When you drink alcohol, your liver works overtime to process and filter it out of your body. It converts alcohol into acetaldehyde- a toxic substance. It is then broken into less harmful elements. However, the liver can only handle a small quantity of alcohol at a time. When you drink excessively or drink over long periods, the liver gets overwhelmed. It cannot handle the excess amount leading to severe damage. Liver damage is one of the major concerns for people dealing with alcohol addiction, as the continuous strain has the potential to take a toll on liver health.
Q: What is the 1st sign of liver damage caused by alcohol consumption/alcohol addiction?
The foremost sign of liver damage caused by excessive alcohol consumption/alcohol addiction is usually fatty liver disease. For people with fatty liver, fat accumulates inside liver cells, impairing the capability to function well. This positive aspect is that it is often curable if you cut down or stop drinking. However, if alcohol addiction continues, the liver damage will worsen.
Q: What will happen if alcohol addiction continues and fatty liver is untreated as well?
If someone persists with heavy drinking, the condition may lead to alcoholic hepatitis. This is a serious stage wherein the liver gets inflamed, leading to jaundice-like symptoms (yellowing of the skin), pain in the abdomen, vomiting sensation, and even lack of mental clarity in certain cases. Alcoholic hepatitis might become life-threatening, so it’s essential to seek medical support if these symptoms are observed.
Q: What is the most severe form of alcohol-related liver damage?
The most advanced physical condition related to alcohol consumption or alcohol addiction is cirrhosis, where the tissue in the liver becomes scarred and dysfunctional. Cirrhosis cannot be reversed i.e. the damage cannot be undone, and it limits the liver’s ability to filter out the toxins from our body, store energy, and regulate metabolism severely. In this advanced stage, medical intervention is mandatory to manage the symptoms and prevent further deterioration.
Q: How does mental health tie into alcohol addiction and liver damage?
There is a significant link between mental health and alcohol abuse/alcohol addiction. The psychological and emotional toll of alcohol addiction can make it extremely difficult to seek support or stick to the treatment plan. Anxiety, depression, or stress can worsen liver health, particularly if alcohol becomes a coping mechanism. In these cases, treating both mental health issues and addiction is key to preventing further liver damage.
Q: What is the best way to protect the liver from damage by alcohol?
The best way to protect the liver is to address alcohol consumption. For people struggling with alcohol addiction, seeking early help from a psychiatrist for deaddiction treatment can prevent long-term liver damage. Also, treatment options like support groups and therapy can improve physical and mental health, resulting in a higher chance of recovery.
Dharshini
Psychiatric Social worker
