Alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) is caused by drinking too much alcohol. The more you drink above the recommended limits, the higher your risk of developing ARLD.

There are two ways that alcohol misuse can cause ARLD:

• drinking a large amount of alcohol in a short amount of time (known as binge drinking) can cause fatty liver disease and, less commonly, alcoholic hepatitis
• drinking more than the recommended limits of alcohol over many years can cause hepatitis and cirrhosis, the more serious types of ARLD

Evidence suggests that people who regularly drink more than the maximum amounts of alcohol recommended by the NHS are most at risk of developing ARLD.

The NHS recommendations are:

• men should not regularly drink more than 3-4 units of alcohol a day
• women should not regularly drink more than 2-3 units a day

It is also recommended that you avoid alcohol for 48 hours after a heavy drinking session.

Read more about alcohol units and how to calculate them.

Additional factors

As well as drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, there are other factors that can increase your chances of developing ARLD, including:

• being overweight or obese
• being female (women appear to be more vulnerable than men to the harmful effects of alcohol)
• having a pre-existing liver condition, such as hepatitis C (a chronic viral infection of the liver)
• genetics – dependence on alcohol and problems processing alcohol often run in families

There are a number of serious complications that can develop if you have alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD).

Some of the main complications associated with the condition are described below.

Portal hypertension and varices

Portal hypertension is a common complication of cirrhosis and, less commonly, alcoholic hepatitis. It occurs when the blood pressure inside your liver has risen to a potentially serious level.

When the liver becomes severely scarred it is harder for blood to move through it. This leads to an increase in blood pressure.

The blood must also find a new way to return to your heart. It does this by opening up new blood vessels, usually along the lining of your stomach or oesophagus (the long tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach). These new blood vessels are known as varices.

If the blood pressure rises to a certain level, it can become too high for the varices to cope with, causing the walls of the varices to split and bleed.

This can cause long-term bleeding, which can lead to anaemia (a condition where the body does not have enough oxygen-carrying red blood cells).

Alternatively, the bleeding can be rapid and massive, causing you to vomit blood and pass stools that are very dark or tar-like.

Split varices can be treated using an endoscope (a narrow tube with a camera at the end that is passed down into the stomach) to locate the varices. A tiny band can then be used to seal the base of the varices.

Ascites

If you have portal hypertension, you may also develop a build-up of fluid in your abdomen (tummy) and around your intestines. This fluid is known an ascites.

Initially this can be treated with water tablets (diuretics). If the problem progresses, many litres of fluid can build-up and this will need to be drained. This is a procedure known as paracentesis and involves a long thin tube being placed into the fluid through the skin under local anaesthetic.

One of the problems associated with the development of ascites is the risk of infection in the fluid (spontaneous bacterial peritonitis). This is a potentially very serious complication and is linked to an increased risk of kidney failure and death. 

Hepatic encephalopathy

One of the most important functions of the liver is to remove toxins from your blood. If your liver is unable to do this due to hepatitis or cirrhosis, the levels of toxins in your blood increase. A high level of toxins in the blood due to liver damage is known as hepatic encephalopathy.

Symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy include:

• agitation
• confusion
• disorientation
• muscle stiffness
• muscle tremors
• difficulty speaking
• in very serious cases, coma

Hepatic encephalopathy may require admission to hospital. In hospital, body functions are supported while medication is given to remove toxins from the blood.

Liver cancer

Damage to the liver due to heavy drinking over many years can also increase your risk of developing liver cancer.

Over the past few decades, rates of liver cancer in the UK have risen sharply as a result of increased levels of alcohol misuse and it’s estimated that 3-5% of people with cirrhosis will develop liver cancer every year.

Alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) is often first suspected when tests for other medical conditions show that the liver has been damaged.

This is because the condition causes few obvious symptoms in the early stages.

If a doctor suspects you may have ARLD, they will usually arrange a blood test to check how well your liver is working. They may also ask you about your alcohol consumption.

It is important to be totally honest about how much and how often you drink alcohol. If you say you drink less alcohol than you do or deny drinking any alcohol, you may be referred for further unnecessary testing. This could lead to a delay in the treatment you need.

Blood tests

Blood tests used to assess the liver are known as liver function tests. They can detect enzymes in your blood that are normally only present if your liver has been damaged.

