Drinking too much is a serious problem. If not addressed and treated appropriately, alcoholism can lead to death. Knowing the signs of dying from alcoholism can help you make informed decisions about your health before it’s too late—and you may even save your loved ones’ lives. Call 888.341.3607 to speak with someone from our caring and compassionate team at Ashwood Recovery about our alcohol addiction treatment program and how we can help you or your loved one overcome a substance use disorder (SUD), maintain sobriety, and lead a happier life.
Can Alcoholism Lead to Death?
Yes, alcoholism can lead to death. It is estimated that 88,000 people in the United States die each year due to alcohol-related causes such as:
- Liver cirrhosis
- Cancer
- Alcohol poisoning
The risks increase with an individual’s length of use and amount of consumption.
Signs You’re Dying from Alcoholism
If you or a loved one is dying from alcoholism, there are certain signs to look for. They include:
- Cardiovascular disease – Long-term heavy drinking can cause heart disease due to high blood pressure or thickening of the heart muscle—also called cardiomyopathy. If left untreated, this can lead to chest pain, arrhythmias or irregular heartbeat, and even death.
- Liver damage – Heavy drinking can damage the liver beyond repair over time, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, jaundice or yellowing of the skin, dark urine, abdominal pain, and swelling.
- Loss of appetite – If you are experiencing a loss of appetite or nausea when drinking or eating, this could be a sign that your body is struggling to cope with the amount of alcohol consumed.
- Mental health conditions – Excessive alcohol use has been linked to depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns, which can be challenging to manage without professional help.
- Pancreatitis – When someone has pancreatitis due to excessive alcohol use, they may experience severe abdominal pain after eating or drinking anything containing alcohol. In some cases, this can be so severe that hospitalization is required for treatment.
- Wet brain syndrome (WBS) – Also called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, WBS is a neurological disorder caused by thiamine deficiency due to long-term alcohol use. Left untreated, it can cause confusion, impaired memory and cognitive ability, and even death.
If you or someone you know is dying from alcoholism, it’s essential to seek help immediately. Contact us today at Ashwood Recovery to learn more about our alcohol addiction treatment program and how we can help. With the proper support and care, those struggling with SUDs like alcohol use disorder (AUD) can find sobriety, lead healthier lives, and prevent further harm.
What Should You Expect from Alcohol Addiction Treatment?
Addiction treatment should include medical and psychological interventions from qualified professionals who understand how addiction works and how best to help their patients recover from SUDs through personalized care plans. Depending on the severity of their condition, individuals may receive detoxification services followed by counseling sessions focusing on topics such as relapse prevention strategies and coping skills training to maintain sobriety long term.
At Ashwood Recovery in Idaho, our caring and compassionate team provides comprehensive treatment explicitly designed for those struggling with alcoholism so they can get back on track with their life goals. Alcoholism can lead to death—so enrolling in an alcohol addiction treatment program can be a life-saving process.
Find Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Idaho at Ashwood Recovery
Knowing the signs that you or a loved one is at risk of dying from alcoholism will enable you to take appropriate action before it’s too late. However, if you do find yourself in a dangerous situation, seeking professional help is critical. Contact Ashwood Recovery today at 888.341.3607 to get started on your journey toward recovery.