Brief Answer:
If uncontrolled, heavy drinking might become a serious concern in future

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.
Having worked as a radiologist at a psychiatry facility and seen many patients like your son, I will be glad to share my opinions with you. I have seen many young boys like your son have successfully come out of drinking and even your son can be counseled to give up on his drinking.

1. ALT is an enzyme in the liver. The normal levels are up to 55. In your son, the ALT level is 60 and this is slightly higher than normal. Higher than normal levels indicate that the liver in under stress. This stress is due to the intake of alcohol.

2. Right now he is young and if he stops drinking, the ALT level will be back to normal in 3 months. However with continued drinking, the liver damage will continue and then after a few years, it might be difficult to get back the enzyme levels to normal. In later stages, liver damage can take the form of cirrhosis and liver cancer.

3. There are also other liver enzymes like AST, ALP, GGT which reflect the effect on alcohol on liver. These also need to be monitored. Periodic ultrasound scans of the liver done on alcoholics shows progressive liver damage in those who have been drinking heavily for years.

4. Heavy alcohol intake can affect the liver, brain and heart. At 20 years, your son is too young to understand the consequences of alcohol addiction. He might require special care in helping him come out of addiction.

5. Please talk to his therapist and make your son attend session by which he can come out of his drinking habit. Family support and your loving care is also important.

Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

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Brief Answer:
Right now his numbers are fine but continuous drinking is a concern

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

Your son has got his AST and GGT numbers in the normal range. Immature granulocyte and eosinophil number are normal.

What I wish to convey to you is that probably for the next 5 to 10 years your son will not have any particular major health concerns. However following that his health will take an irreversible down course and then it might get difficult to treat.

Please have discussion with the psychiatrist, clinical psychologist and social workers regarding ways to manage his drinking habit. Unless we start acting right now, ten years down the XXXXXXX he might develop major health problems.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

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