Alcoholic Hepatitis Symptoms: Causes, Signs, and Treatment
Getting drunk can hurt many parts of the body. One of the parts that hurts the most is the liver. When someone drinks too much for a long time, they can hurt their liver and cause it to swell up. People who drink too much can get alcoholic hepatitis. We Level Up Washington helps people with […]
Clinically Reviewed by Lauren Barry, LMFT, MCAP, QS
Medically Reviewed by Ali Nikbakht, PsyD
Updated on February 5, 2026 — Editorial Policy | Research Policy
Getting drunk can hurt many parts of the body. One of the parts that hurts the most is the liver. When someone drinks too much for a long time, they can hurt their liver and cause it to swell up. People who drink too much can get alcoholic hepatitis.
We Level Up Washington helps people with damaged livers caused by drinking. This puts their physical and mental health at risk.
This article talks about the signs of alcoholic hepatitis, what causes them, how to treat them, and when you should get help.
Skip To
Table of Contents
What Is Alcoholic Hepatitis?
A type of alcoholic liver inflammation is called alcoholic hepatitis. This happens when drinking a lot hurts liver cells. When the liver gets swollen, it can’t do its job.
The liver helps the body by:
- Cleaning toxins from the blood
- Helping digest food
- Making proteins and nutrients
It’s harder to do these things when the liver is big. Your chances of getting hepatitis are low, high, or even life-threatening if you drink. Heavy drinkers may need medical help and a safe way to stop drinking alcohol. We Level Up Washington has an alcohol detox program, which is good news.
How Alcohol Hurts the Liver
The liver breaks down alcohol. When alcohol is used too often or in large amounts, the liver becomes overwhelmed.
Over time:
- Liver cells get damaged.
- Inflammation starts
- Scar tissue may form.
- Liver function slows down.
The damage to your liver can get worse over time if you keep drinking.
End the Emotional Pain. Get Your Life Back.
Feeling Depressed, Anxious or Struggling with Mental Health Illness? Get Safe Comfortable Mental Health Dual Diagnosis High-Quality Therapy From Counselors That Care. Begin Your Recovery Now.
Hotline: (509) 348-4077
Alcoholic Hepatitis Symptoms
Alcoholic hepatitis symptoms can start slowly or appear suddenly. Some people feel mild discomfort. Others become very sick.
Common Alcoholic Hepatitis Symptoms
- Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Pain or tenderness in the upper right belly
- Feeling very tired
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever
- Weight loss
These symptoms mean the liver is under stress.
Severe Symptoms to Watch For
There are some signs that the illness is very bad and needs medical help right away.
Serious warning signs are:
- Swollen belly from fluid buildup
- Confusion or trouble thinking.
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Dark urine
- Pale stools
- Extreme weakness
If you don’t pay attention to these signs, they could be the start of alcoholic liver disease.
Causes of Alcoholic Hepatitis
People who drink a lot for a long time need help to stop safely. This help can stop the liver from getting worse. A skilled drug and alcohol evaluation is typically where it all begins.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
- Drinking large amounts of alcohol daily
- Drinking heavily for many years
- Binge drinking
- Poor nutrition
- Being female
- Having other liver problems
The chance of getting liver disease goes up with the amount of alcohol you drink.
Alcoholic Hepatitis vs Other Liver Problems
This is not the same as drunken hepatitis, but there may be a link between them.
Related Liver Conditions
- Fatty liver disease
- Liver scarring (cirrhosis)
- Liver failure
It might get better if you catch drinking hepatitis early. There are some liver problems that might not get better.
Alcohol Liver Disease Signs
Alcoholic hepatitis is part of a group called alcoholic liver disease. Knowing the signs can help people seek care sooner.
Common Alcohol Liver Disease Signs
- Ongoing fatigue
- Digestive problems
- Swelling in the legs or belly
- Changes in skin color
- Mental confusion
If you keep drinking, these symptoms often get worse.
Get Help. Get Better. Get Your Life Back.
Searching for Accredited Dual Diagnosis Mental Health Centers Near You?
Even if therapy failed previously, or are in the middle of a difficult crisis, we stand ready to support you. Our trusted behavioral health specialists will not give up on you. When you feel ready or just want someone to speak to about counseling alternatives to change your life call us. Even if we cannot assist you, we will lead you to wherever you can get support. There is no obligation. Call our hotline today.
FREE 24/7 Dual Diagnosis Mental Health Services HotlineHow Doctors Diagnose Alcoholic Hepatitis
Doctors use a number of tools to figure out what’s wrong.
Diagnosis May Include
- Health history and drinking habits
- Blood tests to check liver function
- Imaging tests like ultrasound
- Physical exams
To rule out other causes of liver disease, doctors may also do tests.
