The Human Liver and the Danger of Alcohol Abuse

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The Human Liver and the Danger of Alcohol Abuse

• The University of Toledo College of Medicine
• Student to Student Program

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What is the liver and why is it so important to
our health?

• Largest organ in (up to 3 pounds)
• Located in the right upper quadrant
• Filters wastes (toxins) from the blood at a rate
  of 1.5 quarts of blood per minute, or 540 gallons
  per day.
• Stores the bodys vitamins and minerals
• Helps to make important substances like
  cholesterol and sugars and aids in digestion

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The Liver
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What is alcohol abuse?

• A person who abuses alcohol uses it in a way that
  affects how they interact with their friends and
  family, the decisions they make, their jobs, or
  their school performance in a bad way.
• Alcoholism is when a person is physically and
  mentally dependent on alcohol.

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How does alcohol abuse affect teenagers?

• About 1/6 high school seniors and drop-outs drink
  at least 1 alcoholic drink every other day
• More than ¼ of those surveyed experienced a
  drinking-related problem (e.g., missing school)
  on at least three occasions during the previous
  year.
• The same proportion engaged in two or more
  high-risk drinking activities (e.g., combining
  alcohol with other drugs, getting drunk) on
  multiple occasions during the previous year.

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Am I at risk for alcoholism?

• Everyone is at risk! It doesnt matter who you
  are.
• But. People with another alcoholic in their
  family are at a higher risk.
• Men have more risk than women.
• Teenagers have a high risk if they binge drink
  (having 5 or more drinks on one occasion, which
  can even be one day).

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What are some of the consequences of alcohol
misuse?

• Each year, 105,000 Americans are killed in
  alcohol related crashes.

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More consequences

• Alcohol poisoning drinking too much alcohol can
  lead to slurred speech, poor coordination, and
  even coma or death

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Alcohol misuse, cont.

• Liver disease The liver becomes fatty and
  inflammed, and eventually scarred, leading to
  cirrhosis
• Fetal alcohol syndrome (leading to cognitive
  disabilities, facial abnormalities, etc.) in
  babies born to mothers who consume alcohol when
  pregnant

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How is the liver affected by alcohol abuse?

• Alcohol is processed mainly in the liver.
• Repeated alcohol misuse or abuse can cause
  permanent liver damage.
• Liver cirrhosis from alcohol abuse is one of the
  ten leading causes of death in the United States.

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What is liver cirrhosis?

• Cirrhosis usually occurs after about 10 years of
  heavy drinking, but varies among people.
• Women can damage their liver with 2-3 drinks/day.
• Men can damage their liver drinking 3-4
  drinks/day.

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What happens to a person with cirrhosis of the
liver?

• Edema building up of water in the body,
  especially the legs
• Easily bruising and bleeding, because the liver
  aids in blood clotting
• Decreased mental functioning, as the liver cant
  destroy the blood toxins
• High blood pressure, cancer, etc.

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What does a healthy liver look like?
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What does a liver with cirrhosis look like?
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How can someone with an alcohol problem get help?

• Alcoholics anonymous (AA) a group of men and
  women who share their experiences in the hopes of
  recovering from their addiction to alcohol. The
  goal is to stop drinking and help others stay
  sober.
• http//www.alcoholics.anonymous.org/

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What does AA do?

• 1. A.A. members share their experience with
  anyone seeking help with a drinking problem they
  give person-to-person service or "sponsorship" to
  the alcoholic coming to A.A. from any source.
• 2. The A.A. program, set forth in our Twelve
  Steps, offers the alcoholic a way to develop a
  satisfying life without alcohol.

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AA, continued.

• a. Open speaker meetings open to alcoholics
  and nonalcoholics. A.A. members tell their
  stories. They describe their experiences with
  alcohol, how they came to A.A., and how their
  lives have changed as a result.
• b. Open discussion meetings one member speaks
  about his or her drinking experience, and then
  leads a discussion.
• c. Closed discussion meetings conducted just
  as open discussions are, but for alcoholics or
  prospective A.A.s only.
• d. Step meetings (usually closed) discussion
  of one of the Twelve Steps.

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Is drinking alcohol a problem for you?

• Do you drink because you have problems or want to
  relax?
• Do you drink when you get mad?
• Do you gulp your drinks? Lie about drinking?
• Does drinking get you into trouble?
• (See more of these questions on the AA
  website)

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What if I am affected by someone elses alcohol
use?

• Al-anon/Alateen
• Who joins? People who are affected by others
  drinking, whether it is a parent, friend,
  sibling, co-worker, etc.
• Do I have to say anything at the meeting? No,
  just come and listen if you want.

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Is Alateen for you?

• Do you feel like nobody understands you?
• Do you cover up your feelings and pretend like
  you dont care?
• Do you feel neglected or unloved?
• Do you tell lies to cover up someone elses
  drinking?
• Are you afraid or embarrassed to bring friends to
  your home?

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Will people tell others that Ive been to AA or
Al-anon/Alateen? How much does it cost me?

• Anonymity The group promises not to tell others
  that you have been to the meeting, and everything
  said there is confidential.
• The meetings are free, but donations are welcome.

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How do I find an Al-anon/Alateen meeting?

• For meeting information in Canada, the US, and
  Puerto Rico you can call
• 1-888-4AL-ANON (1-888-425-2666) Monday
  through Friday, 800am to 600pm ET.
• or, just Google Alateen!

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Any Questions?

• Thank you for listening.