Little is known about how alcohol causes liver disease and cirrhosis. The strongest
evidence of the causality between alcohol and liver disease stems from epidemiological observations.
Factors contributing to alcohol-induced fibrosis and cirrhosis include cytokines, oxidative
stress, and toxic metabolites of ethanol. Patients with alcoholic cirrhosis generally have complications
at diagnosis, and cirrhotic complications should be actively assessed because they
are closely associated with subsequent morbidity as well as mortality. Abstinence is strictly
required to prevent disease progression and is critical for eventual liver transplantation. In addition,
nutritional therapy remains the mainstay of managing alcoholic cirrhosis.