A Second Chance Dedicated to Hope and Healing
William (Bill) Houston, was admitted to the hospital with an uncontrollable leg bleed, but he left facing an epic battle for his life. Bill said, “blood test results revealed I had a compromised blood chemistry, and ultimately, I was diagnosed with alcohol associated liver disease due to 35 years of alcohol use disorder.” Alcohol Use Disorder is a medical condition, now recognized as a brain disorder, characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences.
There are over 100 types of liver disease. Alcohol-associated liver disease is one of them.
Bill said, “My liver disease unfolded in silence over decades. In hindsight my patterns and progression were classic risk factors: family history of alcohol use disorder, increased drinking through college and two graduate degrees, and becoming a geologist where alcohol and other drugs were a celebrated part of the culture. It was a normal and accepted part of my life.”
Alcohol is the most commonly used drug by U.S. adults[1], but only 45% recognize alcohol use as a risk factor for cancer[2].
After diagnosis and with support from his family and friends, Bill admitted himself into treatment, and found some stability in early recovery. Bill said, “I built an outpatient recovery support team, attended group meetings, and continued to work full-time as a geology professor, yet in November 2019, emergency intervention with blood transfusions was necessary, and my only hope for survival was a lifesaving liver transplant. Typically, six months of sobriety is required for transplant consideration in patients with alcohol-associated liver disease. Some patients don’t make it, as they are unable to overcome their alcohol use disorder before it is too late, but thanks to my intensive work in early sobriety, and strong medical advocacy from my family and doctors, I qualified for the transplant list. After three days, a medical flight from Michigan to Minneapolis, a 10-hour surgery and 17 units of blood, I had a new liver—thanks to a selfless donor, his family, and a remarkable medical team.”
Recovery from the transplant was another battle. Bill said, “Severe cognitive and physical impairments left me dependent on my wife and daughter, particularly during the isolating Covid-19 shutdown. I needed over 40 daily medications, had strict dietary restrictions, and feared organ rejection, infection, and medical setbacks. Eating was difficult, and my body remained fragile. Sobriety remained critical, but mental, physical, and emotional crises threatened to derail it all. Processing my survival was overwhelming. I grappled with survivor’s guilt—why did I receive a transplant while others continue to wait? What is my donor’s family enduring?”
COVID-19 sparked an increase in U.S. ALD patients added to the liver transplantation waitlist[3].
Bill’s journey with liver disease has led him to become an advocate and educator for patient rights, recovery from substance use disorder, and Harm Reduction principles and practices. He conducts training for individuals, organizations, and communities on dispelling stigma and misinformation, practicing cultural competency, and combating drug epidemics at the grassroots level. Bill said, “Sharing my experiences reinforces my healing, inspires others, and honors my donor’s gift. Everyone faces trauma and hardship and the keys to survival are self-awareness, humility, resilience, and the willingness to grow.”
April is Donate Life Month and Alcohol Awareness Month. ALF is committed to raising awareness about alcohol use, the links to liver cancer, and offering a virtual support group for those suffering from alcohol associated liver disease and for those liver patients who have already had a transplant. Thank you, Bill, for sharing your story and thoughts of hope, recovery, and healing and we wish you all the best along your own recovery journey.
[1] Commonly Used Drugs Charts | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)