This is an often asked question, but unfortunately there are no easy answers. As you stated, alcohol is not good for the liver. So it really depends on a:) the present condition of your liver, and b:) how well you as an individual are able to tolerate moderate drinking. There are some who can drink hard for most of their lives, and still have a functioning liver; while others develop cirrhosis at an early age.

I would encourage you to discuss this with your doctor. I think most would say that an occasional drink would not hurt you if your liver is in good shape, but abstaining would be the best and safest course.

If your liver is in good shape and you are not an alcoholic, meaning you can have a beer and that's it, not end up drinking a 6 pack, then I would say why not?
I have cirrhosis so it is out of the question. I have not had a drink in 5 years and don't miss it. As always best to ask your Dr.
No one answer fits all

I had acute HCV i.e., contracted HCV SNF began treating all within 6 months. I was a moderate drinker before my diagnosis. I treated for 32 weeks and cleared and resumed drinking immediately after tx. Well actually about 2 weeks before tx ended. I gave been fine but had and have no liver damage. I gave normal liver enzymes as of earlier this month and remain undetectable. I finished tx in Jan 2013.

So it is different for everybody. I stopped drinking for just over 7 months while on tx, which was extremely hard for me. So for me, I am drinking and thankfully so. It's very social and enjoyable for me.

and not SNF. My phone learns weird acronyms. Does anybody know what a SNF is without cheating? (Trivia question)

Mr. O and Kramer - you took the words right out of my mouth. That's actually the "official" word on reputable websites about drinking after curing HCV.

Another consideration i want to throw out that may or may not be a concern. Alcohol and especially beer put weight on, especially belly fat which is also a health concern. i think you have to look at the whole picture of your overall health and food and other drug intake - prescription and recreational.

ecc - SNF - "so not fun" ???? Hell, I don't know.

Skilled nursing facility. My phone learned that as you can imagine. Been doing lots for my mom llattly but she's hanging in there for now.
Yes So not fun works there too.

Substance not found?

Stop NOW, fracking?

Sexy new fling?

Sorry about your mom ernie. You seem like a nice fellow. I hope she's OK.

I don't think everclear is good for you liver. I think cigarettes are terrible for you. I think junk food is terrible for you. I think a glass of wine, cider or a martini on occasion makes life better. Not on treatment, not with esld, but for those who can.
For me a great meal with wine makes life better. It's a rare pleasure.

OK, not that rare but you get my point.

I have been a beer drinker my whole life. A few a night and more so on weekends. I'm 45 now and have had Hep C since probably my early 20's. Didn't know until a year ago after many many years of drinking. I was really surprised my liver wasn't severely damaged but luckily nothing...I joke now and say I come from a long line of drinkers, I'm all Irish and maybe over the years we have a trait of hearty livers. Who knows, might be some truth in that.

Anyway, I quit drinking a year ago when I found out (had a few on special occasions since then) but overall I've done really well. Lost 15 pounds in the last few months, could be from no beer or the meds, maybe a little of both.

For some reason I've been craving wine now, haven't had any yet but after treatment if I have something now and then it will probably be a glass of wine.

Mmmmm tasty grapes.

Okay I just want to pinch Roboto's cheeks. Am I alone here?

Stay thirsty my friend

cravings are like that. I gave up all sugar - my final "addiction." Now crave bread and butter!