Asana Recovery

THE HORRORS OF ALCOHOLIC HEPATITIS

OLDER ALCOHOLICS ARE MORE PRONE TO SUICIDE

Hepatitis is a grim reminder of the dangers of substance abuse. All versions (A, B, C, D, and E) can inflict extensive damage on the liver (and the rest of the body) and can produce excruciating pain if the victim does not receive appropriate treatment. Typically, these infections are spread as a result of sharing infected needles or engaging in unprotected sex, but did you know that there is one form that is exclusive to heavy drinkers? Based on studies, individuals suffering from an alcohol abuse disorder can fall victim to alcoholic hepatitis. What is this illness and what can be done to treat it? Let’s take a closer look and see.

Alcoholic Hepatitis

Alcoholic hepatitis is a dangerous condition that afflicts people who suffer from an alcohol abuse disorder (binge or heavy drinking) or have recovered from this problem. Our liver is a masterful recycling bin that filters out toxins like alcohol or drugs. However, if enough toxins build up over time, the organ begins to weaken and swell, suffering from scars and growing fatty. After a longer period, the liver will completely shut down.

Typical side effects of this illness are:

  • Jaundice (white of eyes and skin are yellow)
  • Fever
  • Liquid retention in the belly
  • Extreme weight loss

At-Risk Victims

Medical researchers discovered that 35% of heavy drinkers who have consumed alcohol for a long time will develop alcoholic hepatitis. Now consider that, in 2017, men consumed 5 or more regular-sized alcoholic drinks (women consumed 4) as part of binge drinking. Most individuals who suffer from alcoholic hepatitis are within the age range of 40 to 60.

How Is It Treated?

The obvious answer to this question is to stop drinking altogether, and doing so can potentially halt the progression of the illness (or prevent it altogether). Likewise, consider adding supplements like vitamins and diuretics and eating foods with low sodium content. Doctors may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent bacterial infections or steroids to counteract swelling.

As a last resort, a victim may have to undergo surgery to have a liver transplant.

Always remember that alcohol does not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from an alcohol abuse disorder? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.

The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your alcohol addiction and abuse troubles today.