But as the alcoholic's drinking ]increases, so does the cellular demand for alcohol, to the extent that he can no longer forestall his painful symptoms without being constantly in a state of drunkenness. This is the final, deteriorative stage of alcoholism. At this stage the alcoholic's tolerance to alcohol lessens because of widespread organ damage, especially in the liver and nervous system. A minority, probably about 10%, die as a result of late-stage organ damage such as cirrhosis. The liver simply cannot perform its functions, and the blood has a steadily increasing level of toxins. The physiological damage is widespread: the heart, pancreas, digestive system, and respiratory system all have characteristic changes in the late-stage alcoholic. The liver, however, suffers the most extensive damage. Alcoholism - The Stages Of Alcoholism - Alcoholic, Symptoms, System, and Withdrawal - JRank Articles