What Is Advanced Liver Disease Monitoring?
A critical layer of medical support in addiction treatment
For many individuals entering addiction treatment, the damage caused by substance use isn’t limited to emotional or psychological health. Substance abuse often affects vital organs, especially the liver. At Pyramid Healthcare in Philadelphia, we provide advanced liver disease monitoring as part of our medically monitored inpatient treatment (ASAM Level 3.7) to ensure that individuals with liver-related complications can begin recovery safely and with the medical support they need.
But what exactly is liver disease? Why does it matter in addiction treatment? And what does “monitoring” actually involve? Let’s break it down.
Understanding Liver Disease
The liver is one of the most important organs in the body. It filters toxins, helps with digestion, supports metabolism, stores nutrients and produces substances the body needs to survive. However, because the liver is responsible for processing substances like alcohol and medications, it is especially vulnerable to long-term damage from substance use.
Types of Liver Disease Associated with Substance Use:
- Fatty liver disease (steatosis): A buildup of fat in the liver often caused by heavy drinking that may not cause symptoms at first but can lead to further damage if not addressed.
- Alcoholic hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver due to excessive alcohol intake can be mild or life-threatening.
- Cirrhosis: Severe scarring of the liver from prolonged liver disease often marks the final stage of chronic liver damage.
- Hepatitis C and B: Viral infections that can worsen liver health, especially when combined with alcohol or drug use.
These conditions can be worsened—or even go undiagnosed—if someone is actively using substances or entering treatment without a full medical workup.
What Is Decompensated Liver Disease?
Liver disease is categorized as compensated or decompensated. Compensated means the liver is still functioning, even if it’s damaged. Decompensated liver disease occurs when the liver can no longer keep up, leading to serious symptoms and complications that require immediate attention.
Common Signs of Decompensation:
- Jaundice – Yellowing of the skin or eyes due to a buildup of bilirubin
- Ascites – Fluid accumulation in the abdomen, causing swelling and discomfort
- Hepatic encephalopathy – Confusion, mood changes or coma caused by the buildup of toxins the liver can no longer filter
If someone has these symptoms and is going through withdrawal or detox, their condition could quickly worsen without proper care.
What Does Advanced Liver Disease Monitoring Involve?
At Pyramid Healthcare in Philadelphia, we carefully monitor clients with known or suspected liver disease to prevent complications and provide appropriate medical care. This includes:
- Medical Observation
- Our nursing and medical teams conduct daily evaluations, looking for signs of decompensation such as swelling, cognitive changes or visible jaundice.
- Regular Lab Testing
- We perform routine lab work to assess liver function and identify early warning signs of distress. These labs may include:
- Liver function tests (LFTs) – Measure how well the liver is working
- Ammonia levels – High levels may indicate encephalopathy
- Coagulation panels – Test how well blood is clotting (the liver plays a role in this)
- Timely Medical Interventions
- When abnormalities are detected, our team can adjust medications, provide supportive therapies or refer to specialists if necessary. Our integrated care model allows for fast decision-making, which is essential in liver-related emergencies.
Why Liver Monitoring Matters in Addiction Treatment
Detox and early recovery can place stress on every system in the body. If liver disease is not monitored and managed, it can become a medical emergency during treatment. Individuals may experience worsened withdrawal symptoms, medication sensitivity or liver failure.
That’s why ASAM Level 3.7 medically monitored inpatient care is ideal for those with liver complications. It offers a safe environment for withdrawal, 24/7 access to medical care and the support needed to stabilize and begin longer-term recovery.
Liver Disease Doesn’t Have to Be a Barrier to Getting Help
It’s common to feel afraid or unsure about entering treatment when you’re already dealing with a serious health condition like liver disease. But at Pyramid Healthcare in Philadelphia, you don’t have to choose between getting medical help and starting your recovery. You can have both.
We offer a compassionate, medically supported environment where you’ll be closely monitored, and your care plan will reflect your unique health needs. With access to medical professionals, lab testing and daily check-ins, we can address liver complications while helping you build a foundation for recovery.
Addiction Treatment in Philadelphia with Medical Support
Pyramid Healthcare in Philadelphia offers comprehensive substance use treatment with medical oversight, including care for individuals with advanced liver disease. We accept Pennsylvania Medicaid and most commercial insurance plans. We also offer flexible self-pay options.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction and liver disease, you don’t have to wait.
Reach out to Pyramid Healthcare Philadelphia today to learn how our medically monitored inpatient program can help you heal—safely and fully.
