What's at the end of the road, the end stage alcoholism symptoms, after all the good times and the not so good times? Death. Plain and simple -- alcoholism is a fatal disease.
The unvarnished facts of end stage alcoholism symptoms aren't pretty, but here they are in clinical, CSI style:
- Fatty liver-- the liver cannot produce enough enzymes to convert what it sees as a poison, alcohol, and starts storing it as fat. This makes the liver larger and starts squeezing blood vessels. What should be a sponge that filters blood as it passes through becomes a clogged up system.
- Impaired Circulation-- blood begins to back up and it can no longer be pushed around by the heart properly. Because blood flow is limited through the lungs, plasma (the watery component of blood) leaks into the lungs. It is no longer carried away properly. This can also mean fluid buildup in limbs and might require amputation.
- Death-- this picture results in death by drowning in your own bodily fluids as the lungs become unable to exchange air. It's not quick, but a slow suffocation. For awhile, not laying down and oxygen help. But the problem continues to build.
- Other stuff-- End stage alcoholics save what liver they have for alcohol. Food is no longer as important. They get skinny. Their nutrition suffers. Specifically, a lack of B-1 (which is water soluble and flushed out as part of metabolizing alcohol) gives them mental damage and nerve impairment. It isn't just the drink that makes them seem mentally disabled, there is actual brain damage here.
It's a horrible, extended way to die. And it's just as cruel for loved ones who have to watch it happen. The end stage alcoholism symptoms, when alcohol can no longer be metabolized much, even a little will get them "drunk" and some die from overdosing and acute alcohol toxicity. At this point, they can no longer quit without medical supervision. The withdrawal from end stage alcoholism symptoms may kill them as well.
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