I went out for Christmas lunch with the girls earlier and my friend ordered me a well what I thought was non alcoholic beer with lemonade like a sober shandy.
I drank half and she went to order another one and I realised that it was actual beer not non alcoholic.
I have compensated liver disease not drank for 2 yrs.
Now I’m panicking and worrying that my liver is going to be affected
Help please xx
Written by
Chaz3125
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That degree of intake won't have done anything but it highlights the dangers of non-alcohol beverages in that they are too alike in looks as to cause mix ups such as this. In future try to avoid anything that looks like an alcoholic drink so as to avoid confusion.
I would put it behind you, one half of a drink wouldn't have done a thing and your twinges are likely to do with the anxiety.
When my hubby was first diagnosed in 2012 - we were getting married in the August and hubbies consultant said he could have a glass of champagne at the wedding - he didn't because he's life long t-total and doesn't even like the taste of any alcoholic drink BUT it goes to show that one wouldn't do any major damage.
That being said it's definitely a warning to you and be cautious because if you were to be listed for transplant at any point any hint of alcohol use (even no-lo versions of alcoholic drinks) are a no no.
This may not be relevant to you but if that would of happened to me or anyone who was/are on the transplant list would of (if tested) been struck off.I wasn't even allowed to make/eat my favourite dish... Chicken coq au vin (full of red wine) 😢
Thankfully I’m not at that stage and I really make sure I look after myselfSo it stays that way. I don’t even normally have non-alco because it frightens me but though today oh why not!! Lesson learnt it won’t be happening again xx
I cannot believe your friend would be so foolish as to buy you alcohol. I think this highlights just how little people understand about liver disease unless it affects them or someone very close.
Please remember, if you drank half, then half of that was lemonade so you drank a quarter.
I'm not qualified or have enough experience to be certain but I would think that such a small amount will not do any harm but please impress upon your friends that it is hazardous to your health to drink alcohol, I'm sure none of them would deliberately cause you harm and would be upset if you became ill.
You did ever so well spotting that so early, things could have been so much worse if you hadn't had your wits about you.
As Katie suggests, perhaps drinking just juice or soft drinks is best. Mocktails and similar drinks are too much of a risk as they cannot be easily identified.
Try not to worry. You have not let yourself down either, this was someone elses mistake. I would not even think it qualifies as a break in your 2 years sobriety as it was unintentional and not your mistake.
No way that tiny amount could hurt you. Im no doctor but I cant see how less than half a unit of alcohol can make any difference at all. Chill and enjoy Christmas!!
Hi Chaz going back before pandemic ( was there such a time 🤣)the wife and I went on holiday to Tunisia we went on the beach and I ordered a 00 beer and I will say they are very good at keeping lots of non alcoholic beverages but laying there I felt a very funny feeling that I recognised from years ago and it was full alcoholic beer I did drink water after but I was ok , so don’t worry just try to keep an eye on your drinks. Have a lovely Christmas and new year 👍.Stay Safe All
Archie said he is the designated driver each year, but perhaps we should make ourselves designated waiter/ waitress.... that way we will always carry the drinks and will always know exactly what is ordered.
Hello Chaz, I think as you accept this change in your socialising, then your friends should respect your wishes and if anything try and support you.
This maybe a good time to weed out and take stock of who your true friends really are. The one who keeps on nagging you saying "Go on, one's not going to hurt you", or the one who's just spiked your drink, then these aren't your true friends.
A true friend will be the one who says, "If I so much as see you with a drink in your hand, I'll kill you myself". Joking aside, this is a real friend, someone who values your friendship and who would never want to harm you.
Alcohol-abuse can be a mental condition. I'm not talking so much about addiction here, but the taste can become a mental issue in that it can become a craving. So, alcohol-free wines, beers and spirits should also be avoided. God forbid that you ever need to have a liver transplant, a person who has been drinking alcohol-free wines, beer and spirits would not be coincided suitable for a liver transplant. This is because the chances of slipping back to full alcohol drinking are too great.
Often when you think about it, people who go one to develop sugar cravings, find that no matter how much artificial sweeteners they take the craving for sugar is still there. So it's not the sweet taste they crave, it's the sugar itself. So the same can apply to alcohol-free drinks.
I would echo this. Only people I will allow to get me drinks are my immediate family and one friend who I trust with my life, and has never had alcohol in his life.
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