Liver Disease

Alcohol-associated liver disease can occur among people who drink excessively, usually over a long period of time. It is possible to have acute (sudden) liver damage after drinking large amounts of alcohol in a shorter time; however, most alcohol-associated liver disease happens to people who have been drinking alcohol beyond moderate amounts for several years.

It is well known that excessive alcohol consumption can lead to liver damage, including liver failure or cancer. As stated in the 2016 Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health: “Alcohol misuse is associated with liver and pancreatic diseases…” among other health risks.¹

The American Cancer Society also notes: “Over time, heavy drinking can cause inflammation (hepatitis) and heavy scarring (cirrhosis) in the liver. This can lead to liver failure.” They further note that, “[l]ong-term alcohol use has been linked to an increased risk of liver cancer. Regular, heavy alcohol use can damage the liver, leading to inflammation and scarring, which might be why it raises the risk of liver cancer.”²

The American Liver Foundation notes that a key factor is the amount of alcohol consumed: “Alcohol-associated liver disease can occur among people who drink excessively, usually over a long period of time. It is possible to have acute (sudden) liver damage after drinking large amounts of alcohol in a shorter time; however, most alcohol-associated liver disease happens to people who have been drinking alcohol beyond moderate amounts for several years.”³