Treating Alcoholic Hepatitis
The goal of treating alcoholic hepatitis is to stop more damage from happening and help the liver repair itself.
Key treatment steps are:
Stop Drinking Alcohol
This is the most important thing to do. If you keep drinking, things will get worse.
Medical Care
Doctors treat signs and keep an eye on how the liver works. They may check you out if you have had liver transplantation, a liver biopsy, or signs of liver cancer.
Nutrition Support
A lot of people who have alcoholic hepatitis don’t eat enough. The body gets better when it eats well and gets vitamins.
Medications
Some people might need to take medicine to feel better. This can also make them less likely to get liver diseases that are caused by drinking.
Mental Health and Addiction Support
Support helps people stay clean and figure out what type of liver disease they have.
Can Alcoholic Hepatitis Be Reversed?
People with mild cases of alcoholic hepatitis may get better if they stop drinking alcohol completely. The liver can get better on its own.
However:
- Severe cases may cause lasting damage.
- Continued drinking worsens outcomes.
- Early treatment improves chances.
If you stop drinking, your liver has the best chance of getting better.
What Happens If Alcoholic Hepatitis Is Ignored?
The condition can become life-threatening if it is not treated.
Possible complications are:
- Liver failure
- Internal bleeding
- Infections
- Brain problems from toxins
- Death
Getting help early is critical.
Living With Alcoholic Hepatitis
Recovery takes time and support.
Helpful Lifestyle Changes
- Avoid all alcohol
- Eat balanced meals
- Drink water
- Follow medical advice
- Attend therapy or support groups.
- Many people get stronger and more stable over time with care.
Comfortable Facilities & Amenities
High-Quality Mental Health Services & Behaviroal Health Substance Abuse Treatment
Rehab Centers TourRenowned Mental Health Centers. Serene Private Facilities. Inpatient Rehab Programs Vary.
Mental Health Helpline: (509) 348-4077Proven recovery success experience, backed by a Team w/ History of:
15+
Years of Unified Experience
100s
5-Star Reviews Across Our Centers
10K
Recovery Success Stories Across Our Network
- Low Patient to Therapist Ratio
- Comprehensive Dual-Diagnosis Treatment
- Complimentary Family & Alumni Programs
- Coaching, Recovery & Development Events
- Comfortable Onsite Medical Detox Center
How We Level Up Washington Helps
We Level Up Washington helps people whose liver problems are caused by drinking. Hepatitis from drinking is more than just a health issue. It often leads to issues like stress, fear, or addiction.
Our treatment programs include care for:
- Medical support
- Therapy for alcohol use disorder
- Mental health care
- Nutrition guidance
- Long-term recovery planning
Safety, respect, and taking real steps forward are the most important things to us. No one is judging you. You can get help.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
What are the symptoms of alcoholic hepatitis?
Signs can include yellow skin and eyes, gut ache, weariness, nausea, fever, and a lack of appetite.
-
What causes alcoholic hepatitis?
Regular heavy drinking is the main cause. The risk goes up if you don’t eat well or drink too much.
-
Is alcoholic hepatitis serious?
Yes. It could end up putting your life in danger. See a doctor if your symptoms are bad or start out of the blue.
-
Can alcoholic hepatitis get better?
Yes, especially if you steer clear of alcohol early on. The liver might get better, but the damage might not go away.
-
How is alcoholic hepatitis treated?
Abstaining from drinking, getting medical care, eating right, and getting help for rehabilitation are all parts of treatment.
-
When should I get help?
Get help fast if you have jaundice, inflammation of the liver, swelling, confusion, bleeding, or severe weakness.
World-class, Accredited, 5-Star Reviewed, Effective Mental Health Dual Diagnosis Programs. Complete Integrated Inpatient Rehab with Free Post Discharge Therapy Planning.
Hotline: (509) 348-4077End the Emotional Pain Rollercoaster. Gain Stability & Happiness Through Recovery Treatment. Start Mental Health Counseling Today. Get Free No-obligation Guidance by Behaviroal Health Specialists Who Understand Mental Health Recovery.
Take a Step Forward
The signs of alcoholic hepatitis are very bad, but help is available. The signs of alcoholic hepatitis are very bad, but help is available. You don’t have to drink too much or deal with liver damage on your own. Getting help early can protect both your health and your job.
Getting help can help you stop drinking safely, treat liver disease, and feel better all around. A lot of people feel better and get back in charge of their lives when they get the right care. Get help right away if you or someone you care about has signs of alcoholic hepatitis.
Call We Level Up Washington at (509) 348-4077 to talk to a caring person and find out about treatment choices. Just one call can help people get better.