The latest thinking on alcohol and liver disease suggests that:

• If you have liver damage caused by excess alcohol, you should not drink at all
• If you have long term liver disease caused by hepatitis B or C, or if you are a healthy carrier of hepatitis B, you should avoid alcohol
• If you have mild liver disease from other causes, consult your doctor before drinking alcohol. There is currently no evidence to say that you can't drink within recommended guidelines, though most doctors would advise caution

If you are unsure whether it is advisable for you to drink, ask your doctor. For further information on alcohol and liver disease contact the British Liver Trust at www.britishlivertrust.org.uk