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Alcohol and the liver
Former Member
Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
As a student, I've been a very heavy drinker since approximately the age of 17. I've been known to drink 70+ units in a week, sadly.
I'm now starting to worry about what I may have done to my body, and that liver damage is silent until it gets very serious. I'm now 20, and although I'm still young, do you think it's possible I've damaged myself? I heard recently the story of a girl aged 20 who started drinking at 12 and was the youngest person to receive a liver transplant through alcoholic liver damage.
Although cutting alcohol out altogether isn't my aim, I have started producing a "drinking diary" to try and remain within my 21-28 units per week.
Do you think I may need a liver function test?
I'm not an alcoholic, I just find it quite difficult to say no to nights out, and I often drink out of boredom.
***Edited because of a mis-spelling that put my post out of context.
I'm now starting to worry about what I may have done to my body, and that liver damage is silent until it gets very serious. I'm now 20, and although I'm still young, do you think it's possible I've damaged myself? I heard recently the story of a girl aged 20 who started drinking at 12 and was the youngest person to receive a liver transplant through alcoholic liver damage.
Although cutting alcohol out altogether isn't my aim, I have started producing a "drinking diary" to try and remain within my 21-28 units per week.
Do you think I may need a liver function test?
I'm not an alcoholic, I just find it quite difficult to say no to nights out, and I often drink out of boredom.
***Edited because of a mis-spelling that put my post out of context.
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Comments
At least you recognise that your drinking to excess...cutting alcohol completely is pointless as you will never stick it out. Keeping within the 28 units* for men and 21 for women per week will ensure that your body can cope and not be damaged as a result. And all the evidence says that moderate amount of alcohol is actually good for you. Although saving it up for the weekend is not really that good an idea, but we all do it. I wouldn't say you were an alcoholic, you dont depend on alcohol do you?
*BTW for everyones info, a unit is a standard glass of wine, half a pint of regular beer, and a standard shot of spirits and shockingly HALF a bottle of alcopop!
hmm "counts the units I do every friday night*... :shocking:
However, once I get going I find it hard to know when to stop. LOL. But I think most people are like that, once they get beyond the point of caring about the consequences.
I think recognising it is good, and I always have a vitamin C drink the morning after, to help my immune system!
I find it comforting by the news that it generally takes 20 years to do significant damage, but I think it does vary between individuals. Some people seem to have weaker livers and need their transplants early ;-)!
I know it is a scary thought..!!
Last saturday night I had...*tries to remember*
30 units. Comprising of, about 8 double vodkas, two glasses of wine, two double morgans spiced, double gin, 6 shots of apple sourz and the rest that I have forgot.
And I only managed to spend £30 on drink Wasnt even my birthday night out.
I think I'm probably stressing over nothing, I bet a liver test would reveal normal results. I hope.
I often worry about my health and it turns out to be fine! But I thought I wasn't informed enough to neglect my alcohol intake. Cheers for replies
Well I need to practice for when I qualify... can't look like a weakling infront of the qualified staff!!!! :thumb:
Not true, its certainly possible to damage your liver over 5 years of heavy (100+) units a week.
your drinking isn't a problem unless you feel it is disrupting your life.
try replacing the odd alcoholic drink with a non alcoholic alternative for every couple of drinks when you go out.
what drink does
Safe drinking
Factors affecting drink
was kinda whack