People with alcoholism can develop erosive gastritis, where the stomach lining wears away. More seriously, this reduced clotting leads to an increased risk of stroke. Immune systemDrinking too much can weaken your immune system, making your body a much easier target for disease. Chronic drinkers are more liable to contract diseases like pneumonia and tuberculosis than moderate drinkers.
Think you have a drinking problem?
A team of professionals is often needed to treat the alcohol-dependent person. Usually, a variety of factors contribute to the development of a problem with alcohol. Also, the factors contributing to initial alcohol use may vary from those maintaining it, once the disease develops. Once detox is complete, alcoholics can begin tackling problematic behaviors related to their addiction and learn how to live sober again. Because alcoholism is a chronic disease and alcohol relapse is common, persistence is a necessity — but success is achievable.
Finding Detox and Treatment
If the alcoholic liver disease is not treated, it can progress to later stages which include alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis, a scarring of the liver. Once a doctor diagnoses a person with alcoholic liver disease at any stage, they will recommend them to never resume drinking. Any conditions that have reversed will typically return once drinking restarts. First, alcoholics are more likely to fall and injure themselves, which can cause bruising. Second, alcoholism can lead to a condition called thrombocytopenia, which is a low level of platelets in the blood.
- Late-stage alcoholics can get better if they seek treatment, and some of their health problems can even be reversed if caught early enough.
- While treating ALD it is important not only to abstain from alcohol but also become conscious of other factors that could affect the liver.
- Alcoholic neuropathy is a condition in which the nerves become damaged as a result of years of heavy alcohol consumption.
- It centers on being more conscious and thoughtful of how much, how often, and why you drink.
- If bruises persist for a few weeks, it’s best to consult a physician, as this may indicate irreversible damage to the liver.
What Facts Should I Know About Alcoholism?
If you are concerned about your drinking or any symptoms, seek prompt advice from a healthcare provider. Alcoholic liver disease is caused by excessive consumption of alcohol. There are three stages—alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, and alcoholic cirrhosis. This article explores the early signs and symptoms of alcoholic liver disease, its stages, causes, risk factors, treatments, and prevention. Medically managed hospital-based detoxification and rehabilitation programs are used for more severe cases of dependence that occur with medical and psychiatric complications.
This causes the characteristic black or purple color of a bruise. Your doctor may be able to diagnose easy bruising with alcoholic bruising a physical exam. They’ll ask you questions about your family history and whether you’ve inherited a blood disorder.
If excessive alcohol consumption continues, inflammation levels can begin to increase in the liver. There are often no notable symptoms in the early stages of alcohol-related liver disease. If you do have symptoms, they may include pain or discomfort in the upper right side of your abdomen, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss. Long-term alcohol misuse can lead to numerous health problems. It increases the risk of various types of cancer, as well as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Another health-related risk linked to chronic alcohol misuse is liver disease, which is often the cause of bruising from alcohol.
- Over time, repeated alcohol exposure also alters a person’s brain chemistry.
- You may want to talk with your healthcare provider about the best treatment options available.
- The best approach to prevent alcohol-induced bruising is to minimize or stop consuming alcohol in large volumes.
- Petechiae may not be visible on dark skin, but a person may see them on areas with lower levels of melanin, such as the forearms.
- Usually an alcoholic will begin to experience alcohol withdrawal six to eight hours after cutting down or stopping alcohol consumption.
