Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) describes any type of liver disease that occurs because of chronic or excessive alcohol consumption. In the early stages of ALD, quitting alcohol can lead to partial or complete liver repair, a process known as regeneration.

In the latter stages, quitting alcohol may have little effect on liver regeneration. Nonetheless, quitting will help to prevent further liver damage.

A woman with long blonde hair drinking tea in a sunny garden. -3Share on Pinterest
Nick David/Getty Images

The liver is a complex organ that performs various vital functions, including removing toxins from the blood.

Each time a person drinks alcohol, their liver must filter the toxin from their blood. The liver can only process small amountsTrusted Source of alcohol at a time. The rest of the alcohol can damage and destroy liver cells.

The liver is very good at regenerating itself. However, in people who regularly drink too much alcohol, the damaged liver cannot regenerate fast enough. Eventually, this results in permanent liver scarring, a condition called cirrhosis.

Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is the umbrella term for a range of liver disorders that occur due to chronic or excessive alcohol consumption.

ALD is a major cause of liver disease worldwide. Older research highlighted in a 2024 literature review indicates that 90% to 95% of people who drink heavily develop fatty liver disease, or steatosis, in which fat builds up in the liver and other organs.

Some people with steatosis go on to develop more severe forms of ALD, such as:

  • Alcohol-associated steatosis (ASH): This is steatosis resulting from chronic alcohol use.
  • Alcohol-associated cirrhosis (AC): This is liver scarring due to chronic alcohol consumption. Around 8% to 20% of people with ASH go on to develop AC.
  • Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): This is a type of liver cancer. Around 3% to 10% of people with HCC go on to develop HCC.

According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), there are three main stages of ALD:

  • Stage 1, alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD): This is a buildup of fat in the liver caused by chronic or excessive alcohol consumption. It can happen within days of excessive drinking, though a person will not usually experience any symptoms. This stage of ALD is reversible, with liver function returning to normal within months or years of quitting alcohol.
  • Stage 2, alcoholic hepatitis (AH): This is inflammation of the liver due to chronic alcohol consumption or binge drinking (four or moreTrusted Source drinks for females or five or more drinks for males during one session). The condition may be mild or severe. Mild AH is usually reversible if a person quits drinking permanently. Severe AH is serious and life threatening. Either type may or may not cause symptoms.
  • Stage 3, cirrhosis: This condition involves significant liver scarring, which may or may not cause symptoms. At this stage, the liver damage is usually not reversible. However, quitting alcohol immediately and permanently can prevent further liver damage, and can significantly increase life expectancy.

Below are some steps that can help repair the liver during the earlier stages of ALD.

Avoid alcohol

Quitting drinking reduces the risk of further liver damage and gives the liver the best possible chance to repair itself.

There are several strategies a person can use to help them quit or reduce alcohol use, including:

  • initially creating a statement of the personal reasons for quitting drinking and the goals a person would like to achieve
  • starting with small goals, such as one day without alcohol, and celebrating these milestones
  • avoiding or minimizing triggers, such as environments or situations that encourage drinking
  • removing or reducing alcohol availability at home
  • practicing self-affirmation techniques
  • tracking triggers, emotions, and responses related to urges to drink
  • engaging in healthy, enjoyable activities as alternatives to drinking
  • using prescribed medications
  • participating in peer or organizational support groups
  • combining several of these strategies for greater effectiveness

However, overcoming alcohol use disorder (AUD) can be challenging. It is important that those with an AUD diagnosis have access to appropriate support and resources to help them quit alcohol.

TheTrusted SourceNational Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)Trusted Source states that while setbacks are common among people receiving treatment for AUD, many experience long-term recovery. Getting help for AUD early on can help people in recovery.

The NIAAA offers an alcohol treatment navigatorTrusted Source that people can use to search for local AUD treatment options.

Help is available

Seeking help for addiction may feel daunting or even scary, but several organizations can provide support.

If you believe that you or someone close to you is showing signs of addiction, you can contact the following organizations for immediate help and advice:

Maintain a healthy diet

The American Liver Foundation (ALF) advises that people talk with a doctor about the dietary plan best suited to their specific type of liver disease.

