access to inexpensive or free treatment programs for their workers.

Late Stage Alcoholism:  Key Symptoms

When a person reaches the fourth and late stage of alcohol addiction, he or she is in the phase that is also known as "chronic alcoholism."  The following represents some of the key symptoms of the fourth and late stage of alcoholism:

  • Indefinable fears
  • Unreasonable resentments and hostility toward others
  • Auditory and visual hallucinations
  • Persistent remorse
  • The possibility of alcoholic psychosis
  • "The shakes"
  • The "DTs"
  • Devaluation of personal relationships
  • Loss of tolerance for alcohol
  • The realization of being out of control
  • Impaired thinking
  • Nameless fears and anxieties such as feelings of impending doom or destruction
  • Vague spiritual desires
  • The collapse of the alibi system
  • Continual loss of control
  • Moral deterioration
  • Benders, or lengthy intoxications
  • Obsession with drinking  
Even intelligence is no ally regarding alcoholics and sobriety, for the over-agitated brain will use all its powers of rationalization to persuade the patient to return to drinking. According to a 1999 study having a high or low IQ has little effect on quitting. However, according to this study, a high verbal ability may aid the alcoholic in remaining sober.

Late Stage Alcoholism:  Conclusion

Alcoholism - Late Stage.  The fourth and late stage of alcoholism is typified by an almost total loss of control concerning the alcoholic's drinking behavior.  For instance, in the earlier stages of the disease, the individual may have been successful in maintaining employment.  Now, however, drinking starts earlier in the day and usually continues throughout the day.  As a result, few, if any, full-time jobs can be maintained once a person has reached this last stage of alcoholism. 

Moreover, in the earlier stages of the dependency, the alcoholic had a choice whether he or she would take the first drink.  Once the individual had the first drink, he or she usually lost all control and would then continue drinking.  In the late stage of alcoholism, however, an alcoholic no longer has a choice:  he or she must drink in order to make it through the day.

A strong social support system and early medical or psychiatric intervention may also help prevent the escalating consumption of alcohol so characteristic of alcoholism.

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One of the most difficult problems is being around other people who are able to drink socially without danger of addiction. A sense of isolation, a loss of enjoyment, and the ex-drinker's belief that pity, not respect, is guiding a friend's attitude can lead to loneliness, low self-esteem, and a strong desire to drink again.

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