I've had a drinking problem since I was 15 and am now 22 and am barley starting to get it under control. I haven't been to a doctor yet but don't need to to know my liver is badly damaged from excess drinking. since the liver has alot to do with burning fat... is it possible that I'd burn fat slower due to liver damage?

I doubt you have much to worry about. I drank daily, and alot at that, for a LONG time, 15 years. Doc says my liver is fine. Slightly enlarged, but he thinks that's the rapid weight loss. I was losing an average of 2 to 3 lbs a week.

You do need to go see a doctor, however. Do it soon. Tell him your concerns, and have him do a full liver panel, and full blood work up.

Worrying about it will only put you where I've been for the past three years. I worried so much, and felt so much guilt, I had myself convinced I had liver disease, and I started having panic attacks. They only go away when I'm on medication now. I go off, they come back. All because I was worried about past drinking.

Doc and a liver specialist say I'm fine, however.

The good news for you is, cutting WAY down on your drinking isn't as tough as you may think. Quiting smoking was much tougher for me, and I drank daily, at least a 6 pack, but most times about 12.

I now drink maybe once every 3 to 4 months. Only a few beers while camping, or only on special occasions (and I don't make up special occasions just to drink). I really don't miss it one bit. It is nice to wake up without hangovers! I've had as much to drink in the past 3 years as I'd have had in a week previously. Maybe I'm lucky, but the taste of alcohol does not send me into fits of drinking trying to get drunk. It is very liberating to be able to enjoy a beer with dinner, or over a camp fire, and leave the other 4 or 5 out of the 6 alone.

You'll get used to not drinking all the damn time, and you'll feel normal about it. It does take some willpower though, especially those first 6 months or so while you're getting used to a new "lifestyle".

Now get to the doc!