How Long Does It Take To Repair the Liver After Alcohol Abuse
Liver Damage From Alcohol Abuse
The liver is the organ in our bodies that processes alcohol. Chronic alcoholism can lead to liver cirrhosis, where too much scar tissue is formed from the liver trying to heal itself, impeding its ability to function. Liver diseases from alcohol addiction result in an inability to:
- Metabolize drugs or process alcohol
- Modify or sequester toxic substances in the bloodstream
- Excrete toxins from the body
- Store or process certain nutrients
- Create bile to absorb fats
- If enough scar tissue forms, the effects risk developing life-threatening alcoholic liver disease.
- Liver diseases like fatty liver disease can result in other medical conditions such as alcoholic hepatitis. The more alcohol consumed, the more scar tissue forms, and the more blood can’t flow where it needs to.
To allow the liver to heal, request an appointment at one of Novo Detox’s rehab centers.
Healing the Liver After Alcohol Abuse
The only way to reverse liver damage and heal is through abstinence from alcohol. However, suddenly stopping drinking can pose health risks. Consider a medically-supervised detox program to stop drinking and manage withdrawal symptoms. A treatment center might suggest these tips to start the liver healing process:
- Completely stop drinking alcohol
- Eat a healthy diet
- Avoid raw or undercooked shellfish, fish, and meat
- Exercise regularly
- Limit salt intake
- Talk to your doctor about whether you should limit protein or fat intake
- Get vaccinations for hepatitis A and B if you haven’t already or aren’t otherwise immune
- Get regular vaccinations
- Talk to your doctor about any medications, supplements, or vitamins you take
To repair liver damage and stave off alcohol liver diseases like fatty liver and alcoholic hepatitis, get help with your chronic alcoholism today. Treatment centers like Novo Detox can help heal liver damage from alcohol use through therapies like dual diagnosis, which looks at the mental health factors playing a part in drinking alcohol and substance abuse trauma therapy.
Long-Term Health Effects of Abusing Alcohol
Alcoholism causes those who drink more heavily an increased risk for adverse alcohol-related complications, especially if they drink excessively over long periods of time. Long-term health risks of chronic alcohol use include heart and liver diseases, digestion problems, cancer, immune system weakening, mood and sleep disturbances, and the development of other mental health problems, including depression and anxiety. Alcohol can inflict lasting harm on your brain and shrink the organ region known as the hippocampus. Chronic alcoholism could also risk a thiamine deficiency, causing persistent mental confusion, eye movement disturbances, coordination difficulty, and learning and memory problems.
Overcoming Alcohol Addiction at Novo Detox
A Novo Detox, we offer inpatient treatment, including detox and residential rehab programs, outpatient treatment, and specialized programs for dual diagnosis patients with co-occurring mental health disorders. Our medication-assisted treatment options for drugs and alcohol are custom tailored for each patient. We know that anyone struggling with substance use disorders needs a treatment plan specific to their exact needs for success.
If you or one of your loved ones is struggling with addiction and wants to talk to one of our counselors about substance abuse treatment, call us at (844) 834-1777 today.
