Local Rehab Explains Liver Damage Signs

Erlanger, KY - SUN Behavioral Health Kentucky recently posted a blog post that explained the signs of liver damage that can occur when someone drinks alcohol over some time. When someone binge drinks every day, there is a higher risk of liver disease. Some forms of liver disease are reversible with treatment. However, sometimes, health complications due to long-term alcohol use can be permanent or fatal. Several factors can impact the complications someone might experience. These factors include genetics, how often, and how much they drink.

“The body has a complex and predictable process for the elimination of alcohol. First, ethanol (alcohol) is converted into acetaldehyde by cytosolic alcohol dehydrogenase. Acetaldehyde is still toxic at this point, so an enzyme called aldehyde dehydrogenase converts acetaldehyde into acetate. At this point, the body is able to safely metabolize alcohol, and it’s eliminated,” the blog post states.

When someone drinks large amounts of alcohol, liver cells die. However, when someone is not drinking, the liver will heal itself. When someone continues to drink, scarring can occur, creating liver problems. Liver damage typically occurs in stages. The first stage is known as alcoholic fatty liver disease. This stage involves fat cells accumulating in the liver. Lifestyle changes can reverse the damage, and the liver will continue functioning. There are not always signs or symptoms associated with alcoholic fatty liver disease, and it is usually only detectable via a blood test.

Alcohol hepatitis is the next stage of alcohol disease. The liver is typically inflamed and might include signs such as yellowing of the eyes, loss of appetite, and fatigue. At this point, it is still reversible, but the person is still at risk of developing fibrosis and cirrhosis. Fibrosis is the next stage, and it is also reversible. However, it can take much longer to reverse the effects than in earlier stages of alcohol disease. Stopping alcohol use and changing one’s lifestyle can allow a fibrosis stage to recover in 5-10 years. The final stage of alcohol disease is cirrhosis. This stage involves permanent damage, as the liver will not work as it should.

Liver damage typically occurs if someone has an alcohol use disorder, but not everyone with an alcohol use disorder will experience later stages of liver disorder. An alcohol use disorder puts someone at risk for developing liver complications, and the more someone drinks a day, the more likely they’ll be to experience liver damage.

“If you’re managing an alcohol use disorder and you don’t know how you’ll ever stop, going to the doctor can be daunting. Remember that many forms of liver disease can be reversed with proper care, but they can’t be reversed unless you stop drinking. Stopping alcohol use is never easy, especially if it’s something you’ve been doing for a long time, but it’s possible. It’s also possible to find treatment if you have kids and don’t want to leave them, a job you can’t step away from, or a marriage you can’t bear to take a break from. Treatment can be worked around your life and your schedule,” the blog post continues.

SUN Behavioral Health Kentucky solves unmet needs in the community. They offer a geriatric program that allows them to provide specialized care for individuals over 65. They also offer 24/7 crisis care that allows people to get treatment in a crisis. No-cost care assessments are available, allowing potential patients to meet with a representative to discuss their treatment plans.

For more information about SUN Behavioral Health Kentucky, visit their website or call them today at 859-429-5188.