Alcoholic hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver and is a pre-cursor to alcoholic cirrhosis. It can often be reversed if a person stops drinking. Alcoholic hepatitis is temporary and in most cases reversible if a person stops drinking. Alcoholic cirrhosis is permanent damage to the liver caused by drinking. A liver biopsy is the current gold standard for diagnosing alcoholic liver cirrhosis. Once a person develops alcoholic cirrhosis, they risk the chance of liver failure and death. Even at the stage of cirrhosis, though, avoiding alcohol is the best thing one can do for their liver and may prolong life and better their overall health, including their liver's health.
Posted by cherylady