Can Kidneys Recover from Alcohol Damage?

To say that binge drinking and alcohol abuse are problems in the U.S. couldn’t be more of an understatement. Many Americans have a problem with alcohol, according to several studies, one of which was published by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). The 2023 study revealed that nearly 30 million people in the U.S. struggled with alcohol addiction. A separate study from the same organization notes that close to 62 million people had a problem with heavy drinking. Sadly, these findings are not altogether that surprising.

Because it is readily available in supermarkets, convenience and liquor stores, and restaurants, many people falsely assume that alcohol is harmless and nowhere near as addictive as harder street-level drugs. However, excessive alcohol intake can lead to significant health problems, including damaging alcohol’s impact on kidney health and other vital organs. It is important to recognize that alcohol is a major risk factor for a variety of chronic health conditions and can, much like harder drugs, claim lives.

Binge Drinking and Alcohol Use Disorders: The Price of Overindulgence

Aside from maybe relaxation and reduced inhibitions resulting from the effects of alcohol on the central nervous system (CNS), there are very few upsides to drinking alcohol in excess. But there are many downsides, especially in terms of one’s health. Multiple studies show that binge drinking makes people more likely to engage in unsafe sexual behavior, which can increase the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The impairment brought on by binge drinking also increases the risk of falls, burns, drownings, car accidents, and more.

Things quickly go from bad to worse when someone has an alcohol use disorder. Such a disorder can increase the risk of developing several chronic diseases, including cancer. For those unaware, excessive alcohol consumption significantly increases the risk of being diagnosed with head and neck, esophageal, liver, breast, colorectal, and many other cancers. It can also open the door to cirrhosis of the liver, permanent scarring that damages the liver and interferes with its ability to function like it should. Early symptoms of this late-stage liver disease can include the following:

• Erectile dysfunction in men
• Feeling tired or weak
• Itchy skin
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Abdominal pain
• Muscle cramps
• Muscle loss and weakness
• Nausea and vomiting

As their liver function worsens due to cirrhosis, most people report the following:

• Ascites
• Bruising and bleeding easily
• Confusion, difficulty thinking, memory loss, personality changes, or sleep disorders
• Discolored urine
• Edema affecting the lower legs, ankles, or feet
• Internal bleeding due to the bursting of enlarged veins in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines
• Jaundice
• Severe itchy skin

Along with cancer and cirrhosis of the liver, excessive drinking can also do a number on the kidneys

The Reality of Excessive Alcohol Consumption and Kidney Damage

According to the National Kidney Foundation, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to impaired kidney function, acute kidney injury (AKI), and chronic kidney disease, all of which can interfere with the organ’s ability to filter blood in the body. That interference can give rise to numerous health problems.

Impaired kidney function is a medical condition where the kidneys are no longer working as well as they should. Essentially, they become less efficient at removing fluid, chemicals, and waste from the blood via urination. The following are common symptoms of impaired kidney function:

• Bloody urine
• Fatigue
• Frequent need to urinate, especially at night
• Insomnia
• Itchy skin
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Shortness of breath
• Swollen ankles, feet, or hands

Acute kidney injury is a more advanced stage of kidney malfunction, ranging from minor to acute kidney failure. When someone develops AKI, they usually experience a buildup of urea and other waste products in their blood. They may also struggle with an imbalance of electrolytes and extracellular fluids. Both of these can trigger severe dehydration. Along with the symptoms typical of impaired kidney function, AKI symptoms caused by excessive alcohol consumption may include decreased urine output, confusion, nausea, abdominal pain, and irregular heartbeat.

Chronic kidney disease is when the kidneys are damaged so severely that they completely lose the ability to filter waste and fluids out of the blood. To date, an estimated 35 million people in the U.S. have this particular kidney problem, and for many, it stems from their struggles with alcohol dependence. Individuals with CKD are at a heightened risk of struggling with diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.

Can Kidneys Recover From Alcohol Damage?

Sometimes, kidneys can recover from alcohol damage, but sometimes, the damage is so severe that they can’t recover. The latter is especially the case for long-term heavy drinkers. Most people who engage in binge drinking, consuming more than five drinks in two hours, are eventually diagnosed with acute kidney damage. This form of kidney damage is usually reversible with alcohol cessation. Studies show that abstaining from alcohol for just four weeks, staying properly hydrated, and undergoing dialysis treatments if needed can reverse the effects of acute kidney damage.

