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Liver Falure Due to Alcohol Abuse

Liver failure occurs when the gland cannot perform its usual functions, which include storing, metabolizing or eliminating products produced by the body. Although irreversible, liver failure can be treated by saving the working areas or by liver transplant.

  1. The Liver

    • The liver is situated in the upper right portion of the abdomen and is responsible for processing fats, proteins and toxins that pass through the body removing the majority of harmful toxins and poisons out of the bloodstream.

    Liver Disease

    • Fatty liver, alcohol hepatitis and cirrhosis are three types of liver damage caused by alcohol abuse. Fatty liver is a common type of liver damage that can be reversed by stopping drinking. Alcohol hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver, can last for many years. It can cause progressive liver damage and in its most severe form, can become life threatening. Liver cirrhosis, where scar tissue replaces liver tissue, is the most serious form of liver damage, according to the American Liver Foundation. The damage caused by cirrhosis is irreversible and can lead to liver failure.

    Alcohol Cirrhosis

    • According to the American Liver Foundation 10 - 20% of heavy drinkers who drink at a high level for an extended period, usually over 10 years are affected by alcohol cirrhosis. The progression of liver damage varies but usually begins with fatty liver, moves on to alcohol hepatitis and finally progresses to alcohol cirrhosis.

    Chronic Liver Failure

    • When liver failure is associated with alcohol cirrhosis it is called chronic liver failure and is a result of the liver being damaged over a number of years. The initial symptoms of chronic liver failure include nausea, fatigue and diarrhea. The common symptoms of chronic liver failure often make it difficult to diagnose the condition.

    Later Symptoms

    • Chronic liver failure will progress to symptoms including confusion, prolonged tiredness, the risk of coma and ultimately death.

    Drinking Levels

    • Alcohol should always be consumed in moderation. The American Liver Foundation offers guidelines for safe drinking levels of one alcoholic drink per day for women and those over 65 and two drinks per day for men.

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