A person’s stomach may hurt after drinking an excessive amount of alcohol for many reasons including gastritis, drug interactions, and the formation of stomach ulcers.

This article discusses what alcohol is, how alcohol may cause stomach pain, and when to see a doctor.

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Alcohol is a depressant that affects a person’s central nervous system (CNS). Depressants are substances that slow down a person’s brain activity. After a person drinks alcohol, they may experience:

  • difficulty remembering and thinking clearly
  • problems with physical control and coordination
  • changes in behavior, mood, and self-control

The substance also affects other organs in the body, such as the kidneys and liver, as it travels through the bloodstream.

Learn more about the effects alcohol has on health here.

A person absorbs alcohol into their bloodstream through the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the stomach and intestines.

According to 2021 research, if a person uses alcohol excessively, it can lead to changes in the gut microbiota and cell barrier. This may cause micronutrient deficiencies which may in turn affect a person’s immune system and lead to liver damage.

Alcohol may contribute to pain in the stomach or abdomen in a number of ways.

Gastritis

Healthcare professionals refer to inflammation of the stomach lining as gastritis. This condition may occur suddenly, as a result of drinking too much in a short time, or it may be a result of chronic heavy drinking.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), alcohol increases inflammation in a person’s body and directly irritates the stomach lining.

Symptoms of gastritis may include:

There are a number of possible treatments for gastritis. A doctor may recommend a person stops consuming alcohol to prevent the condition from worsening or recurring.

Stomach ulcer

A person who develops chronic gastritis as a result of drinking may also develop a stomach ulcer.

Symptoms of a stomach ulcer may include:

Healthcare professionals may recommend a person has surgery or takes certain medications, such as proton pump inhibitors, to treat stomach ulcers.

Drug interactions

According to research, it is not advisable for a person to drink alcohol while taking many different types of medication. Alcohol may limit the therapeutic effects of some medications and cause adverse effects.

Certain medications may interact with alcohol and cause stomach pain, including:

A person may also experience a range of other gastrointestinal symptoms as a result of mixing alcohol with certain medications. These may include gastrointestinal bleeding, indigestion, and stomach ulcers.

It is important to note that the list of medications that may interact with alcohol above is not exhaustive. People should speak with a healthcare professional for further advice before consuming alcohol while taking any medications to prevent the risk of drug interactions.

Learn about whether it is safe to mix ibuprofen and alcohol here.

A person may have AUD if they have difficulty controlling their alcohol use even when it has a negative impact on their social life, health, or job.

Risk factors for developing AUD include:

  • alcohol misuse, which refers to heavy alcohol use and binge drinking
  • mental health conditions and psychological trauma
  • drinking alcohol from an early age
  • genetics and drinking patterns a person may have learned from a family member

AUD is a chronic condition that may increase a person’s likelihood of developing other health conditions, including:

Furthermore, as a person with AUD may consume alcohol more frequently and in higher amounts, they may experience stomach pain more often.

Either as a direct consequence of alcohol irritating their stomach lining or as a result of a chronic gastrointestinal condition.

Treatments for AUD vary from person to person. A healthcare professional may recommend a person takes medication to manage their condition, join a support group, or attends psychotherapy sessions.

Alternatively, they may recommend a person tries a combination of treatments.

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome and gastrointestinal symptoms

When a person stops drinking alcohol after a period of prolonged consumption, they may experience symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. These symptoms vary from mild to severe.

Mild symptoms may arise within 6 hours after a person stops drinking, while more severe symptoms may arise within 12–24 hours.

A person may experience gastrointestinal upset, or indigestion, as a mild symptom of alcohol withdrawal. Other mild symptoms may include:

Help is available

Seeking help for addiction may feel daunting or even scary, but several organizations can provide support.

If you believe that you or someone close to you is showing signs of addiction, you can contact the following organizations for immediate help and advice:

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People should speak with a doctor if they frequently experience abdominal pain, whether they notice it after they consume alcohol or not. A person may experience stomach pain as a symptom of another underlying condition, such as a stomach ulcer.

Chronic gastritis which may arise as a result of alcohol consumption is a risk factor for more serious conditions including stomach cancer and stomach ulcers. Research also indicates that a person’s gut microbiota can change if they use alcohol excessively. This may also lead to further complications.

People should speak with a healthcare professional about their alcohol consumption if they are concerned they may be drinking too much. A doctor may help a person limit their alcohol intake or manage AUD.

A person may experience stomach pain after drinking alcohol for a variety of reasons. Alcohol can irritate a person’s stomach lining and cause conditions such as gastritis which involve abdominal pain.

Similarly, a person may experience stomach pain after mixing alcohol with certain medications.

People should consult with a healthcare professional for further advice before drinking alcohol while they are taking medication. A doctor can advise which medications are not safe to mix with alcohol.

It may be advisable for a person to avoid consuming alcohol altogether while they are taking medication.

A person should also speak with a doctor if they think they may have AUD for further advice and support.