Alcohol use doesn’t just affect the mind—it can slowly wear down the body, especially the digestive system. One of the most overlooked but serious consequences of heavy drinking is alcoholic gastritis. This painful and potentially chronic condition inflames the lining of the stomach, leading to symptoms that can interfere with everyday life and even cause long-term damage.
At Overcome Wellness & Recovery in Lakewood, NJ, we help individuals understand and address not just alcohol dependency, but the medical issues it creates, including alcoholic gastritis. Our outpatient programs are designed to support healing from the inside out.
Alcohol use doesn’t just affect the mind—it can slowly wear down the body, especially the digestive system. One of the most overlooked but serious consequences of heavy drinking is alcoholic gastritis. This painful and potentially chronic condition inflames the lining of the stomach, leading to symptoms that can interfere with everyday life and even cause long-term damage.
At Overcome Wellness & Recovery in Lakewood, NJ, we help individuals understand and address not just alcohol dependency, but the medical issues it creates, including alcoholic gastritis. Our outpatient programs are designed to support healing from the inside out.
What Is Alcoholic Gastritis?
Gastritis is the inflammation of the stomach lining. When this condition is caused by chronic or excessive alcohol consumption, it’s referred to as alcoholic gastritis. Alcohol irritates the stomach lining, increases acid production, and weakens the protective barrier that prevents stomach acids from damaging the tissue.
Over time, repeated exposure to alcohol can erode the lining, resulting in swelling, bleeding, or even ulcers. While it can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term), both forms require medical attention.
How Alcohol Leads to Stomach Inflammation
Alcohol acts as an irritant. Even moderate drinking can stimulate stomach acid production, but for heavy or long-term drinkers, this acid can begin to damage the stomach lining itself.
Here’s how it happens:
- Alcohol disrupts the mucus barrier that protects the stomach wall
- It increases the production of hydrochloric acid
- It reduces blood flow to the stomach lining, impairing healing
Eventually, this damage may cause nausea, stomach pain, or more serious complications like gastrointestinal bleeding.
Common Warning Signs of Alcoholic Gastritis
If you or a loved one frequently drinks and notices the following symptoms, alcoholic gastritis may be the cause:
- Persistent stomach discomfort, especially a burning sensation
- Nausea or vomiting (sometimes with blood)
- Indigestion or bloating after meals
- Loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss
- Black, tarry stools (a sign of internal bleeding)
- Fatigue from blood loss or poor nutrient absorption
These symptoms can be subtle at first, but left untreated, alcoholic gastritis can cause lasting damage to the digestive system.
Alcoholic Gastritis and Mental Health
What many people don’t realize is that the gut and brain are closely connected. Ongoing inflammation in the stomach can contribute to feelings of fatigue, anxiety, or depression. At the same time, individuals struggling with alcohol use may be using it to cope with mental health challenges, creating a dangerous cycle.
At Overcome, we take a dual-diagnosis approach that recognizes the connection between substance use and mental health. Our therapy services address both the physical symptoms of alcoholic gastritis and the underlying emotional challenges that fuel alcohol use.
Diagnosis and Medical Care
Diagnosing alcoholic gastritis typically involves a review of your medical history, a physical exam, and sometimes additional tests such as:
- Blood tests to check for anemia or infection
- Stool tests to detect hidden blood
- Endoscopy to view inflammation or ulcers directly
A proper diagnosis is crucial to determine the extent of the damage and to create a personalized recovery plan.
Treatment for Alcoholic Gastritis
The first step in treating alcoholic gastritis is to stop alcohol use. Without this, even the best medical care will have limited effectiveness.
Treatment may include:
- Medications to reduce stomach acid and protect the stomach lining
- Antibiotics if infection (like H. pylori) is present
- Dietary changes to support healing
- Nutritional supplements to restore balance
At Overcome Wellness & Recovery, we help you manage these symptoms while addressing the deeper issues related to alcohol dependency.
Outpatient Recovery That Supports Healing
Our outpatient programs in Lakewood, NJ, are built around the idea that real recovery addresses both the mind and the body. Individuals with alcoholic gastritis benefit from a comprehensive approach that includes:
- Individual counseling and group therapy
- Medical oversight for digestive and addiction-related symptoms
- Nutritional support to rebuild gut health
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT), if appropriate
We also offer faith-based programs and culturally sensitive care options for those who seek Jewish recovery services as part of their journey.
Rebuilding Health After Alcohol Use
Healing from alcoholic gastritis isn’t just about managing symptoms—it’s about restoring your quality of life. That includes:
- Reducing inflammation
- Improving sleep and energy levels
- Strengthening your immune and digestive systems
- Rebuilding relationships damaged by alcohol use
Recovery from alcohol use disorder often means confronting not only the emotional consequences but also the physical ones, like alcoholic gastritis. But you don’t have to face this alone.
When to Seek Help
If you suspect you or someone you care about is experiencing symptoms of alcoholic gastritis, don’t wait for it to get worse. The earlier you address the issue, the easier it is to heal.
At Overcome Wellness & Recovery, we offer confidential consultations to help you understand your options. Whether you need therapy, medication, or long-term support, our team is here to guide you.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
The hidden cost of alcohol use can show up in many ways, and alcoholic gastritis is one of the most painful signs that something deeper needs attention.
Overcome Wellness & Recovery in Lakewood, NJ, provides expert care for both alcohol addiction and the physical health complications it causes. Our outpatient services are flexible, compassionate, and designed to support lasting recovery.
Call (732) 505-7261 or visit our website to speak with a recovery specialist and start healing today.
