Can drinking alcohol cause a UTI? Can you drink on antibiotics for UTI symptoms? We’ve got the answers you’re looking for in our latest blog.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
What happens in the bathroom usually stays in the bathroom, but when it comes to urinary tract infections (UTIs), it’s a different story. The burning, itching, and downright painful sensation that happens when we urinate is a tell-tale sign — and one that calls for a trip to the doctor to get treatment.
UTIs can happen any time and have many different causes. But could alcohol and UTI infections be connected? Can alcohol cause UTI infections? Can alcohol cause kidney infections or bladder infections? And can you drink on UTI antibiotics? Let’s find out if that painful urination after drinking alcohol could be an alcohol-related UTI and what to do about it.
The urinary and digestive systems share some responsibilities when it comes to getting rid of waste, but the two really don’t mix well. While urine is sterile and doesn’t contain bacteria, the digestive tract is a whole different story. Unfortunately, the two systems are right next door to each other. This leaves plenty of opportunities for contamination, which happens if bacteria from the colon gets into the urethra, causing urinary tract infections. (You know how girls are always taught to wipe from front to back when going to the bathroom? Well, this is exactly why.)
UTIs can happen anywhere from the bladder to the kidneys, but are more common in the lower part of the tract (specifically, in the bladder). Kidney infections are less common, but are more serious than bladder infections. We’ll discuss them in a bit more detail later on.
According to the CDC, there are several risk factors for UTIs:
However, in addition to these factors, there are other factors that contribute to UTIs without directly causing them. And yes, one of them could be alcohol!
First things first: alcohol doesn’t “cause” UTIs, strictly speaking. So no, that margarita won’t send you to the bathroom doubling over in pain (well, it might — especially if you have too many — but it probably won’t be because of a UTI). However, drinking can create an environment that makes these pesky infections more likely.
There are a couple of different pathways that connect alcohol and UTIs, all of which ultimately have to do with an increase in inflammation and accumulation of bacteria that increases chances of infection. Let’s explore these pathways in more detail.
Alcohol is notoriously dehydrating, sending us to the bathroom many times throughout the evening (and often well into the night). And as it turns out, it’s not just because of all the liquid we’ve consumed. The reason has to do with a hormone known as vasopressin, which tells the kidneys to hold on to water. Alcohol suppresses vasopressin, so the kidneys open the floodgates, and keep us going back to that long line in the restroom at the bar. (For a closer look, check out: “Breaking the Seal: Why Does Alcohol Make You Pee So Much?”).
The result? We wake up feeling parched and, probably, with a nagging hangover headache. The dehydration, in turn, irritates the bladder by causing urine to be highly concentrated and more acidic. As it sits in the bladder, it puts pressure on it, and the acidity adds to the irritation. Any bacteria hanging out in the area around the urethra jump on the opportunity to invade while defenses are weak.
Another link between alcohol and UTI infections is a bit more indirect. Alcohol does more than dehydrate us — it also weakens our immune system. Studies show that even one bout of heavy drinking increases our susceptibility to diseases, such as a cold or a flu.
Over time, alcohol poses an even bigger threat to immunity, lowering our ability to fight off diseases and impacting both our innate and adaptive immunity. Part of the reason has to do with the fact that the body’s resources get sidetracked, focusing on getting alcohol out of our system and cleaning up the aftermath it creates. At the same time, alcohol itself causes inflammation, which uses up the immune system’s resources. When those resources are needed to fight off an infection — such as a UTI — they are in short supply, leading to longer recovery times (For more information, take a look at: “Alcohol's Impact on the Immune System”).
Besides that dreaded burning feeling that’s a tell-tale sign an infection might be brewing down there, are there any more symptoms? As it turns out, there are a few. We might expect different symptoms depending on where our infection originates.
Most UTIs involve the lower tract (usually the bladder) and come with some symptoms:
Symptoms of a kidney infection (pyelonephritis) are a bit more intense, and usually involve fever or chills, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, and pain in the side or back.
Both types of infection are usually easily treatable with antibiotics, but a call to the doctor is a must! If left untreated (or if our infection requires additional care), we’re looking at possible complications if we don’t act quickly.
We see that alcohol and UTI infections share a causal link, but there’s another question that might be on our mind: does alcohol make UTIs worse if we already have one? To be on the safe side, it’s better to wait a week or two until your UTI is at bay. Trust us, you’ll be glad you did!
The truth is, alcohol can worsen existing UTI symptoms through the same mechanism that makes us more susceptible to them after we drink. Besides, if we’re taking UTI medication, that’s another reason to wait. Why? Let’s explore the reasons in more detail.
In general, antibiotics and alcohol don’t mix, and those prescribed for a UTI are no exception. Once a diagnosis is made through a urine test that checks for bacteria, the doctor might prescribe some medication.
Here’s what we might be taking if we’re diagnosed with a UTI:
Finally, antibiotics tend to be dehydrating, and as we already know, alcohol is too. The last thing we want when we’re already dealing with a UTI is to dry things up even more!
Remember how we mentioned kidney infections back at the beginning? Chronic UTIs can lead to them. Although bladder and kidney infections are both classified as UTIs, the second is a lot more serious, and can have long-term implications.
Alcohol plays a special role here too. Alcohol misuse and bouts of heavy drinking can compromise kidney function, so it’s one more reason to stay safe and err on the side of moderation (or switch to booze-free options altogether).
Finally, here are some tips to help you stay UTI-free (and recover more quickly if you’ve already got one!)
If you’re dealing with a UTI, it might feel like it’s taking forever to go away, but rest assured, it will. We’re wishing you a speedy recovery — and a UTI-free future!
In the end, a UTI is a pain and a nuisance to deal with, but it’s temporary and very treatable, provided we take the necessary steps and don’t let it progress. Adding alcohol to the mix will only slow things down, so it’s best to stay away from booze until you feel better. And to lower your chances of getting a UTI in the first place, consider taking a step back from drinking. You might find that the benefits — even if you cut back a bit — go far beyond reducing your risks of UTIs and include perks such as better sleep, weight loss, a healthier heart, a better metabolism, and sharper cognitive skills. Why not try it out for yourself?
What happens in the bathroom usually stays in the bathroom, but when it comes to urinary tract infections (UTIs), it’s a different story. The burning, itching, and downright painful sensation that happens when we urinate is a tell-tale sign — and one that calls for a trip to the doctor to get treatment.
UTIs can happen any time and have many different causes. But could alcohol and UTI infections be connected? Can alcohol cause UTI infections? Can alcohol cause kidney infections or bladder infections? And can you drink on UTI antibiotics? Let’s find out if that painful urination after drinking alcohol could be an alcohol-related UTI and what to do about it.
The urinary and digestive systems share some responsibilities when it comes to getting rid of waste, but the two really don’t mix well. While urine is sterile and doesn’t contain bacteria, the digestive tract is a whole different story. Unfortunately, the two systems are right next door to each other. This leaves plenty of opportunities for contamination, which happens if bacteria from the colon gets into the urethra, causing urinary tract infections. (You know how girls are always taught to wipe from front to back when going to the bathroom? Well, this is exactly why.)
UTIs can happen anywhere from the bladder to the kidneys, but are more common in the lower part of the tract (specifically, in the bladder). Kidney infections are less common, but are more serious than bladder infections. We’ll discuss them in a bit more detail later on.
According to the CDC, there are several risk factors for UTIs:
However, in addition to these factors, there are other factors that contribute to UTIs without directly causing them. And yes, one of them could be alcohol!
First things first: alcohol doesn’t “cause” UTIs, strictly speaking. So no, that margarita won’t send you to the bathroom doubling over in pain (well, it might — especially if you have too many — but it probably won’t be because of a UTI). However, drinking can create an environment that makes these pesky infections more likely.
