Addiction and Liver Disease: Exploring the Complex Relationship and Implications for Clinical Management

Purpose of Review The review focuses on addressing substance use disorders in individuals with chronic liver disease, specifically alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis. Recent Findings Psychological interventions and medications like naltrexone and acamprosate are effective in treating alcohol use disorder in patients with liver disease. Tobacco smoking has a negative impact on fibrosis progression, it is recommended to regularly screen and provide structured brief interventions in combination with medications like varenicline and nicotine replacement therapy. Cannabis use disorder is associated with adverse health outcomes, and psychological therapy is preferred; pharmaceutical agents are not currently recommended. Summary A combination of psychological interventions and medication is recommended for treating substance use disorders in patients with advanced liver disease.