Alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) is one of the most serious consequences of long-term alcohol use. For many, hearing a diagnosis of ARLD can bring fear, shame, or uncertainty. But understanding how alcohol affects the liver, and knowing when the damage can be reversed, can empower people to seek help and take action.

At Greenbranch Recovery in Egg Harbor Township, we provide evidence-based treatment for alcohol use disorder. We support healing not just from substance use, but from the physical and emotional toll it takes on the body. 

What Is Alcohol-Related Liver Disease?

Alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD), also called alcoholic liver disease or alcohol-associated liver disease, refers to a range of liver conditions caused by drinking too much alcohol over time. It’s one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease in the United States. ARLD progresses through several stages, each with increasing severity:

  • Fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis): The earliest stage, where fat builds up in liver cells. Often symptomless and reversible.
  • Alcoholic hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver. Can range from mild to severe alcoholic hepatitis. Symptoms may include jaundice, fever, and abdominal pain.
  • Liver fibrosis and cirrhosis: Scar tissue forms and replaces healthy liver tissue. Liver function declines. Cirrhosis occurs when the damage becomes widespread.
  • End stage liver disease: The liver is no longer able to function properly. This stage can include liver failure and requires advanced medical care.

People who regularly drink or have heavy drinking patterns are at highest risk, especially if they continue despite early symptoms. If you are in Atlantic County, Cape May County  or nearby areas, we are here to support you if you need help to stop drinking. Call us today at 609-622-5101 or contact us online to learn more. 

How Alcohol Affects the Liver

The liver’s job is to process substances like alcohol. When someone drinks alcohol, enzymes in the liver break it down into less harmful chemicals. But too much alcohol, especially over time, overwhelms the liver’s capacity. Toxic byproducts build up and trigger a damaging cycle:

  • Inflammation of liver cells (acute inflammation)
  • Fat build-up (fatty liver)
  • Formation of scar tissue (fibrosis)
  • Decreased liver function and increased risk of liver injury

This damage reduces blood flow, affects the immune system, and impairs the liver’s ability to remove toxins from the body. Over time, this can lead to serious complications like liver cancer, portal hypertension, and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Signs, Symptoms, and Diagnosis of ARLD

In the early stages, ARLD may not cause any noticeable symptoms. When signs do appear, they often indicate moderate to advanced disease. Symptoms of alcohol-related liver damage can include:

  • Fatigue
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Abdominal pain or discomfort
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
  • Swelling in the legs or abdomen
  • Confusion or difficulty concentrating

To diagnose ARLD, clinicians rely on a combination of medical history and clinical tools:

  • Blood tests to check liver enzymes, bilirubin, and clotting function
  • Imaging tests like ultrasound or CT scans to assess liver size and texture
  • Liver biopsy in some cases, to determine the extent of liver tissue damage
  • Physical exam and assessment of alcohol use history

If you have been diagnosed with ARLD and need help to stop drinking, call Greenbranch Recovery today at 609-622-5101 or contact us online. 

Can Alcohol Related Liver Damage Be Reversed?

Yes—if caught early, alcohol-related liver damage can be stopped and in some cases reversed. The key is to stop drinking alcohol and begin medical treatment before permanent damage sets in.

Liver damage that is reversible:

  • Fatty liver disease: Can resolve within weeks of abstinence
  • Mild alcoholic hepatitis: Inflammation may improve with treatment and sustained sobriety

Liver damage that may stabilize but not fully heal:

  • Liver fibrosis: Scar tissue may not completely go away, but liver function can improve if alcohol use stops

Liver damage that is permanent:

  • Cirrhosis and end stage liver disease: These require intensive care and possibly liver transplantation

Recovery begins with one decision: to stop drinking. For individuals facing alcohol-related liver disease, this choice can be life changing. Those who continue to drink after diagnosis accelerate damage and have higher mortality rates. While some damage may be permanent, the liver has a powerful ability to heal, especially when action is taken early. Understanding what happens after alcohol use stops can provide hope and motivation for taking that first step. If you are ready, call Greenbranch Recovery today at 609-622-5101 or contact us online. 

What Happens After You Stop Drinking Alcohol?

The liver has a remarkable ability to heal. Once alcohol use stops, improvements can occur rapidly, especially in early stages. Here’s what typically happens:

  • After 2–4 weeks: Liver enzyme levels may begin to normalize
  • After 1–3 months: Fat deposits decrease; liver function stabilizes
  • After 6–12 months: Inflammation subsides; liver regeneration continues

The sooner someone stops drinking alcohol, the more likely they are to avoid long-term complications. Even those with advanced liver disease can improve their quality of life by quitting alcohol and getting medical care.

Risk Factors That Complicate Recovery From ARLD

Not everyone’s liver heals at the same pace. Several factors can influence how well and how quickly recovery occurs. Heavy alcohol use or patterns of binge drinking can significantly strain the liver, especially when paired with long-term alcohol dependency. 

A poor diet or obesity can further complicate the liver’s ability to regenerate, while underlying health conditions such as viral hepatitis, including hepatitis B, and high blood pressure add additional layers of risk. Genetics can also play a role in how vulnerable someone is to liver injury. Perhaps most critically, continuing to consume more alcohol after an initial diagnosis can undo any progress and accelerate liver damage.

These combined factors increase the risk of liver failure, complications like kidney failure, and a poor response to medical treatment. That’s why engaging in a comprehensive treatment plan  is essential for effective recovery.

ARLD Treatment Options and Medical Support 

Treating alcohol-related liver disease starts with alcohol cessation. But stopping drinking is only the first step. Recovery typically involves medical treatment to manage symptoms and reduce inflammation, along with nutritional support to correct deficiencies and promote healing. Healthcare providers closely monitor liver function and the progression of the disease to ensure any complications are addressed early. 

A personalized treatment plan is developed to support long-term liver health, often including changes to diet, physical activity, and other lifestyle habits that can improve outcomes and control disease progression.

In severe cases, a liver transplant may be necessary. Eligibility for liver transplantation depends on several factors including liver function, medical stability, and commitment to sobriety. Early engagement with medical professionals increases the chances of being considered for this life-saving option.

The Role of Greenbranch Recovery For Those Seeking Help With Alcohol Dependence

At Greenbranch Recovery, we know that alcohol use disorder doesn’t just affect the liver; it impacts your whole life. For many, liver disease becomes the moment of clarity that sparks a change. But healing doesn’t have to happen alone.

Our clinical team works side by side with you to address both the physical damage and the emotional weight of alcohol dependency. We don’t just help people stop drinking, we help them reclaim their lives, rebuild their health, and reconnect with their purpose.

Here’s how we support your recovery journey:

  • Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): When appropriate, MAT reduces cravings and eases the path to sobriety
  • Therapy and Counseling: Work through trauma, triggers, and mental health challenges
  • Family Support and Education: Involve loved ones in the healing process
  • Recovery Coaching and Life Skills: Build a plan for long-term success, including relapse prevention strategies that actually work

We serve individuals and families across Egg Harbor Township, Atlantic County, Cape May County, and surrounding areas. Whether you’ve just been diagnosed with alcohol-related liver disease or have been struggling for years, now is the time to get help that respects your dignity and focuses on real change.

Call Greenbranch Recovery today at 609-622-5101. Your health can’t wait, and neither should you.