Organ Transplants and Alcohol Addiction Therapy Help Michael Rebuild His Life
Liver and kidney transplants and Virtua's MAT program helped Michael overcome alcohol use disorder and see a brighter road ahead.
Michael McNamara said he began drinking at 16 or 17 as a way to cope with social anxiety and depression in high school.
“The only way I felt comfortable was drinking. I’d have drinks before going out in public. It was like my medicine,” he said. “For some reason, I was able to handle liquor—a lot of it. I could drink an entire bottle of vodka by myself and be fine.”
While Michael did have sustained periods of sobriety, his alcohol use took a toll on his liver to the point where his life was at risk. But thanks to Michael’s dedication to sobriety and the combined efforts of Virtua’s critical care, organ transplantation and behavioral health teams, the 43-year-old South Jersey resident is looking forward to a brighter future.
Leg pain reveals liver damage
Michael first experienced signs of liver disease in summer 2022, when nausea from the heat forced him to give up outdoor construction jobs. In early 2024, unexplained leg pain prompted him to seek medical help.
“At first, my legs just felt tired, like I was overworking them. It progressively got worse, and it was extremely painful and numb,” he said. “I went to a hospital, and I was told I had a vitamin deficiency, which made sense to me because alcohol depletes your body. I needed to eat better and get everything my body needs.”
His condition continued to deteriorate, and by springtime he could no longer walk.
“I fell next to my bed and I couldn’t stand up, even with the bed’s help. My arms weren’t strong enough to lift me and my legs were worthless. I was stuck on the floor. I had my phone and called 911,” he said.
Michael asked to be taken to Virtua Voorhees Hospital, where he was diagnosed with liver disease. Once his condition stabilized, he entered a physical rehabilitation center.
“I was weak, but I was able to stand up and walk. Things were looking better,” he said. “Then I started swelling again. My stomach was getting big and my feet could not fit into slippers. It felt like my skin was tearing apart, like if you have really bad sunburn and rub sandpaper on it.”
Michael returned to Virtua Voorhees and later transferred to Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. His liver was no longer functioning.
Lifesaving liver transplant
“Michael was in end-stage liver disease. He was very sick, with swelling in his legs and belly, and jaundice. He also had developed renal failure as a complication of his liver disease,” said Virtua transplant hepatologist Simona Rossi, MD. “He was not going to make it out of the hospital without a transplant.”
The liver is responsible for removing waste from the body. If it has too much alcohol to process, it can’t do its other jobs, allowing fats to build up. This leads to inflammation, scarring (cirrhosis), and eventually, liver failure.
“I could be drinking and you could never tell. I was very functional,” said Michael. “All that time, I didn’t realize the liver damage was creeping up on me.”
Virtua’s Advanced Transplant & Organ Health team placed Michael on the priority list for a liver transplant. He received the new organ on Aug. 1, 2024.
MAT program helps overcome addiction
Within a few weeks of recovery from the surgery, Michael had an appointment with the Virtua Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) program. MAT uses medicines and behavioral therapy to help people recover from substance use disorders like alcoholism and opioid addiction.
“We tell our patients that a transplant fixes the complication of the disease with a new liver, but this will not cure their addiction,” said Dr. Rossi.
The MAT program uses evidence-based, FDA-approved medications, like naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram, to help people reduce their cravings and prevent a return to use.
“Everyone who has a liver transplant due to alcohol use is referred for treatment,” said MAT addiction medicine specialist Lynda Bascelli, MD. “Alcohol use disorder is a chronic disease. People use alcohol to cope with all sorts of stress in their life. They’ve just had a major, life-altering event, and it’s easy to turn back to alcohol to help them cope.”
Michael takes naltrexone and sees Dr. Bascelli regularly.
“I’ve been able to keep the cravings at bay,” he said. “Dr. Bascelli is so cool. I look forward to talking with her. She’s always reassuring and supportive.”
The medication is often paired with therapy. Both services are offered at the same location. Individuals also can be referred to more intensive therapies, if needed. Michael is not participating in therapy, but says he is grateful the option is there.
“Medication and therapy work best together, but there is no right or wrong way to undergo treatment,” said Dr. Bascelli. “We are committed to providing a judgement-free and safe space. If someone returns to drinking, we want them to feel safe to come back and tell us so that we can help.”
Michael overcomes another hurdle: a second transplant
While Michael’s new liver functioned well, his kidneys did not.
Liver failure can lead to increased pressure and toxin buildup within the kidneys, straining them until they stop working properly. He received an expedited kidney transplant at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes in February 2025.
“When the liver fails, it can take the kidneys with them,” said Dr. Rossi. “In some patients, they kidneys will kick in again. However, if the kidneys take too much of a hit, they don’t recover and the person needs a transplant.”
Transplants, addiction treatment help Michael turn the corner
Now more than a year since his last transplant, Michael credits naltrexone and the expertise, warmth, and understanding of the Virtua team for helping him turn the corner and his new chance at life.
With his new organs and continued sobriety, Michael says he daydreams of all his future possibilities.
“I keep thinking about what’s next. I have to go down a completely different path,” he said. “There’s plenty of opportunities.”
Dr. Rossi and Dr. Bascelli regularly see Michael to monitor his condition. They say he deserves the credit for his success.
“Michael is committed to sobriety,” said Dr. Rossi. “We gave him the gift of life and held his hand to support him through his recovery, but he is the one who did it.”
Make an appointment with Virtua Advanced Transplant & Organ Health
Whether you're in early stages of organ disease or need a kidney, liver, or pancreas transplant, our team delivers the care you need most—close to home. Call 888-847-8823 to connect with a health navigator or learn more about the new beginnings offered by organ transplant at Virtua.
To schedule an appointment with the MAT program, call 856-322-3110.
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