Alcohol use disorder can impact every aspect of your life. Relationships, work, school, and your physical and mental health can all feel the effects of alcohol addiction. But alcohol use disorder can also lead to a specific and serious liver condition called alcoholic liver cirrhosis. For women, this liver condition can have unique effects.
Alcoholic liver cirrhosis is the result of long-term, heavy alcohol use. The liver is responsible for filtering toxins from the body, and alcohol can damage liver cells over time. This damage can lead to inflammation and scarring of the liver; a condition called cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is the final stage of alcoholic liver disease and can be fatal.
For those who are ready to break free from alcohol use disorder, evidence-based alcohol rehab for women is available at Hammocks on the Edisto. Our team of addiction specialists will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs. Call us at 833.793.0191 or reach out online to learn more.
What Is Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis?
For those who drink heavily over a long period of time, alcoholic liver cirrhosis is a serious possibility. Alcoholic liver cirrhosis is the result of chronic alcohol abuse and is the final stage of alcoholic liver disease.
Alcohol is a toxin, and when it’s consumed in large quantities, it can damage liver cells. This scarring is called cirrhosis, and it’s the most serious form of alcoholic liver disease. It’s characterized by the replacement of healthy liver tissue with scar tissue. This scarring can lead to:
- Blocked blood flow
- Decreased liver function
- Death
Cirrhosis is a progressive disease, which means it gets worse over time. Alcoholic liver cirrhosis doesn’t have any symptoms in its early stages, which is why it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with heavy drinking.
How Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis Affects Women
There are a few key ways in which alcoholic liver cirrhosis can affect women differently than men.
1. A Higher Risk of Liver Cancer
One of the most serious effects of alcoholic liver cirrhosis in women is an increased risk of liver cancer. This is because scarring from alcoholic liver cirrhosis can lead to the formation of cancerous tumors. Liver cancer can be difficult to detect in its early stages, so it’s important to be aware of the symptoms, such as fatigue, weight loss, and abdominal pain.
2. A Faster Progression of the Disease
Women tend to develop alcoholic liver cirrhosis at a lower threshold of alcohol consumption than men. This means that men and women who consume the same amount of alcohol over the same period of time won’t develop this condition at the same rate—instead, women are more likely to develop alcoholic liver cirrhosis sooner.
3. A Greater Risk of Death
Studies have shown that deaths related to liver disease are increasing more rapidly in women than in men. Once alcoholic liver disease progresses to alcoholic liver cirrhosis, the risk of death is higher in women than in men. This is likely due to a combination of factors, including the way that women’s bodies process alcohol.
Find Effective Alcohol Addiction Treatment at Hammocks on the Edisto
Take your life back from alcohol use disorder and prevent alcoholic liver cirrhosis through treatment at Hammocks on the Edisto. On our peaceful, welcoming campus, residents engage in a range of therapies and activities to help them heal in body, mind, and spirit. Everything we do is with the goal of long-term recovery in mind, from nutrition education to yoga classes. Small group sizes, wellness coaching, and 24/7 support ensure that each woman who comes to us gets the individualized care she deserves.
If you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our team at 833.793.0191 today.