There are a couple of different pathways that connect alcohol and UTIs, all of which ultimately have to do with an increase in inflammation and accumulation of bacteria that increases chances of infection. Let’s explore these pathways in more detail.
Alcohol is notoriously dehydrating, sending us to the bathroom many times throughout the evening (and often well into the night). And as it turns out, it’s not just because of all the liquid we’ve consumed. The reason has to do with a hormone known as vasopressin, which tells the kidneys to hold on to water. Alcohol suppresses vasopressin, so the kidneys open the floodgates, and keep us going back to that long line in the restroom at the bar. (For a closer look, check out: “Breaking the Seal: Why Does Alcohol Make You Pee So Much?”).
The result? We wake up feeling parched and, probably, with a nagging hangover headache. The dehydration, in turn, irritates the bladder by causing urine to be highly concentrated and more acidic. As it sits in the bladder, it puts pressure on it, and the acidity adds to the irritation. Any bacteria hanging out in the area around the urethra jump on the opportunity to invade while defenses are weak.
Another link between alcohol and UTI infections is a bit more indirect. Alcohol does more than dehydrate us — it also weakens our immune system. Studies show that even one bout of heavy drinking increases our susceptibility to diseases, such as a cold or a flu.
Over time, alcohol poses an even bigger threat to immunity, lowering our ability to fight off diseases and impacting both our innate and adaptive immunity. Part of the reason has to do with the fact that the body’s resources get sidetracked, focusing on getting alcohol out of our system and cleaning up the aftermath it creates. At the same time, alcohol itself causes inflammation, which uses up the immune system’s resources. When those resources are needed to fight off an infection — such as a UTI — they are in short supply, leading to longer recovery times (For more information, take a look at: “Alcohol's Impact on the Immune System”).
Besides that dreaded burning feeling that’s a tell-tale sign an infection might be brewing down there, are there any more symptoms? As it turns out, there are a few. We might expect different symptoms depending on where our infection originates.
Most UTIs involve the lower tract (usually the bladder) and come with some symptoms:
Symptoms of a kidney infection (pyelonephritis) are a bit more intense, and usually involve fever or chills, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, and pain in the side or back.
Both types of infection are usually easily treatable with antibiotics, but a call to the doctor is a must! If left untreated (or if our infection requires additional care), we’re looking at possible complications if we don’t act quickly.
We see that alcohol and UTI infections share a causal link, but there’s another question that might be on our mind: does alcohol make UTIs worse if we already have one? To be on the safe side, it’s better to wait a week or two until your UTI is at bay. Trust us, you’ll be glad you did!
The truth is, alcohol can worsen existing UTI symptoms through the same mechanism that makes us more susceptible to them after we drink. Besides, if we’re taking UTI medication, that’s another reason to wait. Why? Let’s explore the reasons in more detail.
In general, antibiotics and alcohol don’t mix, and those prescribed for a UTI are no exception. Once a diagnosis is made through a urine test that checks for bacteria, the doctor might prescribe some medication.
Here’s what we might be taking if we’re diagnosed with a UTI:
Finally, antibiotics tend to be dehydrating, and as we already know, alcohol is too. The last thing we want when we’re already dealing with a UTI is to dry things up even more!
Remember how we mentioned kidney infections back at the beginning? Chronic UTIs can lead to them. Although bladder and kidney infections are both classified as UTIs, the second is a lot more serious, and can have long-term implications.
Alcohol plays a special role here too. Alcohol misuse and bouts of heavy drinking can compromise kidney function, so it’s one more reason to stay safe and err on the side of moderation (or switch to booze-free options altogether).
Finally, here are some tips to help you stay UTI-free (and recover more quickly if you’ve already got one!)
If you’re dealing with a UTI, it might feel like it’s taking forever to go away, but rest assured, it will. We’re wishing you a speedy recovery — and a UTI-free future!
In the end, a UTI is a pain and a nuisance to deal with, but it’s temporary and very treatable, provided we take the necessary steps and don’t let it progress. Adding alcohol to the mix will only slow things down, so it’s best to stay away from booze until you feel better. And to lower your chances of getting a UTI in the first place, consider taking a step back from drinking. You might find that the benefits — even if you cut back a bit — go far beyond reducing your risks of UTIs and include perks such as better sleep, weight loss, a healthier heart, a better metabolism, and sharper cognitive skills. Why not try it out for yourself?
The number of alcohol-related deaths continues to grow each year. Check out our latest blog for more data on alcohol-related mortalities and what we can do to improve it.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
“Just say no!” and “Drugs can kill!” are slogans we commonly hear growing up to discourage drug use. But what about alcohol? Unbeknownst to some, alcohol is a drug, and it is more deadly than some of the substances we frequently think of when we hear the word “drug.”
Alcohol is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths in the world — a fact that urges us to take a closer look at the issue and what we can do about it. “Out of sight, out of mind” can work for some things, but in this case, looking past the fatal effects of alcohol will allow it to continue taking more and more lives. Let’s take a deep dive into how alcohol can cause death and how we can fight back.
Drinking is commonly associated with feelings of intoxication, which we refer to as being drunk. Common symptoms include slurred speech, impaired motor function, nausea, decreased awareness, and more. However, excessive drinking can cause more serious symptoms and can even be fatal.
Studies show that alcohol can be potentially fatal when our blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is at or above 0.40%. To put it into perspective, a BAC of 0.40% is about 25 standard drinks. Although this may seem like a lot, it’s important to note that common drinks we order at the bar can contain more than what is considered a standard drink. For example, one standard drink is 12 oz of beer, but a pint is 16 oz. Similarly, one shot of a spirit is one standard drink. However, most cocktails contain anywhere from 1 to 3 shots, depending on the bar and the drink.
Although we can get a rough estimate of how much alcohol can be fatal, it will vary from person to person. Factors such as sex, weight, age, health, and tolerance can impact the amount of alcohol that can be fatal. In addition to being aware of our tolerance level, it’s helpful to be aware of signs of alcohol overdose:
Overdose from alcohol can be fatal and requires immediate medical attention. For medical and safety emergencies in the U.S., call 911.
Alcohol overdose is just one way that alcohol can cause death. To understand the extensive impact that alcohol has on public health and safety, let’s further examine the different types of alcohol-related deaths.
Poisoning or overdose from alcohol occurs when the alcohol level in our blood is so high that our brain begins to shut down. Since our brain controls basic life functions such as breathing, heartbeat, and blood pressure, excessive drinking can lead to coma and death.
Alcohol poisoning commonly occurs as a result of binge drinking. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), binge drinking is a pattern of drinking in a short period that results in a BAC of .08% or higher. According to the Alcohol-Related Disease Impact (ARDI) application, from 2020 to 2021, alcohol poisoning accounted for 12% of alcohol-related deaths.
The majority of alcohol-related deaths are due to health conditions that stem from chronic alcohol misuse. Dying from alcoholism accounted for 66% of total alcohol-related fatalities in 2020.
Alcohol has severe impacts on our health. It is directly linked with an increased risk of developing disease and cancer. These alcohol-related chronic diseases account for a high number of deaths per year:
Chronic and excessive drinking impacts the way our cells and organs function. While most alcohol-related deaths occur from health conditions that develop over time from excessive drinking, sudden death from chronic alcoholism is also common. The shocking number of alcohol-related fatalities is a sobering reminder of the detrimental impacts of alcohol.
Alcohol’s negative impact on our mental health can also be destructive if not fatal.
ARDI reports that 9,801 alcohol-related suicides occurred in 2020. Along with homicides, mental health-related deaths account for almost 10% of alcohol-related deaths per year. Mental health is just as important as physical health. The 988 Lifeline is available 24/7 for suicide and crisis support.
