I am a 23 yr. old alcoholic, my doctor thinks I may have alcohol related liver disease.. Is that even possible at my age?

I've been drinking heavily on a daily basis for about 6 years now,  for 4 years before that it was just the whole binge drinking thing.  My dad (75) just passed away a week ago.  I had been his caretaker during his final stages of life and his passing made me realize that I should see a doctor myself,  its been a few years.  

After a long doctor visit, I was told that I needed to have a blood test done,  asked if anyone had ever mentioned any type of hepatitis (I've never had any kind of hepatitis) in previous dr. visits,  and told me that I seriously need to consider dropping the drinking habit.  There was a lot more to the visit than just that,  but I don't need to write a novel here.  I'm extremely worried about getting the results back and finding out there is something seriously wrong...  but I thought that someone had to be a heavy drinking for at least 10 years straight before any of that kind of stuff could start happening.  
So is it really possible when I'm only 23?

I didn't even really think about my drinking habit until that dr. visit... as stupid as that is...  I don't go out all that much or anything,  I just need my beer starting at noon and my whiskey starting at 6.  Its just been that way for years.  A couple days ago though I decided I didn't need my drinks for the day...  decided I could just stop whenever I wanted...   but I couldn't,  I started shaking and felt sick to my stomach.  I guess I knew I had a problem,  but I didn't think it was a physical one.  

Sorry for the long question,  I'm just a little scared I guess.

[otis69]

Unfortunately, I believe your doctor is correct that liver disease is possible at your age. The disease of alcoholism does not have age limitations. The drinking habits that you have described suggest that there definitely may be a problem.
My experience with alcohol led me to my first visit to rehabilitation at the age of 18. I refused to admit my powerlessness completely over alcohol until the age of 40. By that time  I know longer lived to drink, instead I needed alcohol to live; the party was over. I was no where near the physical devastation that you are at such I young age.I believe my salvation for that was that I did stay sober throughout my 20's.
When my drinking did get to a dangerous level, I found that quitting on my own led me straight to the hospital fighting for my life. Please continue following your doctors suggestions so that you can safely detox off of the alcohol. Then the greatest suggestion is start looking for local AA meetings. AA has been my salvation. They have taught me how to live REAL life on its terms, how to stay sober and live one day at a time. At AA I found true friends that truly care if I live or die and they make themselves available to me 24 hours a day if I need them. I am the happiest I have ever been in my life. And wow, surprisingly without drinking! I never could have imagined!
I pray things turn around for you, keep in touch, and never stop reaching out to those exactly what you are going through.

[JoSchmo]

Hi Sweet,
Unfortunately, I do believe you can develop liver disease from drinking alcoholically at a younger age.  The good news is you were (hopefully) honest with your doctor.  I am truly sorry for the passing of your father but maybe it opened up the door for you to become honest with yourself.  You say you are scared.  I hope you are scared enough to save your life.  I go to alot of womens AA meetings and I can tell you there are LOTS of young women in the rooms today.  And it is so awesome to see them really get it, get healthy and get on with their lives, families and communities.  You don't have to be like some of us who drink for 30 years and then get near enough to death to seek help.  I hope you follow the suggestions from your doctor to take care of your physically.  But more than that I hope that you seek out some womens AA meetings for support.  We truly want to help each other succeed and are there for each other in good times and bad.  Life is a joy - don't waste another precious day.  With love, JO

[ibizan]

ditto the comments by otis and joschmo.....i began drinking at 14 drugs at 17 went in2 rehab at 28 and was stunned when doc told me i had moderate liver damage from my drinking!Been sober and clean for 25 years one hour atta time one day atta time with help of AA,NA RR and SOS.Also changed my ppl places and things!Condolences upon the loss of ur dad..lost mine 3 years ago.....such a void in ones life but no more sufferring for him.

[birdie0907]

Damage from alcohol occurs faster in women, from what I have been told.

[Liz0728]

Hi, It's good you started to think about this now.  I am 39 and have been thinking about it myself for a few years. I am now 1 month sober and still have enlarged liver symptoms. I was afraid of failure so gave up on therapists and never went to a doctor. I gave up the booze by just letting myself zone out and be bored, doing minimal things to fulfill my responsibilities, get exercise and eat, so as not to trigger anxiety and cravings. Maybe that will work for you too. I stepped up the smoking, and now am working on quitting that too. Hopefully I will be O.K. You will have symptoms of your body adjusting to lack of alcohol, such as changes in sleep, headaches, etc. but get through it. I feel so much better that I am not hung over anymore, even though i still have symptoms from the past. Don't procrastinate anymore. You know you will have to give up booze so why not now. Even if you aren't happy go lucky right after you quit drinking, you will be way better off. Happiness does not happen overnight, but at least getting rid of the toxic booze would be an accomplishment and help you to become happier. The longer you drink, the dumber you will feel when you quit, about how much life you wasted being drunk and hung over and the toxic affects on your body. Good luck!

[birdie0907]

I would advise anyone quitting alcohol to go to AA for 6 months minimum in order to develop a support network and be aware of all the dangers that can suck you into drinking again.

[KjFlicka]

I loved your post. Congrats on being sober for one month! I apparently crossed the invisible line of liver disease and got full on cirrhosis at age 34. I'm 36 now, been sober since I was diagnosed, and, believe it not, feel better than ever. My cirrhosis has even 'regressed' for lack of a better word. I'm so glad you caught yours early! Keep in touch if you can. Nicole