Can Alcohol Cause Blood in Stool?

Between educational initiatives and firsthand experience, most of us feel like we understand what alcohol does to our body.

Think back to the school assemblies that dared us to “just say no” or that first mind-bending hangover. We’ve heard heavy drinking horror stories since before we could get into a bar, and now maybe we’ve lived through some of our own horror stories.  

We know the risks and still drink when we want. Why not? Most of us only think about the short-term effects of alcohol use, but we need to consider the long term, too.

As we age, the effects of alcohol use start to catch up with us — often in weird, wild ways. One of the strangest signs of problem drinking is seeing blood in our stool. If you’ve ever left the bathroom wondering, “Why am I bleeding after drinking alcohol?”, this one’s for you. Let’s explore the potential causes of bloody stool and the role alcohol can play.


Can Alcohol Cause Blood in Stool?

Let’s cut to the chase: can alcohol cause blood in stool? Yes! We may see telltale red blood or partially digested blood, which is black and the texture of coffee grounds. This isn’t an in-the-moment effect we’ll observe after one or two drinks. Instead, it’s the cumulative result of ongoing overindulgence. The key to understanding this symptom is to unpack the way our body processes (and reacts to) alcohol.

• Inflammation. First, consider alcohol’s inflammatory properties. As we drink, it irritates each part of our gastrointestinal tract: the esophagus, stomach, and large and small intestines. Prolonged heavy drinking erodes the delicate mucosal lining of these structures, exposing a network of capillaries and vessels, which will continue bleeding until alcohol use ceases. This blood can show up in our stool.
• Alcohol absorption. Once that protective lining wears away, we’re left with some unpleasant results. The body struggles to take in vital nutrients and begins directly absorbing the toxins from alcohol. As alcohol easily passes into the bloodstream and liver, the complications of drinking become more pronounced. We’re likely to experience internal bleeding at this stage — often, the calling card of organ damage is bloody stool.
• Functional changes. Alcohol affects our hormone levels, colonic movement, enzyme production, and the stomach’s ability to secrete gastric acid. It also disrupts the microflora levels in our intestines, which intensifies our body’s exposure to toxins. Together, these changes place us at risk of cirrhosis, liver failure, and various cancers.
• Bleeding more (and longer). Alcohol thins the blood, making it harder for clots to form. It also dilates our blood vessels. If we have any existing issues causing blood in stool, drinking can make them worse.

Alcohol and Blood in Stool: Potential Causes

When we hear “blood,” we probably picture red streaks. In reality, most blood in stool looks black after its trip through the digestive system. Dark, smelly, tar-like stools can be a sign of serious internal bleeding, as can stools that look like coffee grounds. Doctors call this “melena.” Potential causes linking alcohol and blood in stool include the following:

• Cirrhosis and liver failure. Cirrhosis is a severe form of liver damage characterized by extensive scarring. As we drink, the liver tries valiantly to repair itself. Scar tissue replaces the healthy tissue that makes up our liver, inhibiting its function and causing organ failure. People with cirrhosis experience GI bleeding due to a phenomenon called portal hypertension. When scarring blocks crucial blood vessels leading to the liver, our blood pressure increases. This force creates varices — enlarged veins that tend to bleed when they rupture.

• Peptic ulcers. These open sores in the stomach lining and small intestine cause most gastrointestinal bleeding. A combination of stomach acid, NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and alcohol accelerates the formation of ulcers.

• Diverticulitis. When the intestinal walls weaken, small pouches may form within its lining. These are called diverticula. As those little pockets become inflamed or infected, they start bleeding, resulting in bloody stool.
• Gastrointestinal damage. Have you heard of Mallory-Weiss tears? These gashes occur when alcohol thins the sensitive tissue lining our digestive tract, making it more vulnerable to damage. Once lacerations form, they bleed profusely.

Sometimes, we can attribute blood in stool after drinking to a more benign cause. If the blood we’re seeing is bright red, we may be experiencing anal fissures or hemorrhoids.

• Anal fissures. When the thin skin lining the anal sphincter sustains damage, it may bleed, even after the bowel movement concludes.
• Hemorrhoids. These swollen veins form inside or outside of the anal cavity. When inflamed, they may swell and begin bleeding. Often, hemorrhoids are behind bloody stool.

Let’s dive deeper into hemorrhoids, since they’re incredibly common — and alcohol can make them worse.


Alcohol and Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids, or piles, are naturally occurring blood vessels lining the anus and rectum. They form at the junctions of small arteries and veins. These lumps only become problematic when they swell, causing itching, pain, and bloody stool.

Can alcohol cause hemorrhoids? Yes, and the explanation is fairly simple. Piles may be scraped during the passage of hard, dehydrated fecal matter, which leads to relatively painless bleeding. For many of us, small spots of bright red blood on toilet paper are the first sign of hemorrhoids.

While they can be caused by pregnancy, low fiber levels, or a sedentary lifestyle, alcohol also heightens our risk of bleeding from these uncomfortable bumps. Let’s explore the link between alcohol and hemorrhoids.

