Organ Health Estimator

Chronic heavy drinking causes progressive liver damage in three stages: fatty liver (reversible with abstinence), alcoholic hepatitis (partially reversible), and cirrhosis (largely irreversible scarring). The risk accelerates significantly when drinking exceeds 14 standard drinks per week for men or 7 for women over many years.

WHO and most health authorities recommend a maximum of 14 standard drinks per week for men and 7 for women, with at least 2 alcohol-free days. However, newer research suggests the safest level for overall health is zero, as alcohol increases risk for various cancers even at low levels.

Yes, significantly — if caught early. Fatty liver is fully reversible within weeks of stopping. Alcoholic hepatitis can improve substantially. Cirrhosis causes permanent scarring that cannot be fully reversed. Many liver function markers improve noticeably within 30–90 days of abstinence.

Heavy drinking raises blood pressure, weakens the heart muscle (alcoholic cardiomyopathy), disrupts heart rhythm, and increases stroke risk. While low-to-moderate drinking was historically thought to be cardioprotective, more recent research challenges this, suggesting the apparent benefits are largely explained by lifestyle confounders.

Risk increases progressively with consumption. Above 14 drinks/week for men and 7 for women, the risk of liver disease, cardiovascular disease, and several cancers rises substantially. Above 21 drinks/week for men, the risk of cirrhosis increases by roughly 5× compared to non-drinkers after 10 years of heavy drinking.