Cannabis use linked to higher death rates in people with alcohol-associated hepatitis

by Research Society on Alcohol

edited by Lisa Lock, reviewed by Andrew Zinin

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People with alcohol-associated hepatitis are more likely to die from the disease if they use cannabis. A large multinational study just published in Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research is the first to identify active substance use, particularly cannabis use, by patients as an independent predictor of death in patients with alcohol-associated hepatitis. The study recommends integrating assessment and treatment of substance use into the clinical care of these patients to improve their prognoses.

Alcohol-associated hepatitis is a severe form of liver damage caused by alcohol use that can lead, often rapidly, to organ failure and death. Almost half of people with severe alcohol-associated hepatitis die within 90 days. In the U.S., mortality rates from the disease are on the rise, particularly among women and younger adults.

The sweeping study followed 800 patients hospitalized for alcohol-associated hepatitis at 40 different medical centers across 13 countries. Six percent, or 50 patients, reported active cannabis use; 45 reported cocaine use; and less than 2% used methamphetamine, opioids or other drugs. At approximately 80 days from intake, one-quarter of the patients had died.

Active cannabis and cocaine use were significantly more prevalent in people with severe hepatitis. Even after adjusting for liver disease severity, active substance use, especially cannabis use, independently predicted death. Active cannabis users had a mortality rate 2.5 times higher.

The study authors recommend substance use as a primary target for intervention in patients with alcohol-associated liver disease and assessment of substance use as an important tool to inform clinical prognosis.

More information

Omar Albhaisi et al., Global Prognostic Impact of Substance Use in Alcohol‐Associated Hepatitis, Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research (2026). DOI: 10.1111/acer.70397

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GastroenterologyCommon illnesses & Prevention Provided by Research Society on Alcohol Who's behind this story?

Lisa Lock

BA art history, MA material culture. Former museum editor, paramedic, and transplant coordinator. Editing for Science X since 2021. Full profile →

Andrew Zinin

Master's in physics with research experience. Long-time science news enthusiast. Plays key role in Science X's editorial success. Full profile →

Citation: Cannabis use linked to higher death rates in people with alcohol-associated hepatitis (2026, November 9) retrieved 9 November 2026 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-11-cannabis-linked-higher-death-people.html This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.