Chronic kidney damage is another matter entirely. Many of the same studies show that chronic kidney damage caused by long-term and excessive alcohol consumption is usually irreversible. That is especially true for those simultaneously battling other health problems, such as fluid retention or imbalanced potassium levels. But all hope is not lost. Consuming a healthy diet, avoiding alcohol, drugs, and other toxins, and managing hydration levels can improve the odds of recovering from and possibly preventing chronic kidney damage immensely.

Why You Should Seek Help From a Licensed Rehab Facility When Trying To Overcome an Alcohol Problem

While it is entirely possible to quit alcohol without the help of a licensed rehab facility, doing so is not a good idea. That’s because of the severe withdrawal symptoms that can present themselves in as little as 6 to 12 hours after individuals consume their final alcoholic beverage. Such symptoms are part and parcel of going through detox, the body’s natural way of purging itself of alcohol and related contaminants once someone suddenly stops drinking, and they can include the following:

• Anxiety, depression, and irritability
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Muscle pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Profuse sweating, chills, and congestion
• Rapid abnormal breathing, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure
• Stomach upset, diarrhea, and loss of appetite
• Tremors

Along with these symptoms, some people who abruptly stop drinking may encounter delirium tremens. For those unfamiliar with delirium tremens, it is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal that can trigger grand mal seizures. These intense seizures can lead to a loss of consciousness and violent muscle contractions. Available data shows that 25% of people experience delirium tremens when they suddenly stop consuming alcohol. If not promptly treated, delirium tremens can be fatal. One of the many benefits of seeking the help of a licensed rehab facility when trying to quit alcohol is medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which makes it easier and safer to cope with delirium tremens and other alcohol-related withdrawal symptoms.

What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?

As the name might suggest, medication-assisted treatment is a form of addiction recovery that involves the use of FDA-approved prescription medications to combat unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. It also includes round-the-clock monitoring by medical professionals and counseling and behavioral therapies with licensed therapists. All of these significantly improve the odds of getting through rehab and achieving short and long-term sobriety. Medications commonly prescribed to individuals as part of a MAT program include naltrexone, acamprosate, clonidine, and disulfiram. Antiemetics, benzodiazepines, and prescription electrolytes are also popular.

In terms of counseling and behavioral therapies, most rehab facilities in Illinois, including the Illinois Recovery Center, offer several forms of psychotherapy. These therapies help individuals overcome the psychological barriers that can make quitting alcohol difficult. The following are some of the different psychotherapies that most rehabs offer to their patients:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Contingency management (CM)
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Motivational interviewing (MI)

Referrals To Support Groups and Sober Living Homes

Along with MAT, many rehab facilities offer referrals to support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and sober living homes to individuals to make the process of returning to a “normal” alcohol-free life easier. Like Narcotics Anonymous and other support groups focused on helping people overcome drug addiction, alcohol support groups provide individuals with an opportunity to learn or perhaps relearn how to cope with struggles in their lives so that they don’t pick up where they left off and start drinking again. Sober living homes, meanwhile, are transitional homes. These homes provide individuals with access to therapy sessions, counseling services, and other forms of addiction treatment programs that make transitioning back to “normal” life more seamless.

In summary, excessive alcohol consumption can eventually take a toll on the body, especially when it comes to the kidneys and liver, impacting one’s overall health. But there is some good news. Damage to these and other organs can be minimized, prevented, and, in some cases, reversed when individuals stop drinking. To improve both physical and mental health, individuals should consider exploring various treatment options that focus on recovery and maintaining well-being. For more information or help starting your sobriety journey, consider speaking with an Illinois Recovery Center addiction expert or a trusted healthcare provider today.

FAQ

Conclusion

While beer may seem harmless when consumed occasionally in moderation, it is not beneficial to the liver or kidneys. Individuals concerned about their overall health, managing kidney issues, or preventing liver damage should prioritize lifestyle changes and consult medical advice. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms such as kidney pain or suspect liver or kidney damage, seek professional help immediately.

---