Author: James Anderson
Understanding Alcohol Withdrawal Stomach Pain Lantana Recovery: Addiction Treatment Rehab Center
These symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, which can be considered severe withdrawal symptoms, are part of a larger condition known as alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be greatly reduced or even eliminated with proper medical care. There are specific treatments available for anyone who wants to stop drinking—even after long-term, chronic alcohol use.
- In addition to medical interventions, some home remedies and self-care tips can also help alleviate stomach pain during alcohol withdrawal.
- The main ways to prevent alcohol withdrawal are to avoid alcohol altogether or to get professional help as soon as possible if you think you’re developing alcohol use disorder.
- Long-term alcohol abuse can also result in liver damage, confirms a Spanish study exploring the risk of liver disease in heavy drinkers.
- Your treatment will be determined by your age, symptoms, and general health.
- For those with alcohol use disorder, withdrawal is just the first (but very important) step on a long journey to recovery.
Your CNS must work harder to overcome the depressant effects of alcohol to keep your body functioning. Each of these symptoms can increase in intensity depending on the severity of the withdrawal. Consulting an addiction treatment professional to establish the best treatment setting for your specific situation is crucial. Withdrawal is different for everyone; there really is no “normal” and it can be hard to predict an individual person’s experience.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Several treatment options are available to deal with alcohol withdrawal symptoms. One treatment option may not be enough to deal with all the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. For instance, to deal with stomach pain, a combination of the right diet, therapy, and medications can work. On the other hand, chronic gastritis develops over time after quitting alcohol. If not treated, the condition can lead to severe stomach pain and the stomach losing its protective layer against acid and enzymes. In such a case, the acid and enzymes in the stomach can harm it, causing more health complications.
Alcohol withdrawal refers to the physical and mental effects a person experiences after stopping prolonged and heavy alcohol use. When you suddenly stop drinking, your body is deprived of the effects of alcohol and requires time to adjust to functioning without it. Depending on how long you have used alcohol and how much you typically drink, the severity of these symptoms can range from mild to severe. The severity of stomach pain during alcohol withdrawal varies from one person to the next. This depends on how long you have been drinking, how much you drink, any health conditions you have, and how abruptly you stopped drinking. People who have been drinking heavily over many years are more likely to experience severe stomach pain when they quit cold turkey.
Consulting a healthcare professional to find the best treatment for your situation is essential, as is ensuring your safety throughout the withdrawal process. When John began his journey to sobriety, he knew it wouldn’t be easy, but he didn’t expect the stomach pain that would accompany his alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol withdrawal stomach pain is a common issue faced by many on their path to recovery. Alcohol withdrawal stomach pain is essentially stomach pain caused by alcohol withdrawal. It’s one of many different alcohol withdrawal symptoms you could experience once you stop drinking. People experiencing mild to moderate alcohol withdrawal symptoms often receive outpatient care—meaning there is no extended time spent in a hospital or facility.
Alcohol can have numerous negative effects on the digestive system, leading to ulcers, heartburn, and malnutrition. These issues can be attributed to inflammation of the stomach lining, irritation of the esophagus, and damage to the liver. There are many resources available for anyone who is ready to stop drinking for good, or who wants to reduce the harm alcohol is causing in their life by cutting down. As you continue to commit to long-term recovery, support group meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or online support communities might be helpful. A healthcare provider may request daily visits during which they will likely run blood tests and monitor vital signs until symptoms stabilize. Alcohol withdrawal delirium (AWD), commonly known as delirium tremens (DT), is the most serious symptom of alcohol withdrawal.
Treatment Options for Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms and Stomach Pain
You may also suffer from loss of appetite, stomach irritation, anemia, and chronic stomach pain. During the withdrawal phase, you may develop stomach pains and other digestive-related conditions. Unfortunately, alcohol can affect your stomach in a variety of ways. In addition, alcohol can increase the production of stomach acid, which makes it harder for your body to destroy harmful bacteria. Because of this, the bacteria can get into your small intestine and cause additional problems. Alcohol withdrawal is a potentially serious complication of alcohol use disorder.
It’s important to get medical help even if you have mild symptoms of withdrawal, as it’s difficult to predict in the beginning how much worse the symptoms could get. The main ways to prevent alcohol withdrawal are to avoid alcohol altogether or to get professional help as soon as possible if you think you’re developing alcohol use disorder. For mild alcohol withdrawal that’s not at risk of worsening, your provider may prescribe carbamazepine or gabapentin to help with symptoms. Alcohol causes an imbalance of your natural chemicals, including the sleep hormone. When you stop drinking, you will experience stress and anxiety, which can cause restlessness and trouble sleeping. Therapy and a personalized treatment plan can help you deal with the cause of insomnia.
However, medical complications can occur during the acute phase of withdrawal. Individuals should be prepared to be uncomfortable during this period and have medical help available if needed. This is the period in which delirium tremens is most likely to occur, which requires immediate medical attention. During the 12- to 24-hour time frame after the last drink, most people will begin to have noticeable symptoms.
Unless the stomach pain is caused by gastritis, diarrhea typically improves within a few hours after admission to a hospital. Recognizing these early symptoms is a crucial step in managing your alcohol withdrawal. It can help you understand what to expect during this period and provide you with the necessary tools to cope with these symptoms effectively. Alcohol can play the role of an unwelcome houseguest in your stomach, causing irritation and damage to the stomach lining.
Call Our Alcohol Awareness Hotline for Help Whenever You Need It
These symptoms can appear a few hours after your last drink and might worsen if not properly managed. These symptoms can vary in intensity and duration depending on the individual and the severity of their alcohol dependence. It is important to seek medical attention if you or someone you know is experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
It also discusses various treatment options for alcohol withdrawal and how you can get help. People with alcohol use disorder should be monitored by a medical professional when withdrawing from alcohol. Moderate to heavy drinkers can also benefit from medical supervision in the acute withdrawal stage. Although you might be tempted to tough out withdrawal symptoms by yourself, it’s not worth the risk. Stomach pain is often caused by a very treatable condition, but gastrointestinal bleeding can be deadly. If you develop any signs of this complication, it is important to seek medical care right away.
This is considered a medical emergency because it can lead to permanent brain damage. Other than simply avoiding alcohol, your doctor will likely recommend other forms of treatment. Your treatment will be determined by your age, symptoms, and general health. By reducing the acid level in your stomach, this kind of medication can help your stomach lining heal.
Well the answer depends on a variety of factors including your brain chemistry, intensity of alcohol dependence, amount of alcohol last consumed, etc. The alcohol withdrawal timeline is unique for each individual, but generally, symptoms start to manifest within 8 hours of the last drink and may last up to 7-10 days. During this period, stomach pain can present itself during both the early and late stages of withdrawal.
Each individual’s journey is unique, and it’s crucial to find a treatment option that works best for you. While dietary changes and over-the-counter remedies can often help manage stomach pain during alcohol detox, there are instances where medical attention is required. If the pain is severe or accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, fever, or jaundice, seeking medical help is critical. The selection between inpatient and outpatient treatment depends on the severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms and individual requirements. In the recovery process, medical attention for alcohol withdrawal is vital to guarantee safety and appropriate treatment. Apart from benzodiazepines, over-the-counter drugs can also help manage alcohol withdrawal stomach pain.