Because it impairs our judgment and our coordination among other things, alcohol can make simple activities dangerous. Alcohol-related accidents like drowning, falling, and aspiration (to name a few) make up 17% of all alcohol-related mortalities, and drunk driving accidents account for at least half of that number.
It’s easy to talk in percentages, but each of these incidents was a tragedy that marred a family. And this is only a small piece of the big picture. To even begin to grasp the extensiveness of alcohol-related deaths per year and why it’s important, we have to zoom out.
According to the CDC, about 178,000 alcohol-related deaths occur in the U.S. each year. This amounts to an average of 488 deaths per day. The following chart outlines alcohol-related fatalities per state using the ARDI application.
An analysis of alcohol-related deaths in 2019 by the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS) reported the following findings:
A 2022 analysis by the CDC, reported similar findings:
Through the data on alcohol-related deaths per year, we can see the detrimental impacts of alcohol. As the world has gone through several significant events throughout the years, let’s take a closer look at how the numbers have changed in recent years.
A recent study by the CDC showed that alcohol-related deaths increased an appalling 29% from 2016 to 2021. The study highlighted an especially sharp increase from 2019-2021, which may be attributed to COVID-19. Pandemic aside, alcohol-related deaths continue to show an upward trend.
A rise in alcohol-related death rates during the peak years of COVID-19 is speculated to be attributed to several factors:
COVID-19 contributed significantly to the surge of alcohol-related mortalities in recent years, but it’s not the only reason for the upward trend.
Over the years, we’ve seen increasing focus on the war on drugs. Policies to crack down on drugs such as cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine have been enforced more strongly. But the same can’t be said for alcohol. Despite alcohol being a drug, it’s often not thought of as one or treated like one. The social acceptance of drinking and the lack of policies to regulate alcohol contribute to the growing number of alcohol-related deaths per year.
A rise in alcohol-related deaths has been disproportionately higher in females. Research shows that female-focused alcohol advertising may be to blame.
Trends such as “wine moms” and targeted marketing including a focus on slimness, motherhood, female friendships, and femininity have ramped up in recent years. These toxic trends and gender-specific marketing help to explain the significant rise in alcohol-related deaths, specifically among women.
Alcohol remains one of the leading causes of preventable deaths in the U.S. and around the world. A mantra of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is “Nothing changes if nothing changes.” This saying also goes for preventing alcohol-related fatalities. If we do not implement changes to reduce our overall alcohol consumption, the rate of alcohol-related deaths will continue to rise.
While drinking is massively accepted, alcohol misuse and alcohol use disorder (AUD) continue to be stigmatized. According to an NIAAA’s Core Resource on overcoming barriers to care, stigma continues to be a significant contributing factor to the undertreatment of AUD. Getting treatment or support for alcohol misuse or dependence is crucial in helping prevent AUD and potential alcohol-related health conditions and fatalities.
At times, it can be difficult to recognize that our relationship with alcohol is becoming unhealthy. Approaching a loved one with alcohol dependence in the right way can help them get the clarity and support they need. There are several ways we can support them:
As we support our loved ones, we might find it helpful to rethink our own relationship with alcohol.
When we’re ready to develop a healthier relationship with alcohol, there are five simple steps we can take:
Hiding behind the facade of a fun social beverage, alcohol can rob us of even our vitality. As F. Scott Fitzgerald explains in his novel The Great Gatsby, “First you take a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes you.” From the data, we can see the multifarious ways that alcohol can lead to death. Leading causes of alcohol-related deaths, including motor accidents, long-term health conditions, and alcohol poisoning, highlight the acute and chronic impacts of drinking. While structural changes are crucial in changing the trajectory of alcohol-related fatalities, we can implement individual changes to cut back on alcohol. Practicing mindful drinking and developing a healthier relationship with alcohol can prevent negative alcohol-related impacts.
“Just say no!” and “Drugs can kill!” are slogans we commonly hear growing up to discourage drug use. But what about alcohol? Unbeknownst to some, alcohol is a drug, and it is more deadly than some of the substances we frequently think of when we hear the word “drug.”
Alcohol is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths in the world — a fact that urges us to take a closer look at the issue and what we can do about it. “Out of sight, out of mind” can work for some things, but in this case, looking past the fatal effects of alcohol will allow it to continue taking more and more lives. Let’s take a deep dive into how alcohol can cause death and how we can fight back.
Drinking is commonly associated with feelings of intoxication, which we refer to as being drunk. Common symptoms include slurred speech, impaired motor function, nausea, decreased awareness, and more. However, excessive drinking can cause more serious symptoms and can even be fatal.
Studies show that alcohol can be potentially fatal when our blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is at or above 0.40%. To put it into perspective, a BAC of 0.40% is about 25 standard drinks. Although this may seem like a lot, it’s important to note that common drinks we order at the bar can contain more than what is considered a standard drink. For example, one standard drink is 12 oz of beer, but a pint is 16 oz. Similarly, one shot of a spirit is one standard drink. However, most cocktails contain anywhere from 1 to 3 shots, depending on the bar and the drink.
Although we can get a rough estimate of how much alcohol can be fatal, it will vary from person to person. Factors such as sex, weight, age, health, and tolerance can impact the amount of alcohol that can be fatal. In addition to being aware of our tolerance level, it’s helpful to be aware of signs of alcohol overdose:
Overdose from alcohol can be fatal and requires immediate medical attention. For medical and safety emergencies in the U.S., call 911.
Alcohol overdose is just one way that alcohol can cause death. To understand the extensive impact that alcohol has on public health and safety, let’s further examine the different types of alcohol-related deaths.
Poisoning or overdose from alcohol occurs when the alcohol level in our blood is so high that our brain begins to shut down. Since our brain controls basic life functions such as breathing, heartbeat, and blood pressure, excessive drinking can lead to coma and death.
Alcohol poisoning commonly occurs as a result of binge drinking. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), binge drinking is a pattern of drinking in a short period that results in a BAC of .08% or higher. According to the Alcohol-Related Disease Impact (ARDI) application, from 2020 to 2021, alcohol poisoning accounted for 12% of alcohol-related deaths.
The majority of alcohol-related deaths are due to health conditions that stem from chronic alcohol misuse. Dying from alcoholism accounted for 66% of total alcohol-related fatalities in 2020.
Alcohol has severe impacts on our health. It is directly linked with an increased risk of developing disease and cancer. These alcohol-related chronic diseases account for a high number of deaths per year:
Chronic and excessive drinking impacts the way our cells and organs function. While most alcohol-related deaths occur from health conditions that develop over time from excessive drinking, sudden death from chronic alcoholism is also common. The shocking number of alcohol-related fatalities is a sobering reminder of the detrimental impacts of alcohol.
Alcohol’s negative impact on our mental health can also be destructive if not fatal.
ARDI reports that 9,801 alcohol-related suicides occurred in 2020. Along with homicides, mental health-related deaths account for almost 10% of alcohol-related deaths per year. Mental health is just as important as physical health. The 988 Lifeline is available 24/7 for suicide and crisis support.
Because it impairs our judgment and our coordination among other things, alcohol can make simple activities dangerous. Alcohol-related accidents like drowning, falling, and aspiration (to name a few) make up 17% of all alcohol-related mortalities, and drunk driving accidents account for at least half of that number.
It’s easy to talk in percentages, but each of these incidents was a tragedy that marred a family. And this is only a small piece of the big picture. To even begin to grasp the extensiveness of alcohol-related deaths per year and why it’s important, we have to zoom out.
According to the CDC, about 178,000 alcohol-related deaths occur in the U.S. each year. This amounts to an average of 488 deaths per day. The following chart outlines alcohol-related fatalities per state using the ARDI application.
