It is well known that alcohol has an effect on the liver. However to what extent is not discussed as candidly. Alcohol abuse does a number on the liver and can eventually lead to death. This is why alcohol detox rehab is so important in an alcoholic’s life. If help is not sought there is no happy ending for anyone involved.
Alcohol
Alcohol can be found in different forms, beer, liquor, and wine. In moderation it’s not a bad thing and in the case of wine can actually be healthy. However, some do develop an addiction to alcohol. This means that they cannot function without it and ultimately their body comes to rely on alcohol in order to function properly. Once this chemical dependency has formed the only saving grace for an alcoholic is a form of detox that can be found at a detox rehab program. Detox is the first step in recovery from an addiction to alcohol
The Liver
The liver is a vital organ that carries a variety of functions. These functions include detoxification, protein synthesis as well as producing the biochemical’s needed for digestion. The liver is absolutely necessary for survival. It also plays a major part in metabolism as well as glycogen storage, the decomposition of red blood cells, hormone production, plasma protein synthesis, and detoxification.
Fatty Liver
Fatty liver happens after acute alcohol ingestion, it is the accumulation of large vacuoles of triglyceride fat on liver cells caused by steatosis. If drinking is curtailed then fatty liver can actually be reversed. If moderation or abstinence is maintained then it is not believed to lead to further liver complications. However, if drinking continues then it will only get worse and cal lead to death.
Alcoholic Hepatitis
Alcoholic Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver due to alcohol. This is normally diagnosed by a liver biopsy following common signs of the issue such as a swollen liver, nausea, vomiting, fever and abdominal pain. A small percentage of heavy drinkers will develop alcoholic hepatitis. It’s important to note that the damage caused by excessive drinking can be reversed if drinking is stopped or moderation ensues. If alcohol continues to be abused there is a fifty percent mortality rate for alcoholic hepatitis.
Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis of the liver is the most serious and final form of alcohol liver disease. It is the cause of many deaths and series illnesses. Cirrhosis is when the cells of the liver are so damaged because of alcohol that they cannot repair themselves. As the live cells die off scar tissue I formed. Once the scar tissue builds up, blood can no longer flow through the liver the way it should. There is not cure for cirrhosis; once the liver cells are damaged they cannot be repaired. The survival rate for the advanced stages of cirrhosis is not very good.
Alcohol has a major effect on all bodily systems; however, it is notorious for its effect on the liver and its cause of alcoholic liver disease. Before these conditions develop, anyone suffering from alcohol abuse should seek alcohol detox rehab immediately. Detox is the first step in recovery and abstention from alcohol can reverse some of the negative effects on the liver and can lead to a healthier happier life.