The liver is a vital organ responsible for breaking down and filtering out harmful substances in the blood. But what sorts of health impactions come with too much drinking aside from the dreaded hangover? Alcohol’s Impact on the Liver The negative impact on physical and mental health is profound, highlighting the risk of choosing alcohol as a coping strategy for stress and depression, among other mental health issues. Sales of spirits rose even higher with more than a 27% increase since 2019. According to Nielsen’s market data, total alcohol sales outside bars and restaurants surged roughly 25% during the pandemic. Unsurprisingly, the pandemic drove a surge in alcohol sales through the most grueling of months. That’s more than all illicit drug overdose deaths combined, and the numbers keep climbing.Īt the start of 2020, a new coronavirus caused a global crisis, leaving millions in a state of isolation. However, alcohol-related illnesses kill more than 88,000 Americans each year, according to the NIAAA. CALL (855) 281- 5588 Alcohol Consumption Trendsįor many people, a cocktail or a beer can be a familiar and comforting part of their social lives in the evening. We’re taking a closer look at the detrimental impact alcohol has on the liver and how long to abstain from alcohol to repair the liver. The good news is your liver can begin to regenerate when alcohol is no longer an everyday factor. Others challenge themselves to quit for specific causes, charity events, or just embrace healthier habits and self-care. Organizations have created entire months around this very issue-Dry January and Sober October-to help others find relief in sobriety. If you drink occasionally, you’ve probably considered the benefits of cutting back but may not have taken action because it feels like a monumental feat. It’s no surprise that avoiding alcohol can be difficult. However, there is merit to the notion that abstaining from alcohol can help your body recover and rebuild, particularly the liver. Still, the ability to confidently say no to alcoholic drinks proves to be incredibly challenging. More recently, health experts find a strong correlation between alcohol consumption and high blood pressure, strokes, liver disease, and even some forms of cancer.
And while most of us are conditioned to accept alcohol as a favorite pastime, there are still numerous health concerns that can arise due to alcohol indulgence, even when consumed in small amounts. We are immersed in a casual drinking culture, whether we’re having a quiet dinner with family or binge drinking through the weekend with friends. One of the biggest problems with alcohol is its social prevalence. Can sober months lead to long-term health benefits? If so, how long to abstain from alcohol to repair liver? Even moderate drinking proves to have damaging effects on the brain, heart, and liver.