Blood tests can also detect if you have low levels of certain substances, such as a protein called serum albumin, which is made by the liver. Low levels of serum albumin suggest that your liver is not functioning properly.

A blood test may also look for signs of abnormal blood clotting, which can indicate significant liver damage.

Lab Tests Online has more information about liver function tests.

Further testing

If your symptoms or liver function test suggest that you may have an advanced form of alcohol-related liver disease, either alcoholic hepatitis or cirrhosis, you may need further tests to assess the state of your liver. These are described below.

Imaging tests

An ultrasound scan, computerised tomography (CT) scan or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan may also be carried. These scans can produce detailed images of your liver. Some scans may also measure the stiffness of the liver, which is a good indication of whether your liver is scarred.

Liver biopsy

During a liver biopsy, a fine needle is inserted into your body (usually between your ribs). A small sample of liver cells is taken and sent to a laboratory to be examined under a microscope. The biopsy is usually carried out under local anaesthetic, as a day case or with an overnight stay in hospital.

Specialist doctors are able to examine the liver biopsy tissue under the microscope to determine the degree of scarring in the liver and the cause of the damage.

Endoscopy

An endoscope is a thin, long, flexible tube with a light and a video camera at one end. During an endoscopy, the instrument is passed down your oesophagus (the long tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach) and into your stomach.

Pictures of your oesophagus and stomach are transmitted to an external screen. The doctor will be looking for swollen veins (varices), which are a sign of cirrhosis.

Alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) refers to liver damage caused by alcohol misuse. It covers a range of conditions and associated symptoms.

ARLD does not usually cause any symptoms until the liver has been severely damaged. When this happens, symptoms can include:

• feeling sick
• weight loss
• loss of appetite
• yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice)
• swelling in the ankles and tummy
• confusion or drowsiness
• vomiting blood or passing blood in your stools

This means that alcohol-related liver disease is frequently diagnosed during tests for other conditions.

If you consistently or intermittently drink alcohol to excess you should tell your GP so they can check if your liver is damaged.

Read more about the symptoms of alcohol-related liver disease and diagnosing alcohol-related liver disease.

Alcohol and the liver

With the exception of the brain, the liver is the most complex organ in the body. It’s functions include:

• filtering toxins from the blood
• aiding digestion of food
• regulating blood sugar and cholesterol levels
• helping to fight infection and disease

The liver is very resilient and is capable of regenerating itself. Each time your liver filters alcohol, some of the liver cells die. The liver can develop new cells, but prolonged alcohol misuse over many years can reduce your liver’s ability to regenerate, resulting in serious damage to the liver.

ARLD is widespread in the UK, and the number of people with the condition has been increasing over the last few decades because of increasing levels of alcohol misuse.

Read more about the causes of alcohol-related liver disease.

Stages of alcohol-related liver disease

There are three main stages of ARLD, although there is often an overlap between each stage. These stages are explained below.

Alcoholic fatty liver disease

Drinking a large amount of alcohol, even for only a few days, can lead to a build-up of fats in the liver. This is called alcoholic fatty liver disease, and it’s the first stage of ARLD.

Fatty liver disease rarely causes any symptoms but it is an important warning sign that you are drinking at a level harmful to your health.

Fatty liver disease is reversible. If you stop drinking alcohol for two weeks, your liver should return to normal.

Alcoholic hepatitis

Alcoholic hepatitis (not related to infectious hepatitis) is often the second, more serious stage of ARLD. It occurs when alcohol misuse over a longer period causes the tissues of the liver to become inflamed. Less commonly, alcoholic hepatitis can occur if you drink a large amount of alcohol in a short period of time (binge drinking).

The liver damage associated with mild alcoholic hepatitis is usually reversible if you stop drinking permanently.

Severe alcoholic hepatitis, however, is a serious and life-threatening illness. Many people die from the condition each year in the UK. Unfortunately, some people will only find out they have liver damage for the first time when their condition reaches this stage.

Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is the final stage of alcohol-related liver disease, which occurs when the liver becomes significantly scarred. Cirrhosis is generally not reversible, but stopping drinking alcohol immediately can prevent further damage and significantly increase your life expectancy.

If you have alcohol-related cirrhosis and you do not stop drinking, you have a less than 50% chance of living for at least five more years.

