I was had a live disease 3 years ago. Now fine but cannot drink. There are135? different diseases of the liver--why does everyone assume that if you have one that you are an alcoholic? I am continual asked if I am alcoholic. How would you answer people?
by 
DA BEN DAN yanggui zi COAT
ANSWERS: 8
-
Look them straight in the eye and tell them honestly and sincerely no I have never been an alcoholic. Or, shrug it off and make a joke. One person down and a million more to tackle, with their insensitive questions. The best course of action is to change your mindset and dont let it get you down. People are never going to change, only you can change on how you view them.
-
First I am happy that you are alright. I think people jump to that conclusion because it's the one cause that has gotten the most press. I would answer with a simple, "No, liver disease can happen for hundreds of reasons."
-
I guess now is the time for you to impart some useful information to ignorant people who think liver diseases can be caused only by alcohol . I guess people who know you well would very well understand your reasons whereas you might have to put a little effort for the others . Anyways you should feel lucky enough to be surrounded by such good people and not think much about the others . :-)
-
That would annoy me too. They may be merely asking for information though, so a simple "No, I'm not an alcholic. The liver disease was caused by...." should suffice. Unless you get a hold of somebody who thinks life is a certain way, only alcoholics get liver disease, and that's that. In which case I'd roll my eyes at them and walk away. That kind of ignorance is not worth your trouble. I have similar struggles trying to convince people that depression is a medical illness, not a gloomy attitude, and that I didn't cause myself to have diabetes by eating too much sugar.
-
I would say, "There are 135 different liver diseases and only a few are related to drinking. What other personal health questions would you like to ask?" That might make them think about what they're saying.
-
unfortunately, there are still a lot of people in this world that are ignorant...who jump to conclusions, make assumptions and believe in stereotypes. lots of us deal with such ignorance every day! it seems we are always trying to educate people....if only most of them would actually listen to us and learn something. I second hawaii.jake's answer!
-
Do you mean they ask if you are an alcoholic because you decline a drink? Tactless but they may be trying to be p.c. about not condemning alcoholics. If they know you have liver disease and that is why they are asking. It is pretty damn nervy to ask if you are an alcoholic unless they are your health care or loved ones. So to those other nosy-nosertons I would say No I am not an alcoholic. My liver disease is not self-inflicted. Unlike your tactlessness and stupidity.
-
That's aggravating. I would probably be upfront and say, "I'm offended by your assumption," and explain that cirrhosis isn't the ONLY liver disease, and even that isn't always alcohol related. Lots of things are metabolized through the liver, that's why your pharmacy screens your meds...
RELATED QUESTIONS
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC