Your liver is a resilient organ that can self-heal from heavy abuse, such as alcohol poisoning from too much drinking. Fortunately, most liver damage caused by alcohol is reversible. You will notice many signs that your liver is healing from the abuse of alcohol and other substances once you stop drinking and taking any medications and supplements known to impact the organ. Alcohol addiction treatment can give you the support you need to stop drinking and learn how to live a healthy life.
At Ashwood Recovery, we provide compassionate support for men and women struggling with alcohol addiction through our outpatient alcohol rehab. We help our patients understand the reasons behind their addiction and develop coping skills to process their feelings healthily. Our professional staff also provides medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to reduce withdrawals and cravings to ease the recovery process and decrease any medical symptoms due to liver damage. Contact our team online or call 888.341.3607 today to learn more about the signs your liver is healing from alcohol addiction and how to enroll in our outpatient alcohol rehab program.
What to Know About Liver Disease Caused by Drinking
Your liver is the largest organ in the body and is responsible for producing bile, detoxification, digestion, and other vital functions for your health. Your liver can process up to 90% of the alcohol you ingest within one hour, with the rest coming out through urine, sweat, or breath. If you have multiple drinks within one hour, your liver will struggle to keep up, and that is when you feel intoxicated, also known as alcohol poisoning.
With continued abuse, men and women will experience different stages of liver disease:
- Alcoholic fatty liver disease – Appears after moderate to heavy drinking
- Alcoholic hepatitis – Inflammation of the liver causing mild to severe damage
- Cirrhosis – Scarring of the liver, which can lead to liver failure and other severe conditions
The good news is that your liver can regenerate new cells and repair itself. The signs your liver is healing from abuse are different for each stage, but keeping track of your progress is necessary. We recommend you get a liver function test from your doctor to determine how well it’s healing. Some signs that your liver is healing include a decrease in the swelling of ankles and feet, your skin stopping itching, and your urine returning to a normal color.
Signs Your Liver Is Healing from Alcohol Abuse
When you stop drinking, you will first experience withdrawal symptoms as your body cleanses itself from all the toxins. Over time, you will experience physical signs your liver is healing, such as healthier-looking skin and eyes, increased energy levels, and reduced stomach pain and swelling.
Other signs your liver is healing include:
- Improved amino-acid regulation – Your liver processes proteins and amino acids that your body cannot store.
- Better immune protection – Your liver is critical in detecting, capturing, and clearing harmful bacteria and viruses.
- Decreased risk of hypoglycemia – Excessive drinking can lead to low blood sugar and impact your energy levels.
- Improved blood clotting – Alcohol decreases the production of blood platelets in the blood, which are responsible for helping wounds clot or stop bleeding.
- Removal of bacteria from the bloodstream – Your liver is a vital filtration system for your body. When you drink, you impact your liver’s ability to keep bacteria out of your bloodstream, leading to sepsis and septic shock.
Medical staff at an addiction treatment center can test your liver when you enroll in a program and then perform additional tests to see the signs your liver is healing from alcohol abuse.
Get in Touch with Ashwood Recovery and Ask About Our Alcohol Rehab Program
Ashwood Recovery provides men and women with effective outpatient treatment programs that help them reach their sobriety goals and experience the health benefits of sobriety. One of these benefits is physical signs your liver is healing, such as better digestion, healthier-looking skin, and improved self-esteem. Contact our friendly staff today by calling 888.341.3607 or filling out our online contact form to discover the health benefits of leading a sober life.