How alcohol-related liver disease is treated

There is currently no specific medical treatment for ARLD. The main treatment is to stop drinking, preferably for the rest of your life. This will prevent further damage to your liver and in some cases can allow your liver to repair itself.

If you are dependent on alcohol, stopping drinking can be very difficult. However, support, advice and medical treatment may be available to help you through local alcohol support services. 

In severe cases, where the liver has stopped functioning despite being completely abstinent from alcohol, a liver transplant may be required. You will only be considered for a liver transplant if you have developed complications of cirrhosis despite abstinence from alcohol. You will also need to remain abstinent from alcohol while awaiting the transplant and for the rest of your life afterwards.

Read more about treating alcohol-related liver disease.

Complications

Death rates linked to ARLD have risen considerably over the last few decades and alcohol is now one of the most common causes of death in the UK, along with smoking and high blood pressure.

Life-threatening complications of ARLD can develop. These include internal (variceal) bleeding, a build-up of toxins in the brain (encephalopathy), fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites) with associated kidney failure and also liver cancer.

Read more about the complications of alcohol-related liver disease.

Preventing alcohol-related liver disease

The most effective way to prevent ARLD is to stop drinking alcohol, or stick to the recommended daily limits and have at least two alcohol-free days a week.

The recommended limits of alcohol consumption are:

• Men should not regularly drink more than 3-4 units of alcohol a day.
• Women should not regularly drink more than 2-3 units a day.

A unit of alcohol is equal to about half a pint of normal strength lager or a pub measure (25ml) of spirits. You can use the drinking self-assessment tool to work out whether you’re drinking too much.

Even if you have been a heavy drinker for many years, reducing or stopping your alcohol intake will have important short- and long-term benefits for your liver and your overall health.

See drinking and alcohol for more information and advice.

The Map of Medicine is used by doctors throughout the NHS to determine the best treatment options for their patients. NHS Choices offers everyone in England exclusive and free access to this cutting-edge internet resource, which lets you see exactly what your doctor sees.

The information in the Map has been approved by the UK’s leading clinical experts, is based on the best available clinical evidence, and is continually updated. To take advantage of this unique resource go to:

Map of Medicine: alcohol dependence, withdrawal and liver disease

In many cases, people with alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) do not have any noticeable symptoms until their liver is badly damaged.

Early symptoms

If you do experience early symptoms of ARLD, these are often quite vague, such as:

• tummy (abdominal) pain 
• loss of appetite
• fatigue
• feeling sick (nausea)
• diarrhoea
• feeling generally unwell

Advanced symptoms

As your liver becomes more severely damaged, you will usually develop more obvious and serious symptoms, such as:

• yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
• swelling in the legs, ankles and feet due to a build-up of fluid (oedema)
• swelling in your abdomen due to a build-up of fluid known as ascites
• a high temperature (fever) and shivering attacks
• very itchy skin
• hair loss
• unusually curved fingertips and nails (clubbed fingers)
• blotchy red palms
• significant weight loss
• weakness and muscle wasting
• confusion and memory problems, problems sleeping (insomnia) and changes in your personality due to a build-up of toxins in the brain
• vomiting blood and black, tarry stools due to internal bleeding
• a tendency to bleed and bruise more easily, such as frequent nosebleeds and bleeding gums
• increased sensitivity to alcohol and drugs (because the liver cannot process them)

When to seek medical advice

ARLD often causes no symptoms until it has reached an advanced stage. If you misuse alcohol, you may have liver damage even though you have none of the symptoms above.

It is recommended that you contact your GP for advice if you have a history of regular alcohol misuse.

A good way to assess your history and pattern of drinking is to use a short test known as the CAGE test, which consists of four questions:

• Have you ever thought you should cut down on your drinking?
• Have people annoyed you by criticising your drinking?
• Have you ever felt guilty about your drinking?
• Have you ever drunk an ‘eye-opener’, which means, have you ever drunk alcohol first thing in the morning to get over a hangover and steady your nerves?

If you answer yes to one or more of the questions above, you may have an alcohol misuse problem and are advised to see your GP.

You should see your GP as soon as possible if you have symptoms of advanced alcohol-related liver disease.

Read more about how alcohol-related liver disease is diagnosed.

Successful treatment for alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) often depends on whether someone is willing to stop drinking alcohol, and make changes to their lifestyle.