However, the ALF does outline some general dietary tips for a healthier liver. These include avoiding foods high in salt, sugar, or fat, staying hydrated, and eating a healthy balanced diet with foods from all food groups.

Consider nutritional supplements

According to the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), people with ALD are more likely to be deficient in the following vitamins and minerals:

If a person is deficient in one or more micronutrients, their doctor may recommend a supplement.

However, a person should not take a nutritional supplement unless their doctor advises them that it is safe to do so.

The British Liver Trust (BLT) explains that some supplements can impair liver function, especially in people with existing liver disease. Certain supplements may also interact with other medications a person is taking.

Exercise regularly

Regular physical activity can help prevent muscle loss and frailty in people with cirrhosis. Benefits include improved muscle health, reduced fatigue, less liver fat, lower portal hypertension, and better overall quality of life.

The American Heart Association (AHA)Trusted Source advises adults to aim for 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity weekly.

Before starting any physical activity program, it is important that people with cirrhosis consult a doctor for safety screening.

Manage protein intake

The liver is vital for digestion and nutrient absorption, and impaired function can cause fatigue, nutrient malabsorption, and muscle loss.

Individuals with ALD risk developing protein-energy malnutrition (PEM), requiring adjusted protein intake.

The AASLD recommends that stable adults with cirrhosis consume 1.2 to 1.5 g of protein per kg of body weight daily, while critically ill individuals may need 1.2 to 2.0 g per kg.

Always consult a doctor before altering protein intake.

Consult a healthcare professional

A person can talk with a doctor for more information on the type of ALD they have and the extent to which their liver is likely to recover from any alcohol-induced liver damage. A doctor can also recommend medical treatments for AUD.

The BLT outlines some additional questions a person may want to ask a doctor during their consultation. These include:

  • How advanced is my liver disease?
  • Can my liver recover, and how long is this likely to take?
  • How can I tell if my liver function is improving?
  • Is it better for me to quit drinking or to cut down more slowly?
  • Where can I find help for AUD?
  • What happens if my liver function does not improve?
  • Are there any clinical trials I could take part in?

The amount of time it takes for the liver to recover from ALD depends largely on the stage of the disease.

According to the BLT, people with ALD who quit alcohol may experience liver regeneration and improved liver function within as little as 2 to 3 weeks of quitting.

Even those with liver inflammation and mild scarring may experience significant reductions in liver fat, inflammation, and scarring within just 7 days of quitting.

People with less severe forms of liver disease may find that their liver fully heals within several months of quitting alcohol.

For people with more advanced ALD, the liver may never fully recover. However, quitting alcohol can help prevent further liver damage while reducing the risk of serious health outcomes, including death.

How long does it take for the liver to heal after stopping drinking?

The amount of time it takes for the liver to heal itself after stopping drinking will vary depending on the degree of liver damage.

According to the BLT, partial liver regeneration following alcohol cessation may take place in as little as 7 days in some cases. In other cases, the process may take several weeks or months.

Can the liver repair itself after years of drinking?

The NHS reports that people who drink heavily for many years and develop AFLD or a mild form of AH may find that their liver partially or fully repairs itself within several months or years of quitting alcohol.

However, in people with alcohol-associated cirrhosis, the liver damage is more likely to be permanent. Nonetheless, quitting alcohol can slow down or prevent worsening liver function and reduce the risk of death.

The liver filters toxins like alcohol from the blood but can sustain damage in the process.

Long-term heavy drinking can impair its ability to regenerate, potentially leading to irreversible scarring (cirrhosis).

Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) progresses through three stages, with earlier stages allowing partial or full recovery if alcohol is avoided.

Quitting alcohol at the cirrhosis stage prevents further damage but cannot reverse scarring.

Avoiding alcohol, maintaining a healthy diet, and getting medical advice on physical activity, supplements, and protein intake can help support liver health in individuals with ALD.

Treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD) and support can help many people experience lasting sobriety.