ARLD (alcohol-related liver disease) is a condition that stems from excessive and chronic consumption of alcohol, triggering significant liver impairment over time. Read on to learn more about liver damage from alcoholism and find out how to engage with compassionate care.
How Does Alcohol Damage the Liver?
Alcohol-related liver disease is a condition in which excessive drinking overwhelms the liver’s ability to break down alcohol, causing significant damage.
Anyone who does not conform to moderate drinking guidelines can develop a fatty liver, described clinically as steatosis. More severe forms of liver damage – alcohol-associated hepatitis and cirrhosis – arise from long-term heavy drinking. Researchers do not fully understand why some people who consume alcohol develop liver disease.
There are three stages of alcohol-related liver disease, often with substantial overlap:
- Fatty liver: This initial stage occurs when heavy drinking leads to the accumulation of fat in the liver. It might not cause symptoms but serves as a warning sign to the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption. This condition can reverse with abstinence from alcohol over months or years, allowing the liver to recover.
- Alcoholic hepatitis: Alcoholic hepatitis can manifest after long-term excessive drinking and might mark the first indication of liver damage for some people. It may also appear after short bouts of heavy drinking. While mild cases can heal with complete cessation of alcohol use, severe alcoholic hepatitis is a grave and potentially fatal condition.
- Cirrhosis: In this advanced phase of alcohol-related liver damage, the liver is extensively scarred. Symptoms may still not present, but the damage is largely irreversible. If someone stops drinking alcohol, this can halt further deterioration and significantly improve life expectancy, even at this advanced stage.
Signs of Liver Damage from Alcoholism
ARLD normally remains symptom-free until significant liver damage occurs. At this point, symptoms may manifest as:
- Nausea
- Weight loss
- Decreased appetite
- Jaundice
- Swelling in abdomen or ankles
- Mental confusion
- Lethargy
- Vomiting blood
- Blood in stools
Consequently, ARLD is often discovered incidentally during evaluations for unrelated medical issues, or when liver damage has reached an advanced stage.
Treatments for Liver Damage from Alcoholism
Currently, there is no direct medication for treating ARLD. The primary recommendation is abstinence from alcohol, ideally lifelong. Ceasing alcohol consumption minimizes further liver damage and optimizes the recovery potential of the liver.
Quitting can be challenging for those who are physically dependent on alcohol, but support, guidance, and medical interventions are accessible through addiction treatment services. Treatment usually involves supervised medical detox followed by ongoing inpatient or outpatient rehab which blends medications, talk therapies, and holistic treatments.
In extreme instances, where the liver fails and does not recover upon stopping alcohol, a liver transplant might be necessary. Eligibility for a liver transplant is contingent on the emergence of cirrhosis complications despite sobriety. Liver transplant programs mandate ongoing abstinence both before and after the transplant for individuals with ARLD.
FAQs
Is liver damage from alcoholism reversible?
Liver damage from alcoholism can be partially reversible, especially in the early stages. Discontinuing consumption can trigger significant liver function improvement, but severe damage like cirrhosis is largely irreversible.
How much alcohol causes live damage?
Liver damage can vary widely from person to person, but heavy and prolonged use of alcohol increases risk. Men who consume more than two drinks daily and women who consume more than one drink daily over many years increase the risk of developing liver damage over time.
How do I repair liver damage from alcohol?
How to repair liver damage from alcohol involves the complete discontinuation of alcohol. Additionally, staying hydrated, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and focusing on sleep hygiene can support liver recovery. In some cases, healthcare providers may recommend medications or supplements.
How do I know when it’s time to get help for alcohol use?
It’s time to seek help for alcohol use if it negatively affects your health, relationships, or responsibilities. Signs include being unable to moderate or discontinue use of alcohol, experiencing withdrawal symptoms in its absence, or prioritizing alcohol over other important aspects of life.
Get Treatment for Alcoholism at Gratitude Lodge
Alcoholism is a progressive condition that unfolds over several stages. We treat alcohol use disorders regardless of severity at our luxury treatment centers in Long Beach and Newport Beach, CA.
Unsupervised alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening but engaging with our medical detox program will streamline the process and facilitate the transition to ongoing inpatient treatment.
All Gratitude Lodge treatment programs offer personalized treatment plans that may include:
- MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
- Psychotherapies
- Motivational therapies
- Family therapy
- Holistic therapy
- Group therapy
- Individual counseling
- Aftercare and support
When you’re ready to recalibrate your life from alcoholism, call 800-994-2184.
