Alcohol-induced cirrhosis Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, June 2009.
Answers to questions about alcohol-induced cirrhosis
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- What will happen if I have alcoholic cirrhosis and continue to drink?
- What if I feel I can't stop drinking?
- If I have cirrhosis and continue to drink, can I receive a liver transplant?
- I understand I am at an increased risk of cirrhosis if I binge drink. Drinking how many units of alcohol makes me a binge drinker?
- Can you cut out the part of the liver that has cirrhosis?
What will happen if I have alcoholic cirrhosis and continue to drink?
If you continue to drink alcohol when you have alcoholic cirrhosis, your condition will continue to get worse and you will reduce your chance of survival.
Explanation
Your liver can't recover if it's badly affected by cirrhosis but you can help prevent any further damage by not drinking alcohol. If you continue to drink, however, you will cause further damage to your liver and it's estimated that you halve your chances of surviving for more than five years.
Further information
- The British Liver Trust
0800 652 7330
www.britishlivertrust.org.uk
Sources
- Alcohol and liver disease. The British Liver Trust. www.britishlivertrust.org.uk, accessed 7 October 2007
What if I feel I can't stop drinking?
If you feel you can't stop drinking alcohol there are many professional services and support groups that can give you the help and support you need.
Explanation
It's important that you stop drinking to reduce any further damage to your liver and increase your chances of survival. If you are finding it difficult to stop drinking, visit your GP who will be able to help and can discuss with you the range of different treatment options. These include:
- medicines to help reduce withdrawal symptoms whilst you stop drinking and to help stop you starting again once you have stopped
- talking to your GP or a trained counsellor to address and treat any underlying problems or those resulting from drinking, such as anxiety or depression
- mutual support groups, such as alcoholics anonymous, which can help you while you give up (and give ongoing help prevent you becoming dependent on alcohol again) by sharing personal experience and advice with others who are alcohol dependent
Further information
- The British Liver Trust
0800 652 7330
www.britishlivertrust.org.uk
Sources
- Alcohol and liver disease. The British Liver Trust. www.britishlivertrust.org.uk, accessed 7 October 2007
- Ringold, S, Glass, T, and Glass. R, Alcohol abuse and alcoholism. JAMA, 2005. 293(13):1694
If I have cirrhosis and continue to drink, can I receive a liver transplant?
No, you won't be offered a liver transplant if you continue to drink alcohol.
Explanation
In the UK, you will be considered for a liver transplant after a period of abstinence (not drinking). If you continue to drink alcohol you won't be considered.
Further information
- The British Liver Trust
0800 652 7330
www.britishlivertrust.org.uk
Sources
- Walsh, K and Alexander, G. Alcoholic liver disease. Postgraduate Medical Journal, 2000. 76:7
I understand I am at an increased risk of cirrhosis if I binge drink. Drinking how many units of alcohol makes me a binge drinker?
Drinking over eight units for men and six units for women in one session is classified as binge drinking.
Explanation
Binge drinking is generally thought of as intensive drinking over a short period of time (usually one evening). Drinking eight or more units per day for men and six or more for women is regarded as binge drinking. These levels are twice the recommended daily allowance of three to four units per day for men and two to three units a day for women. If you do have a heavy drinking session, you shouldn't drink alcohol for at least 48 hours afterwards.
Further information
- The British Liver Trust
0800 652 7330
www.britishlivertrust.org.uk
Sources
- Alcohol and liver disease. The British Liver Trust. www.britishlivertrust.org.uk, accessed 7 October 2007
Can you cut out the part of the liver that has cirrhosis?
No, part of the liver can't be cut out.
Explanation
The scarring occurs in the cells throughout the liver and isn't confined to any particular area. Therefore, having part of the liver removed as a treatment for cirrhosis isn't an option.
Further information
- The British Liver Trust
0800 652 7330
www.britishlivertrust.org.uk
Sources
- Personal correspondence Dr Quekett, general practitioner
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: June 2009
Alcohol-induced cirrhosis factsheet
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