Drinking alcohol after your hep C is cured is a controversial issue. Some patients endured many treatments and worked hard for their cure, and feel strongly about abstaining from alcohol use.  Others would like an occasional drink, especially when celebrating a special event.  

If you have advanced liver disease such as cirrhosis, the recommendation is to avoid alcohol. The same is true if you have another liver disease, such as fatty liver disease or iron overload. Ditto if you have an alcohol problem.

The recommendations have not been established for those with minimal liver disease, had a sustained virologic response (SVR12) to HCV treatment and are considered cured. There isn’t clear data or medical consensus about this.

Start by talking to your medical provider; some are fine with an occasional standard-sized drink. One drink equals 12-ounces of beer or wine cooler,  5-ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits.