Millions of people drink alcohol regularly, but many don’t understand the risks associated with excessive drinking and the effects that it can have on your stomach and digestive system. Alcohol abuse can have serious consequences, so it’s important to be informed and take steps to protect yourself.
Alcohol can irritate the digestive system and change how the body absorbs fluids over time and also cause inflammation issues in the intestines. Alcohol abuse may change the regularity of a person’s bowel movements and could result in either diarrhea or constipation. Drinking too much alcohol can damage the stomach and gut over time.
Alcohol consumption can have short- and long-term effects on your digestive system. In the short term, alcohol consumption can lead to inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and increased stomach acid and digestive enzymes productions.
This can cause stomach ulcers, heartburn, and nausea. Long-term effects of chronic alcohol consumption can include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers, pancreatitis, and fatty liver disease.
People who frequently drink too much, acid reflux can become a chronic and serious problem.” Chronic alcohol abuse is also a risk factor for cancer of the esophagus, stomach, and pancreas. By understanding the risks, you can make informed decisions about your alcohol consumption and take steps to protect your health.
The majority of alcohol absorption takes place in the small intestine after passing through the stomach. Alcohol is much more quickly absorbed into the small intestine than in the stomach. Alcohol can be detected in the blood minutes after taking your first sip.
From your small intestine, alcohol moves into your large intestine (or colon) and then into your blood. As alcohol enters your bloodstream, it affects your brain and nervous system. You might feel relaxed or happy after having a drink or two. But as more alcohol enters your bloodstream, you may feel dizzy, confused, or sleepy.
Alcohol is metabolized (or processed) by your liver. But because the liver can only metabolize a small amount of alcohol at a time, the rest stays in your bloodstream until it’s metabolized. That’s why your blood alcohol level continues to rise even after you stop drinking.
How quickly alcohol is metabolized depends on several factors, including:
Drug and alcohol abuse can have adverse health effects. For instance, cocaine use can cause sinus issues and increased blood pressure. Alcohol abuse can also cause increased blood pressure and even diabetes from sugar intake.
Many drugs like meth can also cause formication and skin sores while using in addition to very strong withdrawal consequences. Individuals that stop drinking cold turkey may get delirium tremens which result in seizures.
Addiction is a significant problem in society today. Drug addicts are not only a danger to themselves, but they are also a danger to the people around them. Magnified Health Systems provides life-changing alcohol addiction treatment for those struggling with addiction who want to turn their lives around. Magnified Health Systems has experienced staff who will work with you to find the best treatment options.
They offer a variety of treatment options, including inpatient rehab and outpatient programs. We also have a wide range of support services, such as individual and family counseling. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, please call us today to learn more about our services.
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Bishehsari, F., Magno, E., Swanson, G., Desai, V., Voigt, R. M., Forsyth, C. B., & Keshavarzian, A. (2017). Alcohol and gut-derived inflammation. Alcohol research : current reviews. Retrieved December 22, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5513683/
Kawano, Y. (2010). Physio-pathological effects of alcohol on the cardiovascular system: Its role in hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Hypertension Research, 33(3), 181–191.
Wang, S., Freedman, N. D., Loftfield, E., Hua, X., & Abnet, C. C. (2018). Alcohol consumption and risk of gastric cardia adenocarcinoma and gastric noncardia adenocarcinoma: a 16‐year prospective analysis from the NIH‐AARP diet and health cohort. International journal of cancer, 143(11), 2749-2757.
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Magnified Health Systems aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.
Dr. Bickley graduated from U.C. Irvine with honors: Phi Beta Kappa, Golden Key International Honor Society, Cum Laude. He has been featured on national radio and print media. He is also a frequent lecturer at National Conferences. He holds an A.S. degree in Drug & Alcohol Studies, and two B.A. degrees in Criminology & Psychology, and masters and doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. He is a licensed California Drug & Alcohol Counselor Level II, a licensed Clinical Supervisor and is certified in treating Eating Disorders.
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