An analysis of alcohol-related deaths in 2019 by the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS) reported the following findings:
A 2022 analysis by the CDC, reported similar findings:
Through the data on alcohol-related deaths per year, we can see the detrimental impacts of alcohol. As the world has gone through several significant events throughout the years, let’s take a closer look at how the numbers have changed in recent years.
A recent study by the CDC showed that alcohol-related deaths increased an appalling 29% from 2016 to 2021. The study highlighted an especially sharp increase from 2019-2021, which may be attributed to COVID-19. Pandemic aside, alcohol-related deaths continue to show an upward trend.
A rise in alcohol-related death rates during the peak years of COVID-19 is speculated to be attributed to several factors:
COVID-19 contributed significantly to the surge of alcohol-related mortalities in recent years, but it’s not the only reason for the upward trend.
Over the years, we’ve seen increasing focus on the war on drugs. Policies to crack down on drugs such as cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine have been enforced more strongly. But the same can’t be said for alcohol. Despite alcohol being a drug, it’s often not thought of as one or treated like one. The social acceptance of drinking and the lack of policies to regulate alcohol contribute to the growing number of alcohol-related deaths per year.
A rise in alcohol-related deaths has been disproportionately higher in females. Research shows that female-focused alcohol advertising may be to blame.
Trends such as “wine moms” and targeted marketing including a focus on slimness, motherhood, female friendships, and femininity have ramped up in recent years. These toxic trends and gender-specific marketing help to explain the significant rise in alcohol-related deaths, specifically among women.
Alcohol remains one of the leading causes of preventable deaths in the U.S. and around the world. A mantra of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is “Nothing changes if nothing changes.” This saying also goes for preventing alcohol-related fatalities. If we do not implement changes to reduce our overall alcohol consumption, the rate of alcohol-related deaths will continue to rise.
While drinking is massively accepted, alcohol misuse and alcohol use disorder (AUD) continue to be stigmatized. According to an NIAAA’s Core Resource on overcoming barriers to care, stigma continues to be a significant contributing factor to the undertreatment of AUD. Getting treatment or support for alcohol misuse or dependence is crucial in helping prevent AUD and potential alcohol-related health conditions and fatalities.
At times, it can be difficult to recognize that our relationship with alcohol is becoming unhealthy. Approaching a loved one with alcohol dependence in the right way can help them get the clarity and support they need. There are several ways we can support them:
As we support our loved ones, we might find it helpful to rethink our own relationship with alcohol.
When we’re ready to develop a healthier relationship with alcohol, there are five simple steps we can take:
Hiding behind the facade of a fun social beverage, alcohol can rob us of even our vitality. As F. Scott Fitzgerald explains in his novel The Great Gatsby, “First you take a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes you.” From the data, we can see the multifarious ways that alcohol can lead to death. Leading causes of alcohol-related deaths, including motor accidents, long-term health conditions, and alcohol poisoning, highlight the acute and chronic impacts of drinking. While structural changes are crucial in changing the trajectory of alcohol-related fatalities, we can implement individual changes to cut back on alcohol. Practicing mindful drinking and developing a healthier relationship with alcohol can prevent negative alcohol-related impacts.
Learn about the connection between alcohol and heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation (AFib), and why mixing alcohol with AFib makes for a dangerous cocktail.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a heart rhythm disorder that affects more than 46 million people worldwide. It’s a potentially dangerous condition that has been linked with stroke and heart attacks, but it can be managed with lifestyle adjustments and, in some cases, medication. If you’ve been diagnosed with AFib, you probably have a lot of questions about how to stay safe and healthy — but what about alcohol? Can you enjoy a glass of wine with dinner or celebrate with a champagne toast, or does alcohol need to be avoided entirely? This blog post delves into the relationship between alcohol and AFib, offering insights and guidelines to help you make informed decisions.
Atrial fibrillation, often referred to as AFib, is the most common type of heart arrhythmia. An arrhythmia is a disturbance in the normal rhythm of the heart, which can lead to abnormal blood flow, excessive strain on heart tissue, discomfort, and decreased blood flow to the brain.
Blood moves into the heart by starting in the right atrium, then moving to the left ventricle and into the lungs. The lungs infuse our blood with oxygen, then send it back into the heart through the left atrium, where it is pumped into the left ventricle and out into our body. Whew! Quite a complicated process, huh? Each heartbeat involves precise choreography to work perfectly — and normally functioning hearts do it approximately 100,000 times per day!
During atrial fibrillation, the atria of the heart contract irregularly and chaotically, decreasing blood flow into the ventricles. Think of the heart as the drummer in a band. Normally, the drummer maintains a steady, consistent rhythm that guides the rest of the band. This is the heart's normal rhythm: it beats in a regular, organized way to pump blood efficiently. In atrial fibrillation, however, it's as if the drummer suddenly starts playing completely offbeat. The rhythm becomes unpredictable, and the music stops making sense.
When we experience AFib, we may become dizzy or feel like our heart is fluttering or racing. Some people sweat or start feeling anxious due to their chest discomfort and the interrupted blood flow to the parts of our brain that regulate our moods. Plus, heart palpitations can be scary!
AFib happens in episodes that can be frequent or rare. Typically, these episodes resolve on their own, but sometimes they require a hospital visit to stabilize the rhythm. Untreated, AFib can strain the heart and lead to more serious cardiac problems.
AFib is not to be confused with ventricular fibrillation (VFib), an arrhythmia that requires immediate emergency care. In VFib, the ventricles are not pumping blood into the lungs or body. While AFib is associated with increased risk for certain medical conditions, it is not immediately life-threatening.
The most common complications of AFib are stroke and heart attack. Both of these come from the increased risk of clots among those who experience AFib.
Normal, healthy clots move through the body to the places they’re needed to help heal injury and disease. Unneeded clots are broken down and the components are recycled for other uses. However, sometimes the clots don’t go where they should. When we’re sedentary, sitting for long periods during work or travel, our blood pools, causing clots to accumulate instead of moving around. Eventually, they can clump together and make larger clots that our body may not be able to break down as easily. This puts us at risk for problems in risky areas such as arteries narrowed by cholesterol deposits or the tiny blood vessels in the brain, heart, and lungs.
In AFib, blood isn’t being properly pumped out of the heart, so it pools in the atria. Clots clump up and form larger clots, which are then passed through the bloodstream and into the lungs, brain, limbs, or other parts of the heart. This is why people with AFib are at increased risk of problems like stroke and heart attack. The best way for those with AFib to stay safe is to adjust their lifestyle to reduce their risk of clots. This includes eating a healthy diet, managing their weight, quitting or cutting back on drinking, and sometimes using medications to manage clotting and heart rhythm.
In addition to clotting, AFib can cause brain damage due to inadequate blood flow. This can lead to cognitive dysfunction, dizziness, poor coordination, and confusion. Since alcohol can cause similar issues in the brain, it’s particularly risky to drink with an AFib diagnosis, and especially during an AFib episode. When we drink while the heart is in AFib, these effects can amplify each other and lead to more serious problems or injuries.
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, but there’s more to the story. It stimulates the release of dopamine — the feel-good chemical — in the brain, activating our reward centers and reinforcing our desire to drink. That’s why we feel happy at first when we drink alcohol, and it’s why we end up craving it with regular use. It also stimulates the release of stress hormones like adrenaline, which increases our heart rate and blood pressure. That’s one of the biggest reasons why many people experience a rapid heart rate or heart palpitations after drinking.
In addition to the chemical changes it causes in our bodies, alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it stimulates urine production. This affects our hydration levels and decreases our electrolytes, which are necessary for the heart to produce normal electrical signals. Sodium plays a special role in heart rhythm and needs to be carefully managed when caring for heart conditions like AFib.
