Cirrhosis in alcohol abusers

One of the major causes of Liver Cirrhosis is alcohol. Alcohol causes liver damage through various mechanisms not necessarily in direct proportion to the amount of alcohol consumed. Moreover concurrent alcohol abuse augments the liver damage due to a host of other problems notably Hepatitis C. Many people who have alcoholic liver disease demonstrate no features of physical dependence; yet they find it difficult to stop. The first step is recognising the problem through help of medical professionals, family support and counselling. When alcoholic patients with cirrhosis stop consumption there can sometimes be a dramatic change in their condition that may help postpone the need for transplant if not totally eliminate it. To be considered for a transplant, patients who have alcoholic cirrhosis must have been abstinent for at least 6 months (under supervision) and must have demonstrated the will to be compliant and have a good family and social support. Young patients who have been abstinent for shorter periods but are seriously ill and otherwise suitable to merit a transplant can pose an ethical dilemma in the transplantation. community.