A critical layer of medical support in addiction treatment
For many individuals entering addiction treatment, the damage caused by substance use isn’t limited to emotional or psychological health. Substance abuse often affects vital organs, especially the liver. At Pyramid Healthcare in Philadelphia, we provide advanced liver disease monitoring as part of our medically monitored inpatient treatment (ASAM Level 3.7) to ensure that individuals with liver-related complications can begin recovery safely and with the medical support they need.
But what exactly is liver disease? Why does it matter in addiction treatment? And what does “monitoring” actually involve? Let’s break it down.
Understanding Liver Disease
The liver is one of the most important organs in the body. It filters toxins, helps with digestion, supports metabolism, stores nutrients and produces substances the body needs to survive. However, because the liver is responsible for processing substances like alcohol and medications, it is especially vulnerable to long-term damage from substance use.
Types of Liver Disease Associated with Substance Use:
- Fatty liver disease (steatosis): A buildup of fat in the liver often caused by heavy drinking that may not cause symptoms at first but can lead to further damage if not addressed.
- Alcoholic hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver due to excessive alcohol intake can be mild or life-threatening.
- Cirrhosis: Severe scarring of the liver from prolonged liver disease often marks the final stage of chronic liver damage.
- Hepatitis C and B: Viral infections that can worsen liver health, especially when combined with alcohol or drug use.
These conditions can be worsened—or even go undiagnosed—if someone is actively using substances or entering treatment without a full medical workup.
What Is Decompensated Liver Disease?
Liver disease is categorized as compensated or decompensated. Compensated means the liver is still functioning, even if it’s damaged. Decompensated liver disease occurs when the liver can no longer keep up, leading to serious symptoms and complications that require immediate attention.
Common Signs of Decompensation:
- Jaundice – Yellowing of the skin or eyes due to a buildup of bilirubin
- Ascites – Fluid accumulation in the abdomen, causing swelling and discomfort
- Hepatic encephalopathy – Confusion, mood changes or coma caused by the buildup of toxins the liver can no longer filter
If someone has these symptoms and is going through withdrawal or detox, their condition could quickly worsen without proper care.
What Does Advanced Liver Disease Monitoring Involve?
At Pyramid Healthcare in Philadelphia, we carefully monitor clients with known or suspected liver disease to prevent complications and provide appropriate medical care. This includes:
- Medical Observation
- Our nursing and medical teams conduct daily evaluations, looking for signs of decompensation such as swelling, cognitive changes or visible jaundice.
- Regular Lab Testing
- We perform routine lab work to assess liver function and identify early warning signs of distress. These labs may include:
- Liver function tests (LFTs) – Measure how well the liver is working
- Ammonia levels – High levels may indicate encephalopathy
- Coagulation panels – Test how well blood is clotting (the liver plays a role in this)
- Timely Medical Interventions
- When abnormalities are detected, our team can adjust medications, provide supportive therapies or refer to specialists if necessary. Our integrated care model allows for fast decision-making, which is essential in liver-related emergencies.
Why Liver Monitoring Matters in Addiction Treatment
Detox and early recovery can place stress on every system in the body. If liver disease is not monitored and managed, it can become a medical emergency during treatment. Individuals may experience worsened withdrawal symptoms, medication sensitivity or liver failure.
That’s why ASAM Level 3.7 medically monitored inpatient care is ideal for those with liver complications. It offers a safe environment for withdrawal, 24/7 access to medical care and the support needed to stabilize and begin longer-term recovery.
Liver Disease Doesn’t Have to Be a Barrier to Getting Help
It’s common to feel afraid or unsure about entering treatment when you’re already dealing with a serious health condition like liver disease. But at Pyramid Healthcare in Philadelphia, you don’t have to choose between getting medical help and starting your recovery. You can have both.
We offer a compassionate, medically supported environment where you’ll be closely monitored, and your care plan will reflect your unique health needs. With access to medical professionals, lab testing and daily check-ins, we can address liver complications while helping you build a foundation for recovery.
Addiction Treatment in Philadelphia with Medical Support
Pyramid Healthcare in Philadelphia offers comprehensive substance use treatment with medical oversight, including care for individuals with advanced liver disease. We accept Pennsylvania Medicaid and most commercial insurance plans. We also offer flexible self-pay options.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction and liver disease, you don’t have to wait.
Reach out to Pyramid Healthcare Philadelphia today to learn how our medically monitored inpatient program can help you heal—safely and fully.
