Alcoholic Hepatitis Treatment

Things to Know About Alcoholic Hepatitis Treatment

One of the most serious physical health conditions that can result from long-term excessive alcohol consumption is alcoholic hepatitis.  Alcoholic hepatitis is an inflammatory condition that causes damage to liver cells due to alcoholism. If the condition is caught early, and the patient ceases consuming alcohol, the liver can regenerate enough that the individual can enjoy a good prognosis.  However, if the condition is not discovered until serious liver damage has occurred, a liver transplant may be recommended. Either way, the patient must stop drinking, which will involve alcoholic hepatitis treatment for both the alcohol dependency and replenishing nutritional deficiencies and restoring overall health.

About Alcoholic Hepatitis

About one third of individuals who drink heavily will develop a condition called alcoholic hepatitis, an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by the toxins associated with excess alcohol consumption.  It is unknown why these individuals acquire the condition while the other 65% of heavy drinkers do not, but it may be due to genetics or other liver disorders. If the condition is allowed to progress by continued alcohol abuse, it could lead to cirrhosis of the liver or liver failure.

In addition to the damaged liver, someone with alcoholic hepatitis will likely have nutritional deficiencies and other health issues related to the condition.  To help restore health patients are provided thiamine, folic acid, and vitamin supplements as needed. Patients will be encouraged to eat three healthy meals daily and to drink adequate amounts of water.

Diagnosing Alcoholic Hepatitis

The symptoms of alcoholic hepatitis are generally absent until the condition has progressed significantly.  Symptoms of alcoholic hepatitis may include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Swelling of the abdomen
• Abdominal pain
• Dry mouth
• Fever
• Change in appetite, weight loss
• Weakness
• Mental confusion
• Jaundice
• Bruising or bleeding more easily
• Fatigue
• Mood changes
• Fluid retention in upper body

The symptoms of alcoholic hepatitis are shared with a host of other health conditions so diagnosing it will depend on certain specific measures.  After a physical exam where a physician checks to see if the spleen or liver are enlarged, a complete blood count and liver function test will be ordered, as well as an abdominal ultrasound.  If the ultrasound shows an enlarged liver then an abdominal CT scan and/or a liver biopsy will be ordered, depending on the liver function test results. The liver biopsy is used to confirm the diagnosis, as well as to provide details about the liver disease.

Detox and Alcoholic Hepatitis Treatment

When diagnosed with alcoholic hepatitis the individual must cease to consume alcohol.  This change in lifestyle habits will likely require a professional detox and addiction treatment program.  Rehab can help the individual learn how to live a sober lifestyle by teaching coping skills to assist with recovery.

During treatment for alcoholic hepatitis, the individual will first complete the detoxification phase of recovery.  Alcohol detox and withdrawal, especially in someone with a long history of excessive alcohol consumption, can present some risks, so should only be attempted under the supervision of personnel.  Detox specialists will provide interventions to help reduce the withdrawal symptoms and make the individual as comfortable as possible. Alcohol detox takes about one week to complete.

Addiction treatment involves various treatment elements and therapies that help the individual emotionally overcome the addiction to alcohol.  Individual therapy and group therapy make up the bulk of the treatment, with participation in a 12-step group and classes that teach relapse prevention planning and techniques round out a basic treatment program.  Following completion of the treatment program it is recommended that the individual continue to participate in outpatient counseling as well as a recovery group such as A.A.

Capo By the Sea Offers Luxury Alcoholic Hepatitis Treatment

Capo By the Sea is a premium drug and alcohol addiction program located in sunny Dana Point, California, the perfect place to receive alcoholic hepatitis treatment.  At Capo By the Sea, our team of professionals will guide you through detox and treatment for alcohol dependence, and assist you in restoring your physical health.  Capo By the Sea offers premier accommodations and amenities, evidence-based therapies, and holistic spa services to make your stay as comfortable as it is productive.  For more information about our program, please contact Capo By the Sea at (888) 529-2114.