How long does it take to damage your liver from drinking?

Question

I wouldnt say I'm an alcoholic, but yes I drink nearly everyday, one to two drinks tops, and this morning I was having some pain in the left lobe of my liver or in that region.....so I'm wondering, is this the beginning of liver damage or what?.....

Answer 1

There are several factors that may determine whether you are having problems with your liver. First of all, everyone is different with regard to the body's systems and organs. For instance, you may already have an existing problem with one or more of your organs and not even be aware of it.

This would mean that you could be susceptible to liver damage from drinking only a small amount of alcohol for a period of only a few years. On the other hand, everyone has heard of an old man or woman who claims to have drank a bottle of whisky every day of their lives and still live to be 90 with no ill effects.

You say that that you are having pain on the left lobe of your liver. I am not sure how you were able to come to that conclusion but I do know one of the first conditions you would likely encounter would be that of pancreatitis. This condition is common among alcoholics and the symptoms include severe pain in the mid to lower abdomen and back along with vomiting. If this occurs, you have no choice but to seek medical help immediately.

I have seen many liver transplant patients and some of them simply had liver disorders not related to alcohol but for the most part, the majority of these patients were heavy drinkers. I live in Canada and the prerequisites for obtaining a new liver include complete abstinence from alcohol for six months prior to the transplant and following a strict diet and taking any medications that may be prescribed.

If these things are done and one receives a new liver but continues on with their previous lifestyle of heavy drinking along with a poor diet, then there are no more chances for a new liver.
(one strike and you're out!)

However, it is safe to say that depending on how old you are and how long you have been drinking alcohol, the average person is able to drink one to two drinks per day of either beer, wine or hard liquor and suffer no ill effects.

Many doctors and dieticians believe that drinking red wine only is good for cardiovascular systems (the heart, arteries, etc.) so my suggestion to you is to have a medical examination. If you are found to be in good health, I would still cut back dramatically on what you are drinking and how much. Drinking a glass of red wine only each day may do you some good as long as you are not suffering from the beginning effects of liver damage and/or pancreatitis.

I hope this is of some help to you but you should still seek medical advice on this issue.

Answer 2

It is difficult to know how long
The most common causes of chronic liver failure (where the liver fails over months to years) include:

Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C
Long term alcohol consumption

If you have been diagnosed with liver diseases, you might be feeling afraid and somewhat bewildered and would appreciate more information about all aspects of this condition. What causes it? What are the treatments available? What are the possible diet and lifestyle changes you should make? What advice for a holistic approach to managing – and even reversing it? and i know the website is so good and full information a bout fatty liver at:http://adola.net/go/fattyliver-bible/

Hope this useful

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
How long does it take to damage your liver from drinking?
I wouldnt say I'm an alcoholic, but yes I drink nearly everyday, one to two drinks tops, and this morning I was having some pain in the left lobe of my liver or in that region.....so I'm wondering, is this the beginning of liver damage or what?.....

Answer 4

There isn't a prescribed time span for something like this to happen. There are too many variables, to include the number of years drinking, the type of drinks, how much ingested in a given time period, binging vs.slow drinking, and also the body chemestry and makeup of the person himself. Some people have been heavy drinkers to the age of 60 or more and are still liviing, while others have died from liver failure at a much earlier age. It's best to start now to moderate your drinking, or if already moderated, to be conscious of continuing in that pattern or try to phase it out of your life.

Answer 5

The liver is a self-regenerating organ and everyone's body chemical working differ slightly. Plus it depends on how much you drink. So it could take anywhere from months to years.
Plus I am really interested in how you define an alcoholic.

Answer 6

Every person is different. There isn't a standard set for damaging your liver. See a doctor.

Answer 7

Your liver is a beautiful chemistry that has to process the alcohol that you drink. too much processing and your liver says "enough"--so take care of yourself and go easy on the alcohol.

Answer 8

4-5 years of drinking even twice a week will result in liver damage as well as kidney and spleen failure.
A blood test will determine how many enzymes are in your blood from a liver problem due to alcohol.

Answer 9

may be very next day. Why take chances