Alcoholic gastritis is one of the many long-term consequences of heavy alcohol abuse. At first, it can feel like heartburn or stomach ache, but it can slowly develop into more serious issues like ulcers and hemorrhage.

The best way to prevent alcoholic gastritis is to drink in moderation or stop drinking altogether. If you or someone you love have a drinking problem, it’s important to get help as soon as possible before health complications like gastritis occur.

This article will explore a painful physical condition called alcoholic gastritis. You will learn:

• What causes it
• Common signs and symptoms
• How it is treated

To speak with a substance abuse counselor, contact our team at Moving Mountains Recovery anytime.

What is Alcoholic Gastritis?

Gastritis is the medical term for inflammation of the stomach. It has many causes, including smoking, chronic stress, reactions to surgery, eating spicy foods, some types of bacterial infections, and even certain autoimmune disorders.[1] However, when this inflammation is caused by alcohol abuse, it is referred to as ‘alcoholic gastritis.’

Alcoholic gastritis can be acute or chronic. People with acute gastritis may wake up the morning after binge drinking with symptoms. But in chronic cases, drinking too much too often gradually irritates and erodes the stomach lining which eventually triggers symptoms.[2] The condition becomes chronic when symptoms do not resolve.

If left untreated, alcoholic gastritis can progress to more severe conditions like ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding. Reducing or eliminating alcohol intake is crucial for managing and reversing the condition.

Gastritis Symptoms

Inflammation of the stomach lining can be extremely painful. Common symptoms include:[1]

• Upper abdominal pain (can range from a burning, aching sensation to a sharp, stabbing pain)
• Abdominal bloat
• Nausea and vomiting
• Regurgitating food
• Indigestion
• Loss of appetite
• Hiccups
• Belching
• Feeling full
• Blood in the feces or vomit that comes from the irritated stomach lining

Risk Factors for Gastritis

Certain risk factors including medical conditions and lifestyle choices can increase the risk of developing gastritis. Risk factors include:[1]

• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Chronic stress
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
• Autoimmune disorders
• Smoking
• Older age
• Dietary factors (spicy, acidic, or fatty foods)
• Bile reflux
• Previous stomach surgery

Long-Term Problems Associated With Alcoholic Gastritis

Gastritis, especially when caused by alcohol abuse, can have severe implications, such as GI bleeds. GI bleeding is a medical emergency and may result from a tear in a blood vessel or a stomach/intestine ulcer. While these problems are treatable, upper GI bleeding can be potentially life-threatening if the bleeding isn’t stopped.

Other potential complications associated with alcoholic gastritis include:[2,3]

• Generalized peritonitis – This occurs when inflammation spreads to the lining of the abdominal cavity due to a perforation in the stomach. It causes severe abdominal pain and requires urgent medical care.
• Sepsis – A severe infection from the stomach can enter the bloodstream, leading to sepsis. This condition can cause widespread inflammation and organ damage, and it’s life-threatening if not treated quickly.
• Multiple organ failure – In extreme cases, complications from alcoholic gastritis can lead to multiple organ failure. This happens when the body’s organs, such as the kidneys, liver, and heart, start to shut down due to severe infection, inflammation, or bleeding

These conditions may require surgery and present life-threatening risks.

Treating Alcohol-Associated Gastritis

The first step in treating alcohol-associated gastritis is to stop drinking alcohol. This allows the stomach lining to begin healing and helps prevent further irritation. Your doctor may recommend medications to reduce stomach acid, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers, which can help relieve symptoms and promote healing.[4]

In cases where the gastritis is severe or chronic, additional treatments might be necessary. These could include antibiotics if a bacterial infection like H. pylori is present, or antacids to neutralize stomach acid.[4] Dietary changes can also play a crucial role—eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding spicy, acidic, or fatty foods can reduce symptoms.[1]

For those struggling with alcohol dependence, addressing the root cause is essential. This might involve counseling, support groups, or a structured treatment program to help you quit drinking and prevent recurrence. Managing stress and avoiding other irritants, like smoking or NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), can further aid in recovery.

Can You Reverse Alcoholic Gastritis?

Alcoholic gastritis can often be reversed, especially if caught early and treated properly. The key to reversing the condition is to stop drinking alcohol, which allows the stomach lining to heal. Once alcohol is removed from the equation, the inflammation typically decreases, and the damaged tissue can begin to repair itself.

However, if the gastritis has progressed to a more severe or chronic stage, it may take longer to heal, and in some cases, the damage may be more difficult to fully reverse. That’s why early intervention and consistent treatment are crucial.

Treatment for Alcohol Addiction

If alcohol and compulsive drinking are the root cause of your health issues, it’s time to seek professional treatment. Treatment options include inpatient or outpatient rehab programs, where you’ll receive medical care, counseling, and support to help you quit drinking. Therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can be effective in changing the behaviors and thoughts that drive alcohol use.

For some, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) may be recommended. Medications like naltrexone or acamprosate can help reduce cravings and make it easier to maintain sobriety.

If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol addiction, please reach out to Moving Mountains Recovery today to explore your treatment options.