These short-term effects of alcohol use tend to resolve fairly quickly. But over time, repeated strain on the heart from alcohol can lead to permanent damage such as cardiomyopathy and chronic conditions like heart failure. Regular alcohol use, including in small amounts, has also been linked to an increased risk of AFib.
In a 2021 study, participants diagnosed with AFib wore heart rate monitors and tracked their alcohol intake. The results showed that drinking alcohol doubles the likelihood of an AFib episode for the next four hours. The evidence is pretty clear: mixing alcohol and AFib does not make for a tasty cocktail. For those who have already been diagnosed with AFib, drinking alcohol leads to worsening of symptoms and an increased risk of complications. For those who haven’t been diagnosed, alcohol increases the chance of developing AFib.
Alcohol use is associated with a broad range of health problems affecting every system of the body. Beyond the heart risks, alcohol damages the stomach, kidneys, bones, teeth, gut, liver, and more. Since all these body parts are connected through the cardiovascular system, it’s important to prioritize heart health to avoid further damage to them, especially if we already have a risky heart condition like AFib. When we mix alcohol and AFib, we put every part of our body at risk.
In addition to the physical risks, alcohol interacts with many medications used to treat AFib and its symptoms.
Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to treat AFib. They work by modifying the behavior of platelets, which are small fragments of blood cells that clump together to form clots.
There are two main categories of blood thinners.
So, is alcohol a blood thinner? Sort of. Alcohol has both antiplatelet and anticoagulant properties, meaning it can increase the effects of both of these types of medications. While some studies show that small amounts of alcohol may be safe, the truth is that even a single drink per day is associated with an increased risk of side effects.
People on blood thinners are at increased risk of bleeding. Excessive alcohol use is associated with bleeding in the stomach and esophagus, potentially worsening these conditions. In addition, drinking inhibits coordination and balance, putting us at greater risk for falls and other injuries, which become significantly more dangerous when our blood doesn’t clot properly.
Mixing alcohol with other AFib medications like calcium channel blockers and beta blockers can lead to dangerously low blood pressure levels and should be avoided.
An occasional drink may seem harmless when we have a condition like AFib, which doesn’t seem to impact us every single day. But the truth is, it increases the risk of serious complications and makes it more likely that AFib becomes a regular part of our life. AFib and alcohol use cause many of the same symptoms, and they can lead to similar chronic conditions. The heart, one of the most fundamental and essential parts of our body, is incredibly sensitive to how we treat it. Heart disease is the leading cause of death globally, causing nearly 700,000 deaths in the U.S. alone in 2021. The number two cause of death globally is stroke, a known complication of AFib. We can take control of AFib through medications, lifestyle changes, and by quitting or cutting back on drinking alcohol and by reducing complicating factors that worsen outcomes of AFib.
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a heart rhythm disorder that affects more than 46 million people worldwide. It’s a potentially dangerous condition that has been linked with stroke and heart attacks, but it can be managed with lifestyle adjustments and, in some cases, medication. If you’ve been diagnosed with AFib, you probably have a lot of questions about how to stay safe and healthy — but what about alcohol? Can you enjoy a glass of wine with dinner or celebrate with a champagne toast, or does alcohol need to be avoided entirely? This blog post delves into the relationship between alcohol and AFib, offering insights and guidelines to help you make informed decisions.
Atrial fibrillation, often referred to as AFib, is the most common type of heart arrhythmia. An arrhythmia is a disturbance in the normal rhythm of the heart, which can lead to abnormal blood flow, excessive strain on heart tissue, discomfort, and decreased blood flow to the brain.
Blood moves into the heart by starting in the right atrium, then moving to the left ventricle and into the lungs. The lungs infuse our blood with oxygen, then send it back into the heart through the left atrium, where it is pumped into the left ventricle and out into our body. Whew! Quite a complicated process, huh? Each heartbeat involves precise choreography to work perfectly — and normally functioning hearts do it approximately 100,000 times per day!
During atrial fibrillation, the atria of the heart contract irregularly and chaotically, decreasing blood flow into the ventricles. Think of the heart as the drummer in a band. Normally, the drummer maintains a steady, consistent rhythm that guides the rest of the band. This is the heart's normal rhythm: it beats in a regular, organized way to pump blood efficiently. In atrial fibrillation, however, it's as if the drummer suddenly starts playing completely offbeat. The rhythm becomes unpredictable, and the music stops making sense.
When we experience AFib, we may become dizzy or feel like our heart is fluttering or racing. Some people sweat or start feeling anxious due to their chest discomfort and the interrupted blood flow to the parts of our brain that regulate our moods. Plus, heart palpitations can be scary!
AFib happens in episodes that can be frequent or rare. Typically, these episodes resolve on their own, but sometimes they require a hospital visit to stabilize the rhythm. Untreated, AFib can strain the heart and lead to more serious cardiac problems.
AFib is not to be confused with ventricular fibrillation (VFib), an arrhythmia that requires immediate emergency care. In VFib, the ventricles are not pumping blood into the lungs or body. While AFib is associated with increased risk for certain medical conditions, it is not immediately life-threatening.
The most common complications of AFib are stroke and heart attack. Both of these come from the increased risk of clots among those who experience AFib.
Normal, healthy clots move through the body to the places they’re needed to help heal injury and disease. Unneeded clots are broken down and the components are recycled for other uses. However, sometimes the clots don’t go where they should. When we’re sedentary, sitting for long periods during work or travel, our blood pools, causing clots to accumulate instead of moving around. Eventually, they can clump together and make larger clots that our body may not be able to break down as easily. This puts us at risk for problems in risky areas such as arteries narrowed by cholesterol deposits or the tiny blood vessels in the brain, heart, and lungs.
In AFib, blood isn’t being properly pumped out of the heart, so it pools in the atria. Clots clump up and form larger clots, which are then passed through the bloodstream and into the lungs, brain, limbs, or other parts of the heart. This is why people with AFib are at increased risk of problems like stroke and heart attack. The best way for those with AFib to stay safe is to adjust their lifestyle to reduce their risk of clots. This includes eating a healthy diet, managing their weight, quitting or cutting back on drinking, and sometimes using medications to manage clotting and heart rhythm.
In addition to clotting, AFib can cause brain damage due to inadequate blood flow. This can lead to cognitive dysfunction, dizziness, poor coordination, and confusion. Since alcohol can cause similar issues in the brain, it’s particularly risky to drink with an AFib diagnosis, and especially during an AFib episode. When we drink while the heart is in AFib, these effects can amplify each other and lead to more serious problems or injuries.
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, but there’s more to the story. It stimulates the release of dopamine — the feel-good chemical — in the brain, activating our reward centers and reinforcing our desire to drink. That’s why we feel happy at first when we drink alcohol, and it’s why we end up craving it with regular use. It also stimulates the release of stress hormones like adrenaline, which increases our heart rate and blood pressure. That’s one of the biggest reasons why many people experience a rapid heart rate or heart palpitations after drinking.
In addition to the chemical changes it causes in our bodies, alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it stimulates urine production. This affects our hydration levels and decreases our electrolytes, which are necessary for the heart to produce normal electrical signals. Sodium plays a special role in heart rhythm and needs to be carefully managed when caring for heart conditions like AFib.
These short-term effects of alcohol use tend to resolve fairly quickly. But over time, repeated strain on the heart from alcohol can lead to permanent damage such as cardiomyopathy and chronic conditions like heart failure. Regular alcohol use, including in small amounts, has also been linked to an increased risk of AFib.
