Many women assume liver disease only happens to people who drink heavily for decades. The truth is that alcohol affects women differently than men.
Hormones, stress, anxiety, genetics, trauma, medications, lack of sleep, perimenopause, and chronic stress can all contribute to what Karla calls the “perfect storm.”
One of the most powerful moments in our conversation came when she noticed her eyes turning yellow.
Her body had been speaking long before that moment.
She simply didn’t realize what it was trying to say.
Why Comparing Your Drinking to Someone Else Can Be Dangerous
One of the most harmful questions we ask is:
“How much was she drinking?”
Because what we’re often trying to determine is whether our own drinking is “bad enough.”
Comparison keeps women stuck.
You do not need to drink more than someone else to experience consequences.
You do not need to lose everything to make a change.
You do not need a rock bottom.
Your anxiety matters.
Your sleep matters.
Your health matters.
Your relationship with God matters.
And if alcohol is taking more than it is giving, that is enough.
Alcohol, Anxiety, and Living in Fight or Flight
Karla also shares how alcohol kept her nervous system stuck in survival mode.
Many women drink because they feel anxious, overwhelmed, stressed, or exhausted. Yet alcohol often contributes to the very symptoms we’re trying to escape.
Alcohol can:
- Increase anxiety.
- Disrupt sleep.
- Raise cortisol.
- Keep the body in fight-or-flight mode.
- Worsen stress and emotional regulation.
Many women discover that when they stop drinking, their body begins to heal in surprising ways.
Sleep improves.
Energy returns.
Anxiety decreases.
Joy comes back.
You Cannot White-Knuckle Your Way to Freedom
One of the biggest themes of this episode is that lasting freedom cannot simply rely on willpower.
Willpower gets tired.
Stress happens.
Life gets hard.
What actually helps women stay alcohol-free is support, connection, faith, community, and addressing the reasons they drink in the first place.
This is why so many women find freedom when they stop trying harder and begin surrendering.
What Every Woman Should Know About Liver Disease
Karla’s story serves as both a warning and a tremendous source of hope.
Her message is not fear.
Her message is awareness.
Your body often whispers before it screams.
And perhaps the most important thing she wants women to know is that it is never too late to make a change.
God is still writing your story.
Healing is possible.
Freedom is possible.
And you do not have to wait until things get worse.
If you’ve ever thought:
- “I’m not that bad.”
- “I’ll stop after this season.”
- “I just need to get through this stressful time.”
- “Other people drink more than I do.”
This episode is for you.
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Meet Karla at The Aligned Conference
And some really exciting news: Karla will be joining us this September at the Aligned Conference.
You’ll have the opportunity to hear more of her story, ask questions, meet her in person, and even have her sign your copy of And She Came Tumbling Down.
Our special community is finally gathering in person this September.
Join us for three days of worship, prayer, laughter, honest conversations, and plenty of in-person hugs. We’ll hear from incredible speakers, spend time with the Love Life Sober Leadership Team, and create space to connect with women who love Jesus and are ready to stop letting alcohol run the show.
If you’ve ever wished you could sit in a room with women who simply get it, this is that room.
