My AH left myself and the kids two years ago in February. Since then he has lost his job and finally succumbed to the disease by passing away in February this year 2015 at the age of 41 from alcoholic hepatitis and kidney failure. I think that when they start showing signs of fatty liver and are always getting sick but fail to heed doctors warnings then they are on the path to death. That's was my experience but I guess everyone is different. Suppose the more they drink, the higher the chances of the liver failing. I was always the handbrake and once I was out of the equation, it was eeasier for him to drink regardless. Such a horrible way to die and what a waste of a life.