Unfortunately, alcohol can have many negative effects on the body. One organ that can be heavily impacted is the liver. In this blog, we’re looking into alcohol-induced liver damage: symptoms and prevention.
It’s very important to seek professional medical help if you believe you are suffering from alcohol addiction. Those who are physically dependent on alcohol will need to undergo a detox procedure with close support.
What is the role of the liver?
The liver is a very important organ in the body and it performs many vital functions. The liver supports the body with digestion and blood purification while also preventing blood clotting, storing vitamins and supporting the metabolism.
Generally speaking, the liver cleans the blood and removes toxins. This helps us to stay healthy.
Alcohol-related liver damage
You might wonder, can you get liver disease from alcohol? And the answer is yes.
Alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) occurs when the liver becomes damaged by excessive alcohol consumption. Damage to the liver can be extremely hard to deal with and may require medical attention.
Early signs of liver damage
It can be difficult to spot the symptoms of ARLD, as they typically don’t appear until the liver is already damaged by a significant amount.
- Feeling sick
- Losing weight for no apparent reason
- Loss of appetite
- Jaundice
- Feeling confused
- Swelling of the ankles
- Vomiting blood
- Blood in stools
- Pain in upper right side of abdomen
- Itchy skin
- Increased bruising
- Dark coloured urine
- Light coloured stools
How is ARLD tested for?
If you experience any of the symptoms above, you must visit your GP. They will talk to you about your alcohol consumption and other aspects of your life. They will then suggest the most appropriate testing.
The first stage usually involves a blood test. Following this, you may be invited for imaging tests or even a biopsy. This allows the medical team to identify the issue. If ARLD is found, they will need to identify its stage.
Stages of alcohol-induced liver disease
Alcohol-related liver disease is a condition that gets worse with continued drinking. Finding the disease early can help to improve the outcome. Those with alcohol-related liver disease will usually be told to stop drinking alcohol altogether.
Alcoholic fatty liver disease
This disease occurs when there is a build-up of fat in the liver. You’re unlikely to notice specific symptoms at this stage, but the most important thing is that it can be reversed if you stop drinking.
If you’re excessively drinking every day or even nearly every day, then you need to speak to a professional about your health.
Alcoholic hepatitis
This is extremely serious and can happen to those who drink excessively over a period of time or even those who drink lots during one session, also known as ‘binge drinking’.
If you are found to have mild alcoholic hepatitis, then you may be able to reverse the damage caused. Some people may have severe alcoholic hepatitis, which can be life-threatening and means you must stop drinking permanently.
Some people may still experience no symptoms when they reach this point.
Unfortunately, many people die from this condition every year, which highlights how important it is to only drink within the recommended guidelines.
Cirrhosis caused by alcohol
This is typically known as the last stage of alcoholic liver disease, and it means that your liver has excessive scarring due to alcohol abuse. Those with alcohol-related cirrhosis will be guided on how to stop drinking alcohol immediately. This condition affects the liver cells and can cause liver failure.
According to Drinkaware, “Up to one in every five long-term heavy drinkers will develop alcohol-related liver cirrhosis. While cirrhosis is not reversible, there is good evidence that stopping drinking completely improves the outcome for some people.”
How much alcohol damages the liver
Excessive alcohol consumption puts a lot of stress on the liver and other organs in the body.
According to Drinkaware, “It is estimated that alcohol-related fatty liver disease develops in 90% of people who drink more than 40g of alcohol (or four units) per day.”
Risk factors of liver damage
The most obvious risk factor for liver disease is alcohol. By managing your alcohol intake, you can reduce the risks of developing these conditions. In addition to liver disease, excessive alcohol consumption may also lead to liver cancer.
Other risk factors can include the following:
- Obesity
- Genetic conditions
- Hepatitis B & C
- Diabetes
- Increased exposure to toxins
- Shared needles when taking drugs
Preventing liver damage from alcohol
People can reduce the risks of ARLD by limiting the amount of alcohol they consume.
If you have already been diagnosed with ARLD or are worried that you may be experiencing the signs, then you should seek medical support.
A detox may be required to settle your initial alcohol withdrawal symptoms. After this, you will be advised to stop drinking altogether. This gives your liver the best chance of repairing itself and reduces the risk of further damage. The goal is to reduce liver damage naturally.
Alcohol detox and liver repair
We offer a high-quality alcohol rehabilitation service, which will teach you the tools and techniques to live a healthier and happier life that is free from addiction.
Before you can start your rehab treatment, you may need to attend our partner centre for a detox. They will guide you through the alcohol withdrawal process. During this time, we will remain in close contact with you and will be ready to welcome you to our rehab centre when you are ready.
We have been rated ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC and are confident that we can support you through this time.
Are you ready to start your recovery at our Bolton rehab centre? Contact our friendly team today to see how we can help. Read our blog on the sober curious movement.