In a 2021 study, participants diagnosed with AFib wore heart rate monitors and tracked their alcohol intake. The results showed that drinking alcohol doubles the likelihood of an AFib episode for the next four hours. The evidence is pretty clear: mixing alcohol and AFib does not make for a tasty cocktail. For those who have already been diagnosed with AFib, drinking alcohol leads to worsening of symptoms and an increased risk of complications. For those who haven’t been diagnosed, alcohol increases the chance of developing AFib.
Alcohol use is associated with a broad range of health problems affecting every system of the body. Beyond the heart risks, alcohol damages the stomach, kidneys, bones, teeth, gut, liver, and more. Since all these body parts are connected through the cardiovascular system, it’s important to prioritize heart health to avoid further damage to them, especially if we already have a risky heart condition like AFib. When we mix alcohol and AFib, we put every part of our body at risk.
In addition to the physical risks, alcohol interacts with many medications used to treat AFib and its symptoms.
Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to treat AFib. They work by modifying the behavior of platelets, which are small fragments of blood cells that clump together to form clots.
There are two main categories of blood thinners.
So, is alcohol a blood thinner? Sort of. Alcohol has both antiplatelet and anticoagulant properties, meaning it can increase the effects of both of these types of medications. While some studies show that small amounts of alcohol may be safe, the truth is that even a single drink per day is associated with an increased risk of side effects.
People on blood thinners are at increased risk of bleeding. Excessive alcohol use is associated with bleeding in the stomach and esophagus, potentially worsening these conditions. In addition, drinking inhibits coordination and balance, putting us at greater risk for falls and other injuries, which become significantly more dangerous when our blood doesn’t clot properly.
Mixing alcohol with other AFib medications like calcium channel blockers and beta blockers can lead to dangerously low blood pressure levels and should be avoided.
An occasional drink may seem harmless when we have a condition like AFib, which doesn’t seem to impact us every single day. But the truth is, it increases the risk of serious complications and makes it more likely that AFib becomes a regular part of our life. AFib and alcohol use cause many of the same symptoms, and they can lead to similar chronic conditions. The heart, one of the most fundamental and essential parts of our body, is incredibly sensitive to how we treat it. Heart disease is the leading cause of death globally, causing nearly 700,000 deaths in the U.S. alone in 2021. The number two cause of death globally is stroke, a known complication of AFib. We can take control of AFib through medications, lifestyle changes, and by quitting or cutting back on drinking alcohol and by reducing complicating factors that worsen outcomes of AFib.
Scientists are divided about the relationship between diverticulitis and alcohol. Today, we answer all your questions, including, “Can alcohol cause diverticulitis?”
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
You fidget on the paper-covered table, swinging your legs, waiting for the doctor to arrive. The nurse asks a lot of questions about your symptoms — nausea, fatigue, and lingering abdominal pain.
“How long has this been going on?”
You’re not quite sure.
“How many alcoholic drinks do you consume each week?”
You’re not sure about that, either.
Part of you thinks this appointment may be overkill, but then again, those late-night Google searches turned up some scary diagnoses — gastritis, appendicitis, and diverticulitis. The paper crinkles as you pull out your phone to look up that last one. What is diverticulitis, and could it be linked to your alcohol use?
First, we’ll need to familiarize ourselves with the differences between diverticulosis, diverticulitis, and diverticular disease. Stick with us — we promise it’ll make sense.
“Diverticula” is the scientific name for abnormal, marble-sized sacs that can form in the wall of the large intestine. Any medical problem involving these structures is classified as a diverticular disease.
There are two major forms of diverticular disease: diverticulosis and diverticulitis. The words look similar, but if you take a look at those suffixes, the differences are easy to spot:
Let’s explore the disease of and inflammation of diverticula. Hint: one is a prerequisite for the other.
Diverticulosis is a disease or condition of the diverticula. It’s the catch-all term for the formation of those tiny pockets in our intestinal wall. They’re created when our bowel muscles weaken and the inner layers push outwards.
Most of us won’t realize we have diverticulosis; it tends to be symptomless. In fact, we may only get a diagnosis after those pouches get inflamed. That’s what diverticulitis is.
After intestinal antechambers have formed, they may tear, wear away, or begin to bleed. Diverticulitis is the medical term for the inflammation, perforation, or infection of those pockets. It’s a relatively rare condition that impacts just 4% of people with diverticula. Symptoms generally include persistent abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
So, to recap: diverticulosis is the development of intestinal pockets. Diverticulitis is the inflammation or infection of those pockets. In this article, we’re talking about diverticulitis and alcohol.
But let’s face it — no matter where we go, there will be alcohol. According to the World Gastroenterology Organisation, 75% of diverticular disease cases are simple. The other 25% come with complications like abscesses, bowel obstruction, peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal lining), sepsis, and the formation of fistulas. The symptoms of diverticulitis vary from person to person, and they depend on the severity of our condition.
The hallmark of diverticulitis is severe, persistent abdominal pain, especially on the lower left side. However, some people may experience more discomfort on the right side, which is why diverticulitis and appendicitis are often confused.
There are other symptoms, however, that can help differentiate the two:
Many people refer to diverticulitis as a “flare-up,” since it occurs when those little pockets are inflamed. Pain, cramping, and changes to bowel movements can be signs of diverticular distress. Those previously diagnosed with diverticulosis should contact their treatment provider if these symptoms develop.
Because diverticulitis is correlated with age, it’s much more common in older people. When younger folks develop this condition, it’s usually due to factors like obesity and high-risk activities. Smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, and a high-fat, low-fiber diet can increase the risk of diverticulosis and, subsequently, diverticulitis.
Some researchers have begun to speculate about alcohol’s involvement in diverticular disease. Can alcohol cause diverticulitis?
Few substances impact our esophagus, stomach, and intestines as strongly as alcohol. Diverticulitis and other GI conditions don’t just develop overnight; it may take years for us to begin experiencing symptoms. That’s because of the insidious ways booze affects our digestive system:
There’s more to gut health than diverticulitis and alcohol. In time, drinking can impact our overall gastrointestinal well-being. Many GI disorders are connected to heavy alcohol use:
Alcohol is related to myriad gastrointestinal disorders, but is it a major player in the irritation of diverticula? Scientific opinion is mixed.
One study from The Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology determined that alcohol consumption is a risk factor for diverticulosis (which, in turn, can lead to diverticulitis). Researchers found that the more a person drank, the more likely they were to develop the condition.
Another group of researchers published similar results in the journal Medicine (Baltimore). They analyzed a database of almost 260,000 people and found that those who consumed alcohol were more vulnerable to diverticular disease. This large-scale study illustrates a clear correlation between alcohol use and conditions related to diverticular disease.
However, some studies have identified an opposite trend. A good example is a meta-analysis published in The Hawaii Journal of Medicine and Public Health, which found no significant relationship between alcohol and diverticulitis or diverticulosis.
While researchers are still gathering information about whether alcohol causes diverticulitis, we’ve confirmed that drinking is not good for our digestive system.
So, if we have diverticulitis, can we still drink?
It’s probably not the best idea.
First, drinking weakens our immune system, which is a no-go when we’re fighting off any kind of diverticular infection. Alcohol also interacts with the antibiotic medications used to treat this condition, reducing their efficacy and increasing the likelihood of adverse reactions. Finally, severe cases of diverticulitis may result in fistulas, bowel obstructions, and other complications, and drinking might increase these health risks.
There’s no “best type” of alcoholic beverage to drink during a bout of diverticulitis. There is a worst one, though — liquor, or any libation with a high alcohol concentration. Check the alcohol by volume (ABV) before cheers-ing and consider booze-free alternatives.
