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Alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) is a common liver condition caused by excessive alcohol use, leading to fat accumulation in liver cells. Left untreated, AFLD can progress to more severe conditions like alcoholic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis. Understanding the causes, symptoms and treatment options can help you start managing AFLD and living a healthier life.
Long-term, excessive alcohol use can cause fat to accumulate in liver cells, resulting in alcoholic fatty liver disease. It is the earliest stage of alcohol-related liver diseases and is also reversible. However, it may progress to more advanced liver diseases if left untreated.
When alcohol is consumed, it is broken down in the liver, causing inflammation and impairing liver cells. Continued alcohol use can impair the liver’s functions, such as detoxifying harmful substances, producing bile for digestion and regulating blood clotting.
Early signs of AFLD are subtle and may often go unnoticed. AFLD often produces no symptoms or only produces fatigue. If symptoms are present, they may include:
Healthcare professionals may perform a series of tests to diagnose AFLD, including blood tests, imaging studies or even a liver biopsy if necessary. Treatment typically involves lifestyle modifications, such as quitting or reducing alcohol use, adopting a healthier diet and exercising regularly.
Both NAFLD and AFLD involve fat build-up in the liver cells, leading to adverse side effects. However, the underlying causes of each condition are different.
The progression of AFLD is generally faster than NAFLD. Alcohol use can rapidly progress the condition from simple fatty liver to alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis in a shorter amount of time. Conversely, NAFLD tends to be more gradual, with some people never progressing beyond the initial fatty liver stage.
Treatment strategies differ as well. For NAFLD, lifestyle interventions such as weight loss, dietary changes and regular physical activity are typically recommended to help reduce the amount of fat in the liver. In contrast, the primary treatment strategy for AFLD is abstinence from alcohol, along with a balanced diet and other supportive therapies.
Alcoholic fatty liver disease can be reversed. If alcohol use is stopped, the liver can eliminate the fatty build up and become completely healthy again.
To reverse AFLD, the most critical step is reducing or eliminating alcohol use altogether. Doing so allows the liver to recover from the damage inflicted by excessive alcohol use. Making other healthier lifestyle choices can also help reverse the effects of AFLD. A collaborative approach with the support of healthcare professionals, family and friends can help establish new, healthy habits to manage AFLD.
The first and most crucial step to treatment is quitting alcohol use. Abstaining from alcohol can prevent and reverse damage in the liver. However, there are also several measures someone may take to support recovery and a healthy, sober lifestyle.
Alcohol addiction can affect a person’s mental, emotional and physical health — including alcoholic fatty liver disease. Seeking timely and effective treatment can prevent this damage and improve overall health. An addiction treatment program can provide a comprehensive approach to alcohol addiction and its impacts.
The Recovery Village Palmer Lake offers support by addressing the root causes of alcohol addiction and equipping patients with the tools and resources needed to make a successful recovery. Our highly skilled staff provides evidence-based treatment programs tailored to the unique needs of each individual, including:
In the serene and supportive environment of The Recovery Village Palmer Lake, patients are cared for by a team of dedicated professionals committed to their well-being and overall success. Contact a Recovery Advocate today to learn about treatment for alcohol addiction and to start your recovery journey.
Because alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous – and even kill you – make sure you have medical advice from your doctor or a rehab facility when you decide to stop drinking.
There are many misconceptions about alcoholism that make it sound like an alcoholic is an easy person to spot, however, many alcoholics function effectively and lead relatively normal lives.
An alcohol abuse problem can include binge drinking, having negative consequences such as hangovers with your drinking but continuing anyway, and drinking despite the desire to stop.
In a recent study by The Recovery Village, 44% of respondents reported abusing alcohol in an attempt to ease uncomfortable feelings that stem from underlying anxiety.
Drinking more than three drinks in a single sitting will temporarily cause your blood pressure to rise, but extended binge drinking or regular alcohol consumption can cause a permanent increase in blood pressure.
Worman, Howard. “Approach to the Patient with Alcoholic Liver Disease.” Virtual Mentor, 2005. Accessed June 26, 2023.
American Liver Foundation. “How Liver Diseases Progress.” Updated March 2, 2023. Accessed June 26, 2023.
American Liver Foundation. “Alcohol-Related Liver Disease.” Updated March 17, 2023. Accessed June 26, 2023.
Toshikuni, Nobuyuki; Tsutsumi, Mikihiro; Arisawa, Tomiyasu. “Clinical differences between alcoholic l[…]fatty liver disease.” World journal of gastroenterology, July 14, 2014. Accessed June 26, 2023.
Osna, Natalia; Donohue, Terrence; Kharbanda, Kusum. “Alcoholic Liver Disease: Pathogenesis an[…] Current Management.” Alcohol Res., 2017. June 26, 2023.
The Recovery Village at Palmer Lake aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.
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