Effects of Alcohol Addiction on the Liver

Eliminating harmful toxins from the bloodstream each day, the liver is vital for overall health—and arguably life itself. In a single day, the liver amasses vitamins for amino acid conversion to proteins, processes complex fats, creates necessary cholesterols, and metabolizes—and houses—sugars to provide energy.

The Dangers of Alcohol Addiction on the Liver

The liver protects the body from the dangerous effects of alcohol, by breaking down toxins found in its active ingredient—ethanol. As alcohol dependency progresses, the amount of ethanol overwhelms the liver, progressively causing more and more damage.

Effects of Alcohol Addiction on the Liver

As alcohol addiction progresses, the liver pays an incredible price. In fact, there are three distinct stages of liver damage that occur from prolonged alcohol use.

Fatty liver
Medically known as steotosis, the condition of “fatty liver” happens as a direct result of damage from ethanol—alcohol’s main ingredient. After being taxed by the continual presence of ethanol, the liver stops processing effectively, allowing fat to accumulate in liver cells. This ultimately causes scar tissue to build up, sometimes even resulting in cysts. Unfortunately, fatty liver does not often create symptoms that can be noticed. However, proper medical assessment during alcohol recovery should include specialized tests that can assess liver function and set you on a course to healing.
Alcohol-Related Hepatitis
Continued and intense alcohol abuse results in the liver becoming inflamed and enlarged. This inflammation of the liver creates complications such as jaundice, fluid accumulation in the abdomen, and tiredness. Cognitive issues can arise due to increases in the levels of blood-borne toxins. Without treatment, alcohol-induced hepatitis can lead to death, but some cases of alcohol-induced hepatitis can be treated by using corticosteroids to facilitate a reduction in liver size.
Cirrhosis
While cirrhosis cannot be effectively treated, many alcohol dependent individuals take heart in that earlier stages of liver disease can be cured. In fact, if you seek treatment for alcohol addiction, the body can reverse the damage from both alcohol-induced hepatitis and fatty liver. Additionally, as you receive holistic treatment for alcohol addiction, the body’s natural healing mechanisms will be bolstered, leading the liver to recover from early stage, alcohol-related conditions.

Reversal of Alcohol Related Liver Damage Through Recovery

When liver inflammation has not been addressed, alcohol addiction leads to major problems. The liver eventually enters a permanently diseased state after prolonged and repeated alcohol abuse, causing a reduction in healthy tissue and an overpresence of scar tissue instead. Symptoms of cirrhosis are unfortunately unable to be reversed, and can include serious responses such as liver failure and death.