Alcohol abuse can seriously hurt the liver. A recent study published in JAMA found that alcohol-related liver disease in on the rise among adults, and may be due to binge drinking.
There are three types of liver disease due to heavy drinking:
Symptoms
Patients who have alcoholic liver disease may have no symptoms or symptoms may come on slowly depending on how well the liver is working. Symptoms are often worse after a period of heavy drinking. Early symptoms may include fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and abdominal pain. As the liver disease progresses and becomes more serious, patients may develop fluid build-up in their legs, yellow color in the skin, easy bruising and confusion. This may mean the disease has resulted in cirrhosis.
Treatments
The Liver Center at Tufts Medical Center offers a wide range of diagnostic and treatment options for patients with alcoholic liver disease. Depending on the severity of your liver disease, we coordinate with nutritionists, social workers and addiction counselors in a multidisciplinary setting to provide personalized care and improve your liver condition. The best treatment for alcoholic liver disease is to avoid alcohol. Other treatments may include nutritional support and steroid therapy.
Resources:
There are free support services in the Boston area for those struggling with addiction including:
- MASS. SUBSTANCE USE HELPLINE
1-800-327-5050: M-F 8a-10p; S/S 8a-6p
Free, confidential referrals to treatment and recovery resources.
- BOSTON PUBLIC HEALTH COMMISSION PAATHS PROGRAM
Free Resource & Referral Center
774 Albany Street, Boston
855-494-4054 or 617-534-5554
Walk-in center: M-F 7:30am-7pm (closed Weds 1:30pm-3:30pm), Sat/Sun 8am-4pm. No walk-ins 1 hour prior to closing. Triage & level of care assessment, referrals to detox, substance use treatment services, outpatient counseling, risk reduction & overdose prevention.
- ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
- SMART Recovery
Programs + Services
Tufts Center for Liver Disease specializes in treating liver disease, such as cirrhosis, fatty liver, viral hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis.
More information about programs and services
Tufts Medical Center’s Liver Transplant Program delivers expert liver transplantion and compassionate care from evaluation to post-care.
More information about programs and services
Research + Clinical Trials
This study is being conducted in patients who are hospitalized due to liver damage from alcohol abuse (Alcoholic Hepatitis AH). The purpose of this study is to see if the study drug, DUR-928 given in inpatient seeting is safe and effective in this group of patients.
More information about research and clinical trials
