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Alcoholism

You Don't Need To Do Anything But Be Born And Die...

Answered by Dr. Mark Abrahams, PhD, MTS, LMHC, NCC, CCMHC, MAC, NBCFCH

Question

I am an alcoholic in recovery. I am 8 months sober and I am feeling OK. I drank for 20 years. Do I need to get my liver checked out if I do not have any worrisome symptoms?

...Anything else is entirely your choice. If you haven't been getting blood drawn regularly every year or two as part of a regular medical check-up, then that has been largely your choice as well, although I don't know anything about your life including employment, finances, medical insurance, etc.. Health is at the top of my priorities in life, but I won't assume that is true for most people I meet. So, personally, I would certainly have a blood work-up, with an emphasis on liver enzymes, along with a complete physical, and I'd inquire about whether [s]he recommends an endoscopy to check the condition of my esophagus (checking the blood vessels as well as early signs of esophageal cancer). But again, that's just me, and I am not giving medical advice since I'm not a licensed medical doctor.

About the Expert

Dr. Mark Abrahams

PhD, MTS, LMHC, NCC, CCMHC, MAC, NBCFCH

Miami, United States of America

Specialties

Dissociative Disorders, Anger Management, Gay Lesbian Issues, Anxiety or Fears, Child or Adolescent Issues, Divorce, Trauma and PTSD, Addiction or Substance Abuse, Personality Disorders, Chronic Pain or Illness, Loss or Grief, Depression, Finding Your Purpose in Life

License

my_license #MH1412