• Weight gain. Cocktails, beer, wine — no matter what we drink, alcohol is packed with hidden calories. It also spurs late-night snacking. The result? Unexpected weight gain, which ups the pressure on our rectum, increasing the likelihood of hemorrhoid formation.
• High blood pressure. While high blood pressure doesn’t cause hemorrhoids, it raises the probability that they will bleed profusely. Research has found that portal hypertension may be a risk factor in severe hemorrhoidal bleeding.
• Dehydration. As a diuretic, alcohol dehydrates us, which causes the body to produce hard, difficult-to-pass bowel movements. When the rectum strains to pass hardened waste, our blood vessels experience irritation. This creates new hemorrhoids, which may itch and bleed.

Those of us experiencing bloody stool should familiarize ourselves with all the major warning signs of hemorrhoids. While they aren’t usually dangerous, they can be incredibly uncomfortable and interfere with our well-being.

Do I Have Hemorrhoids?

Most of us realize we have hemorrhoids when we see red blood on our toilet paper after a painless bowel movement. However, there are a few more symptoms we should be aware of.

Other signs of hemorrhoids include the following:

• Pain and discomfort while sitting or using the bathroom
• Itching, irritation, and swelling
• Bumps around or protruding from the anus

In rare cases, hemorrhoids can create serious health complications. Ongoing blood loss from severe lesions may cause anemia. If left untreated, hemorrhoids might become painful or cause blood clots. We should seek medical care for suspected hemorrhoids.

Stop Bleeding After Drinking

Sometimes, bleeding after drinking is exacerbated by our lifestyle choices. Spicy foods, low fiber, and dehydration can worsen rectal bleeding, especially if the bleeding is related to hemorrhoids. Consider these tips to promote healthy digestion and alleviate the stress on our GI tract.

• Avoid NSAIDs. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are in just about everyone’s medicine cabinet, but did you know that they can increase our risk of internal bleeding? Lay off the OTC painkillers until the bleeding is under control. Common NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin (Bayer, St. Joseph’s).
• Eat a fiber-forward, nutrient-rich diet. Our bodies were made to digest fruits and vegetables. Follow dietary best practices and steer clear of processed or spicy foods, which can irritate the stomach.
• Drink more water. Dehydration makes issues like hemorrhoids worse, and proper hydration can make bowel movements easier.
• Use topical creams. Soothe itchy, painful hemorrhoids by applying topical creams, which are available at most drugstores.
• Limit sitting. Long periods of inactivity or straining on the toilet can catalyze hemorrhoid formation. Stay active and resist the urge to scroll social media while in the bathroom.
• Abstain from alcohol. If bleeding always happens after a night of drinking, consider cutting out alcohol altogether. As we discussed, heavy drinking can cause myriad health issues related to blood in stool.

Note: Bleeding after drinking can indicate a life-threatening condition. The only way to truly treat the symptom is to address its root cause. Instead of trying to DIY a solution for bloody stool, consult a healthcare provider.

When To Seek Medical Attention for Bloody Stool

If you ever see blood in your stool, discuss your symptoms with a doctor as soon as possible. A professional medical opinion is the only way to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Whether your waste is bright red or black, this symptom warrants an examination. Multicolored bowel movements can be a sign of internal bleeding, organ damage, or liver failure.

When To Consult a Doctor or Urgent Care About Blood in Stool

If you’re especially concerned about your symptoms, you can make an appointment with your local urgent care or primary care physician. Explain your symptoms and request to be seen within the next few days, not weeks.

Be sure to alert your provider of any changes in bowel habits. Tell them whether the blood is mixed in with stool or if you’re just seeing it on the toilet paper. Note the color — is it bright red or black? 

Finally, if possible, create a log of times when you’ve observed blood after using the restroom. This may seem like overkill, but it can be incredibly helpful. The more information your doctor has, the better your outcomes will be.

When To Go to the Emergency Room for Bloody Stool

Sometimes, symptoms are severe or come on very quickly. Many people ignore the warning signs of internal bleeding — a decision that can be life-threatening. Head to the ER if you’re experiencing the following:

• Passing a lot of blood at once, especially if you see clots
• Blood accompanied by severe abdominal pain
• Weakness and fatigue, which can be signs of anemia
• Additional symptoms like dizziness, high heart rate, or low blood pressure
• Vomiting blood 
• Black, tar-like stools
• Stools that look like coffee grounds
• Painful passage of stools or pain during exertion

Listen to your body and trust your instincts. When in doubt, seek a professional opinion!

Tired of Pooping Blood After Drinking?

We know, we know — this whole topic feels a bit TMI. But if your stool has red or black in it, don’t let embarrassment keep you from seeking medical care. Pooping blood after drinking can signify serious internal damage. It may also be an easily solvable issue like hemorrhoids. You won’t know until you talk to a professional!

Bleeding after drinking inspires many of us to reassess our relationship with alcohol. If you’re hoping to cut back or quit, Reframe can help. Our innovative app combines proven habit-change techniques with 24/7 community support. Join millions of Reframers in the journey toward balance and well-being.