If we’re in the middle of a diverticulitis flare-up, it’s best to avoid alcohol altogether. Once we’ve recovered, we should talk to our doctor, who might give us the okay to begin reincorporating alcohol. They may also recommend that we continue to abstain, or only drink one or two beverages on special occasions. It is important to follow our physician’s advice to protect our health and safety after a diverticulitis diagnosis.
If you’re experiencing a diverticulitis flare-up, follow your doctor’s orders, not listicles on the Internet! In addition to your doctor’s orders, however, some lifestyle changes can help alleviate symptoms and prevent future flare-ups:
1. Forge a new relationship with fiber. Low dietary fiber is behind many cases of diverticular disease. Eating more roughage — a.k.a., vegetables you have to chew thoroughly — can do great things for your GI tract. High-fiber foods are more than just beans and broccoli. To keep diverticulitis at bay, try incorporating more bananas, berries, avocados, brussels sprouts, and whole grains into your meals. If you’re experiencing a flare-up, your doctor may recommend a low-fiber diet instead. This is why it’s important to speak to your doctor before making any major nutritional changes.
2. Move more. Exercise promotes regular bowel movements, improves digestion, and reduces stress, which can worsen the symptoms of diverticulitis. Once your flare-up has passed, ask your provider about low-impact physical activities to boost your health.
3. Take a fiber supplement. A variety of fiber sources can help regulate your bowel movements. For some of us, these supplements work wonders. Talk to a doctor before starting any dietary supplement, even Metamucil or Benefiber. If you do add fiber supplements to your regimen, do so gradually to avoid bloating and gas.
4. Drink a lot of water. Hydration is especially important if we struggle with constipation or diarrhea. Drinking enough water keeps waste moving smoothly through our GI tract. Try to hit the recommended daily intake of 13 cups of water per day for men and nine for women.
5. Avoid NSAIDs. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil and Aleve can irritate our GI tracts, especially our intestines. Cutting down on these over-the-counter pain remedies may be a good idea for those concerned about diverticulitis.
6. Try meatless Mondays. Researchers have found that diverticular disease is much less common in vegetarians. If you’re not down for a meat-free diet, try cutting it out once or twice a week.
7. Avoid alcohol. Drinking can increase our risk of diverticulitis flare-ups and the formation of new diverticula. Cut back on drinking or leave it behind for good! If you need help cutting back on your alcohol use, Reframe can help.
8. Seek medical attention. If you suspect diverticulitis, make an appointment with your doctor or go to the emergency room. Your physician may recommend surgery, prescribe antibiotics, or put you on a clear liquid diet (that doesn’t include alcohol).
Whenever you experience persistent abdominal pain, it’s a good idea to seek medical attention. Don’t wait for the discomfort to pass — you never know what’s to blame. An experienced healthcare provider can rule out life-threatening conditions like appendicitis, which would require emergency surgery.
Pain isn’t the only sign that something is wrong. If you’ve already been diagnosed with diverticulitis or diverticulosis, consider calling the doctor when you experience the following:
Back to that crinkly-papered exam table — if your doctor comes into the room and diagnoses you with diverticulitis, we hope this article will give you some actionable ideas about how to move forward. If they ask you to cut back on your drinking, Reframe can help you address your alcohol intake.
Reframe is a proven habit-change app that draws from leading behavioral research, a network of medical and lifestyle professionals, and neuroscientific best practices. With partners at Emory, Harvard, and other major institutions, we’ll show you how to live a fulfilling life with less (or no!) booze.
We made Reframe to help people like you discover the very best versions of themselves. To try the app free for 7 days, visit the App Store or Google Play. We can’t wait to see you thrive.
You fidget on the paper-covered table, swinging your legs, waiting for the doctor to arrive. The nurse asks a lot of questions about your symptoms — nausea, fatigue, and lingering abdominal pain.
“How long has this been going on?”
You’re not quite sure.
“How many alcoholic drinks do you consume each week?”
You’re not sure about that, either.
Part of you thinks this appointment may be overkill, but then again, those late-night Google searches turned up some scary diagnoses — gastritis, appendicitis, and diverticulitis. The paper crinkles as you pull out your phone to look up that last one. What is diverticulitis, and could it be linked to your alcohol use?
First, we’ll need to familiarize ourselves with the differences between diverticulosis, diverticulitis, and diverticular disease. Stick with us — we promise it’ll make sense.
“Diverticula” is the scientific name for abnormal, marble-sized sacs that can form in the wall of the large intestine. Any medical problem involving these structures is classified as a diverticular disease.
There are two major forms of diverticular disease: diverticulosis and diverticulitis. The words look similar, but if you take a look at those suffixes, the differences are easy to spot:
Let’s explore the disease of and inflammation of diverticula. Hint: one is a prerequisite for the other.
Diverticulosis is a disease or condition of the diverticula. It’s the catch-all term for the formation of those tiny pockets in our intestinal wall. They’re created when our bowel muscles weaken and the inner layers push outwards.
Most of us won’t realize we have diverticulosis; it tends to be symptomless. In fact, we may only get a diagnosis after those pouches get inflamed. That’s what diverticulitis is.
After intestinal antechambers have formed, they may tear, wear away, or begin to bleed. Diverticulitis is the medical term for the inflammation, perforation, or infection of those pockets. It’s a relatively rare condition that impacts just 4% of people with diverticula. Symptoms generally include persistent abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
So, to recap: diverticulosis is the development of intestinal pockets. Diverticulitis is the inflammation or infection of those pockets. In this article, we’re talking about diverticulitis and alcohol.
But let’s face it — no matter where we go, there will be alcohol. According to the World Gastroenterology Organisation, 75% of diverticular disease cases are simple. The other 25% come with complications like abscesses, bowel obstruction, peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal lining), sepsis, and the formation of fistulas. The symptoms of diverticulitis vary from person to person, and they depend on the severity of our condition.
The hallmark of diverticulitis is severe, persistent abdominal pain, especially on the lower left side. However, some people may experience more discomfort on the right side, which is why diverticulitis and appendicitis are often confused.
There are other symptoms, however, that can help differentiate the two:
Many people refer to diverticulitis as a “flare-up,” since it occurs when those little pockets are inflamed. Pain, cramping, and changes to bowel movements can be signs of diverticular distress. Those previously diagnosed with diverticulosis should contact their treatment provider if these symptoms develop.
Because diverticulitis is correlated with age, it’s much more common in older people. When younger folks develop this condition, it’s usually due to factors like obesity and high-risk activities. Smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, and a high-fat, low-fiber diet can increase the risk of diverticulosis and, subsequently, diverticulitis.
Some researchers have begun to speculate about alcohol’s involvement in diverticular disease. Can alcohol cause diverticulitis?
Few substances impact our esophagus, stomach, and intestines as strongly as alcohol. Diverticulitis and other GI conditions don’t just develop overnight; it may take years for us to begin experiencing symptoms. That’s because of the insidious ways booze affects our digestive system:
There’s more to gut health than diverticulitis and alcohol. In time, drinking can impact our overall gastrointestinal well-being. Many GI disorders are connected to heavy alcohol use:
Alcohol is related to myriad gastrointestinal disorders, but is it a major player in the irritation of diverticula? Scientific opinion is mixed.
One study from The Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology determined that alcohol consumption is a risk factor for diverticulosis (which, in turn, can lead to diverticulitis). Researchers found that the more a person drank, the more likely they were to develop the condition.
Another group of researchers published similar results in the journal Medicine (Baltimore). They analyzed a database of almost 260,000 people and found that those who consumed alcohol were more vulnerable to diverticular disease. This large-scale study illustrates a clear correlation between alcohol use and conditions related to diverticular disease.
However, some studies have identified an opposite trend. A good example is a meta-analysis published in The Hawaii Journal of Medicine and Public Health, which found no significant relationship between alcohol and diverticulitis or diverticulosis.
