HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Drug use and liver damage

Support Forums
>
Hepatitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 8/24/2013 2:40 AM (GMT 0)
I would like some information on the effects of illicit drugs on the liver. I know that alcohol does damage to livers but I am unclear about drugs. I was recently diagnosed with Hep C and contracted it only months ago. Now that the health of my liver health is in jeopardy I'm curious what damage could be done to the liver from drugs like cocaine, always combined with alcohol. I didn't do it a lot but partied with come about a dozen times. I have also abused prescription Ritalin. Often under the influence of alcohol. Any insights would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Post Edited By Moderator (hep93) : 8/23/2013 11:33:30 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/24/2013 3:06 AM (GMT 0)
I did quite a bit of coke in the past and I'm not sure how damaging that particular drug was to my liver. Acid, Mushrooms and occasionally Oxycontin and always combined with heavy drinking. I haven't read any specific studies on the combined effects of any of these drugs on the liver but one thing for sure is that the liver is your bodies filter for toxins. With that being said I would suspect drugs play a significant role in destroying a liver. Most times you know when you drug you are more likely drinking and the warning on prescription drugs specifically warn on the hazards of mixing them. Some over the counter stuff if taken in large quantities can destroy a liver.

Ziff

Post Edited By Moderator (hep93) : 8/23/2013 11:34:36 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/24/2013 5:38 AM (GMT 0)
Zif nailed it. Almost everything is filtered by the liver, so if toxins such as alcohol and drugs are involved, naturally it is going to affect the liver in a negative way. I do know that the method of drug intake makes a difference; i.e., pills metabolize more slowly that injectable heroin and do more damage to the brain and other organs. But your best bet is to abstain altogether from both drugs and alcohol.

Hugs,
Connie
Posted 8/24/2013 5:51 AM (GMT 0)
I was quite surprised when the cardiologist told a family member that his cocaine use did less damage to his heart than the alcohol abuse.
Never would have guessed that.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply