How long it takes your liver to return to normal when you stop drinking alcohol
We might be well past the end of Dry January this year, but moderating our alcohol consumption is a year-round concern for many of us.
Even if your drinking isn’t problematic, there’s nothing like a bit of Sunday morning beer fear to get you evaluating your life choices.
Alcohol Change UK is an organisation dedicated to encouraging people to keep an eye on their alcohol consumption and regularly assess whether they’re making healthy choices, and it was for that reason that they started the Dry January trend.
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Taking occasional breaks from booze is great not just for maintaining a casual relationship with it but also for letting your body recover from drinking it.
After all, any amount of alcohol is poisonous, and our bodies have to work hard to process those toxins.
The pitfalls of drinking are no secret, either, and one major concern is in alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD).
This condition, triggered by excessive alcohol consumption, amounts to severe liver damage.
Symptoms include nausea, weight loss, loss of appetite, jaundice in the eyes and skin, swollen ankles, bloating, drowsiness, and even vomiting blood.
Even if you aren't a regular sesh gremlin, a heavy few days of partying can cause a build-up of fat in the liver. This is known as fatty liver disease, and it can progress to liver cirrhosis if left unchecked.
According to the NHS, fatty liver disease is often symptomless, and it’s also reversible.
"If you stop drinking alcohol for 2 weeks, your liver should return to normal," it says.
However, there are exceptions to the rule.
The Cleveland Clinic says the process can take longer in some cases: “There is no ‘one size fits all’ answer.
“It depends on how much damage has already been done and any possible complications.”
The Clinic goes on to explain that abstinence of up to four weeks may be required to reduce liver inflammation.
If it’s the result of high consumption over the long term, doctors may recommend you quit drinking permanently.
“For patients who are left with cirrhosis after severe injury to the liver from alcohol, even one drink of alcohol is toxic to the liver,” Dr Lindenmeyer addedon the Cleveland Clinic’s page.
Cirrhosis, a complication of fatty liver disease, is a condition whereby the liver has been scarred. This scarring makes it harder to replace liver cells, which is essential for a healthy, fully-functioning liver.
Generally, the liver is amazing when it comes to reproducing its own cells. In some cases, a patient can have their liver replaced with half of one, and the other half will grow back!
Sadly, if cirrhosis has occurred, it isn’t usually reversible. Stopping alcohol consumption can help to prevent the issue from getting worse, however.
If you’re concerned about your alcohol intake, a doctor spoke to LADbible to share an essential question you can ask yourself.
"Typically, it takes a while before people notice their own dependence, but spotting it early can limit long-term health risks and help people take control of their lives,” said Dr Donald Grant, a GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy.
"One of the main questions people should ask themselves is ‘Do I generally end up drinking more than I originally planned?’ as this can be a massive indicator of unhealthy dependence.
"Struggling to have only one drink can suggest a mental dependence on drinking and is a major symptom experienced by many alcoholics.
If you’re concerned and want to discuss your alcohol consumption with someone, you can contact Drinkline on 0300 123 1110. They’re available from 9am to 8pm on weekdays and from 11am to 4pm on weekends.
Please drink responsibly.
Rachael Davis