What is the most common type of liver disease caused by alcohol use?

The most common type of liver disease caused by alcohol use is alcoholic cirrhosis, a late stage of alcohol-induced liver damage. Chronic alcohol consumption leads to a spectrum of liver diseases, starting with hepatic steatosis (fatty liver), which can progress to alcoholic hepatitis. Over time, persistent liver injury from alcohol consumption can result in the development of fibrosis and eventually cirrhosis.

Alcoholic cirrhosis is characterized by severe scarring of the liver and loss of liver function. It is typically the end result of many years of excessive alcohol intake, during which the liver has undergone considerable damage. This type of liver disease can lead to various complications, including portal hypertension, liver failure, and an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.

While hepatic steatosis, alcoholic hepatitis, and hepatocellular carcinoma are all associated with alcohol consumption, they do not represent the most advanced and common form of liver disease related to alcohol abuse. Thus, alcoholic cirrhosis stands out as the primary type of liver disease that defines chronic alcohol-related liver damage.