Stopping drinking alcohol

Treatment for alcohol-related liver disease involves stopping drinking alcohol. This is known as abstinence. Abstinence can be vital depending on what stage the condition is at.

If you have fatty liver disease, the damage may be reversed if you abstain from alcohol for at least two weeks. After this point, it is usually safe to start drinking again if you stick to the NHS guidelines on alcohol consumption.

If you have a more serious form of ARLD – alcoholic hepatitis or cirrhosis – life-long abstinence is recommended. This is because stopping drinking is the only way to prevent  damage to your liver getting worse and potentially stop you dying of liver disease.

Stopping drinking is not easy, especially as an estimated 70% of people with alcohol-related liver disease have an alcohol dependency problem. Nevertheless, if you have alcohol-related cirrhosis or alcoholic hepatitis and do not stop drinking, no medical or surgical treatment can prevent liver failure occurring.

Withdrawal symptoms

If you are abstaining from alcohol you may suffer withdrawal symptoms. These will be at their worst for the first 48 hours, but should start to improve as your body adjusts to being without alcohol. This usually takes between three and seven days from the time of your last drink.

Many people initially experience disturbed sleep when abstaining from alcohol, but in most cases their sleep pattern returns to normal within a month.

In some cases, you may be advised to reduce your alcohol intake in a gradual and planned way to help avoid withdrawal problems. You may also be offered a medication called a benzodiazepine and psychological therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), to help you through the withdrawal process.

Some people need to stay in hospital or a specialist rehabilitation clinic during the initial withdrawal phases so their progress can be closely monitored.

If you are staying at home, you will regularly see a nurse or other health professional. You might see them at home, at your GP surgery or at a specialist NHS service.

Preventing relapses

Once you have stopped drinking, you may need further treatment to help ensure you don’t start drinking again.

The first treatment usually offered is psychological therapy. This involves seeing a therapist to talk about your feelings and thoughts and how these affect your behaviour and wellbeing.

If psychological therapy alone is ineffective, you may also need medication to help you abstain from alcohol, such as acamprosate, naltrexone or disulfiram.

See treating alcohol misuse for more information about treatments offered.

Self-help groups

Many people with a dependence on alcohol find it useful to attend self-help groups to help them stop drinking. One of the most well-known is Alcoholics Anonymous, but there are many other groups that can help.

See alcohol support for more information about the help available.

Diet and nutrition

Malnutrition is common in people with ARLD, so it’s important to eat a balanced diet to help ensure you get all the nutrients you need.

Avoiding salty foods and not adding salt to foods you eat can help reduce your risk of developing swelling in your legs, feet and abdomen (tummy) caused by a build-up of fluid. See tips for a lower salt diet for more information.

The damage to your liver can also mean it is unable to store glycogen, a carbohydrate that provides short-term energy. When this happens, the body uses its own muscle tissue to provide energy between meals, which leads to muscle wasting and weakness. Therefore, you may need extra energy and protein in your diet.

Healthy snacking between meals can top up your calories and protein. It may also be helpful to eat three or four small meals a day, rather than one or two large meals.

Your GP can advise you on a suitable diet or, in some cases, refer you to a dietitian.

In the most serious cases of malnutrition, nutrients may need to be provided through a feeding tube inserted through the nose and into the stomach.

Medication for symptoms

The use of medication to directly treat ARLD is controversial. Many experts have argued there is limited evidence for its effectiveness.

For people with severe alcoholic hepatitis, treatment in hospital may be necessary. Specific treatment with corticosteroids or pentoxifylline medication may be used to reduce inflammation of the liver in some people with this condition. Nutritional support (see above) is also an important part of treatment in these cases.

Other medications that have been used to treat liver damage include anabolic steroids (a more powerful type of steroid medication) and propylthiouracil (a type of medicine originally designed to treat overactive thyroid glands), but there is a lack of good evidence these help and they are no longer used for severe alcoholic hepatitis.

Liver transplants

In the most serious cases of alcohol-related liver disease, the liver loses its ability to function, leading to liver failure. A liver transplant is currently the only way to cure irreversible liver failure.

If you develop progressive liver failure despite abstinence from alcohol, you are otherwise well enough to survive such an operation, and you commit to not drinking alcohol for the rest of your life, liver transplantation can be considered.