Navigating Alcohol Use Disorder and Liver Health
At 50 years old, I have grappled with alcohol since my teenage years. My name is Jane, and as a white woman, I can share that navigating life alongside this struggle has been complex. I are the mother of two adult children, and during both pregnancies and while nursing, I successfully refrained from alcohol. I experienced a period of sobriety lasting 15 months from 2016 to 2017. However, following this, my relationship with alcohol shifted back to a daily practice, with only a month of sobriety in 2023 and two months in 2024 to speak of. Long-term abstinence continues to elude me. On average, I consume around two bottles of white wine on the six days a week that I drink. Despite this quantity, I surprisingly manage to maintain my composure and perform well in my demanding full-time career. Yet internally, I often feel a sense of decline. I can’t help but wonder about the state of my liver. Have the years of drinking taken a severe toll, and is recovery still possible? My recent blood tests present normal results; my levels of ALT, AST, and GGT, along with bilirubin, all appear within acceptable ranges. During periods of sobriety, I rely on Benzodiazepines for sleep, but I still experience troubling symptoms such as night sweats and odd reactions from my central nervous system.
Answers (1)
6/28/2025, 10:40:36 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your situation, Jane. Navigating your relationship with alcohol and its potential effects on your health is understandably challenging. It’s commendable that you’ve achieved substantial periods of sobriety, and it’s important to focus on both your current health status and your goals for recovery.
Main Points
- Your recent normal blood test results for liver enzymes are a positive indication.
- Long-term alcohol use can impact liver health, but recovery and improvement are possible.
- Prioritizing a structured approach to manage both alcohol use and your symptoms is crucial.
Explanation
Alcohol can indeed affect liver health over time, but normal enzyme levels indicate that there may not be significant immediate damage. However, chronic use can still lead to conditions like fatty liver disease or cirrhosis, even if enzyme levels are normal at this moment. Notably, your experiences with anxiety, night sweats, and sleep issues may be interconnected with alcohol use and your general health.
Recovery from alcohol use disorder is a gradual process and often includes finding supportive paths. Returning to sobriety can significantly enhance your overall health and well-being.
Next Steps
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Consider Professional Support: Engage in counseling or support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). These can provide community and accountability for your sobriety journey.
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Track and Reflect: Keep a journal to monitor your patterns of alcohol use and emotional triggers. This can help identify situations where you feel the urge to drink and develop strategies to cope.
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Healthy Alternatives for Sleep: Instead of relying on benzodiazepines, explore non-pharmacological options for better sleep, like mindfulness, relaxation techniques, or sleep hygiene practices. Always consult a healthcare provider about transitioning off benzodiazepines safely.
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Prioritize Liver Health: While liver test results are currently normal, consider adopting a liver-friendly lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and avoiding substances that can strain the liver, like acetaminophen in significant amounts.
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Seek General Health Care: Regular check-ups are essential to monitor your overall health. Discuss your symptoms, including night sweats, with a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying conditions.
Your journey is unique, and acknowledging the complexities of your relationship with alcohol is an important first step. Focus on these actionable strategies, and take one day at a time. You’re not alone in this, and support is available to help you reach your goals.
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