27 February

Ethically speaking, do you think liver transplants for alcoholics is justified?

Should alcoholics compete equally for such a scarce resource with those whose liver disease are not a result of their lifestyle choice?

What’s your opinion on the issue?

This question hit close to home for me since I have primary biliary disease and was given a liver transplant. I waited on the list for 18 months along with many waiting inactive alcoholics.

If the alcoholic proves that he/she is no longer drinking and has made a serious life change committed to never drink, then I believe he/she should be able to get a transplant. Most transplant centers require at least 6 months of proven sobriety plus random bloodwork testing for alcohol. If the bloodwork turns up positive for alcohol prior to transplant, they will be tossed off the list and it would be nearly impossible to get listed again. I think it’s about the best we can do on this issue, and I agree with the way it is done in trying to be fair to everyone.

6 Responses to “Ethically speaking, do you think liver transplants for alcoholics is justified?”

  1. dcdcdcdc Says:
    February 28th, 2010 at 2:23 am

    Yes, I think it is justified. I can not name one person who is not making at least one bad lifestyle choice. For example, people who overeat, smokers, meat eaters, and the list goes on.
    References :

  2. missjoshythird Says:
    February 28th, 2010 at 2:50 am

    some people are pre-disposed to addiction problems so it would be unfair to rule them out just beacuse of that, but people who choose to drink alot shouldn’t be allowed transplants. Same goes for big eaters and heart transplants.
    References :

  3. PooPooLaTrash Says:
    February 28th, 2010 at 3:19 am

    Yes, if the person is no longer drinking. Alcoholism isn’t a choice, it’s a disease. Drinking is a choice.
    References :

  4. Sapphire_Socks Says:
    February 28th, 2010 at 3:50 am

    This really is not an issue because according to transplant standards, active or rebounding alcoholics will NOT receive transplants. Only retired alcoholics can.

    Anyway, I think it is justified as long as the alcoholic is in full remission and will no longer drink. He screwed up his own liver, but he is still a human, and deserves to receive the transplant just like anyone else. Now, if he still drinks occassionally, NO!
    References :

  5. Dee D Says:
    February 28th, 2010 at 4:24 am

    From what I have heard, people who have liver failure based on alcohol addiction go below someone who doesn’t. That includes purpose over doses on medications that can cause liver failure
    References :

  6. Baa Baa Says:
    February 28th, 2010 at 4:47 am

    This question hit close to home for me since I have primary biliary disease and was given a liver transplant. I waited on the list for 18 months along with many waiting inactive alcoholics.

    If the alcoholic proves that he/she is no longer drinking and has made a serious life change committed to never drink, then I believe he/she should be able to get a transplant. Most transplant centers require at least 6 months of proven sobriety plus random bloodwork testing for alcohol. If the bloodwork turns up positive for alcohol prior to transplant, they will be tossed off the list and it would be nearly impossible to get listed again. I think it’s about the best we can do on this issue, and I agree with the way it is done in trying to be fair to everyone.
    References :

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