While researchers are still gathering information about whether alcohol causes diverticulitis, we’ve confirmed that drinking is not good for our digestive system.
So, if we have diverticulitis, can we still drink?
It’s probably not the best idea.
First, drinking weakens our immune system, which is a no-go when we’re fighting off any kind of diverticular infection. Alcohol also interacts with the antibiotic medications used to treat this condition, reducing their efficacy and increasing the likelihood of adverse reactions. Finally, severe cases of diverticulitis may result in fistulas, bowel obstructions, and other complications, and drinking might increase these health risks.
There’s no “best type” of alcoholic beverage to drink during a bout of diverticulitis. There is a worst one, though — liquor, or any libation with a high alcohol concentration. Check the alcohol by volume (ABV) before cheers-ing and consider booze-free alternatives.
If we’re in the middle of a diverticulitis flare-up, it’s best to avoid alcohol altogether. Once we’ve recovered, we should talk to our doctor, who might give us the okay to begin reincorporating alcohol. They may also recommend that we continue to abstain, or only drink one or two beverages on special occasions. It is important to follow our physician’s advice to protect our health and safety after a diverticulitis diagnosis.
If you’re experiencing a diverticulitis flare-up, follow your doctor’s orders, not listicles on the Internet! In addition to your doctor’s orders, however, some lifestyle changes can help alleviate symptoms and prevent future flare-ups:
1. Forge a new relationship with fiber. Low dietary fiber is behind many cases of diverticular disease. Eating more roughage — a.k.a., vegetables you have to chew thoroughly — can do great things for your GI tract. High-fiber foods are more than just beans and broccoli. To keep diverticulitis at bay, try incorporating more bananas, berries, avocados, brussels sprouts, and whole grains into your meals. If you’re experiencing a flare-up, your doctor may recommend a low-fiber diet instead. This is why it’s important to speak to your doctor before making any major nutritional changes.
2. Move more. Exercise promotes regular bowel movements, improves digestion, and reduces stress, which can worsen the symptoms of diverticulitis. Once your flare-up has passed, ask your provider about low-impact physical activities to boost your health.
3. Take a fiber supplement. A variety of fiber sources can help regulate your bowel movements. For some of us, these supplements work wonders. Talk to a doctor before starting any dietary supplement, even Metamucil or Benefiber. If you do add fiber supplements to your regimen, do so gradually to avoid bloating and gas.
4. Drink a lot of water. Hydration is especially important if we struggle with constipation or diarrhea. Drinking enough water keeps waste moving smoothly through our GI tract. Try to hit the recommended daily intake of 13 cups of water per day for men and nine for women.
5. Avoid NSAIDs. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil and Aleve can irritate our GI tracts, especially our intestines. Cutting down on these over-the-counter pain remedies may be a good idea for those concerned about diverticulitis.
6. Try meatless Mondays. Researchers have found that diverticular disease is much less common in vegetarians. If you’re not down for a meat-free diet, try cutting it out once or twice a week.
7. Avoid alcohol. Drinking can increase our risk of diverticulitis flare-ups and the formation of new diverticula. Cut back on drinking or leave it behind for good! If you need help cutting back on your alcohol use, Reframe can help.
8. Seek medical attention. If you suspect diverticulitis, make an appointment with your doctor or go to the emergency room. Your physician may recommend surgery, prescribe antibiotics, or put you on a clear liquid diet (that doesn’t include alcohol).
Whenever you experience persistent abdominal pain, it’s a good idea to seek medical attention. Don’t wait for the discomfort to pass — you never know what’s to blame. An experienced healthcare provider can rule out life-threatening conditions like appendicitis, which would require emergency surgery.
Pain isn’t the only sign that something is wrong. If you’ve already been diagnosed with diverticulitis or diverticulosis, consider calling the doctor when you experience the following:
Back to that crinkly-papered exam table — if your doctor comes into the room and diagnoses you with diverticulitis, we hope this article will give you some actionable ideas about how to move forward. If they ask you to cut back on your drinking, Reframe can help you address your alcohol intake.
Reframe is a proven habit-change app that draws from leading behavioral research, a network of medical and lifestyle professionals, and neuroscientific best practices. With partners at Emory, Harvard, and other major institutions, we’ll show you how to live a fulfilling life with less (or no!) booze.
We made Reframe to help people like you discover the very best versions of themselves. To try the app free for 7 days, visit the App Store or Google Play. We can’t wait to see you thrive.
Guidance on drinking alcohol during chemotherapy varies depending on the source. Check out our latest blog for more clarity on the effects of drinking while on chemo.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
Chemotherapy is a challenging experience — it’s physically taxing, mentally draining, and the side effects seem to seep into just about every area of life. From physical changes to mood changes and strains on work and family life, it’s not controversial to say: chemotherapy (and cancer in general) sucks.
It’s plausible, then, that we might reach for a few drinks to relax when the stress of chemo has us feeling down. Unfortunately, that’s likely going to do more harm than good. Besides the fact that alcohol fuels depression and anxiety, cancer and excessive drinking have a somewhat reciprocal relationship. Over the years, more research has been done to show a more definitive link between alcohol as a cause of cancer. That being said, surveys also show that excessive drinking is common for cancer patients, even during chemotherapy.
Information online about the safety of drinking alcohol while on chemotherapy is a bit unclear, making it difficult to make our own informed decisions. That’s where we come in. This article will unpack the science behind the effects of alcohol on chemotherapy and come up with a clear answer. Let’s dive in!
Research has extensively linked alcohol to cancer. Recent changes to the American Cancer Society guidelines recommend avoiding alcohol in order to reduce the risk of developing cancer. While many factors are theorized to cause cancer, drinking alcohol directly leads to an increased risk of developing all different types of cancer.
What types of cancer, exactly? Well … all of them. To learn about specific threats, check out our blogs about alcohol-related risks of developing cancer in the throat, colon, liver, breast, and more.
Alcohol’s cancer threat stems from the metabolism of ethanol, the main component of alcohol. Ethanol is broken down by our liver into a toxic compound called acetaldehyde (ACH). ACH is classified as a carcinogen, or a substance that can cause cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies carcinogens into four different categories based on the strength of evidence for their cancer-causing properties: known carcinogens, probable carcinogens, possible carcinogens, and non-classifiable. ACH is a known carcinogen — confirming alcohol’s role in the risk of developing cancer.
Alcohol also disrupts the hormones that promote cell division and growth, depletes essential vitamins and nutrients, and damages the immune system’s innate cancer-fighting power. Drinking during chemo is incredibly common, either in spite of this information or because we aren’t aware of it. To understand the negative effects of drinking while on chemotherapy, let’s first take a look at what chemo is.
Although often described under the umbrella term “chemotherapy” (or “chemo,” for short), this treatment frequently consists of a range of different drugs that attack our cells in different cycles to prevent cancer cells from reproducing. Chemotherapy drugs are cytotoxic, meaning they’re toxic to cells. They are also systemic, which means that they affect all the cells in the body — including healthy ones.
The same property that makes chemo effective at destroying cancer cells makes it dangerous to our healthy cells. This explains why chemo famously causes a reduction in our immune system function, making those of us undergoing chemo treatment immunocompromised. It also comes with a long list of uncomfortable side effects:
Through the long list of potential side effects, we can see the extensive impact that chemo has on our body. Treatment typically lasts anywhere from six months to a year, but sometimes runs longer. Because cancer can be pesky to treat, chemo is often used in conjunction with other approaches and supporting therapies that help to attack cancer from multiple angles and alleviate chemo side effects.
We know that chemotherapy and alcohol both have significant impacts on our body. Let’s see what experts suggest regarding drinking during chemo.
Every chemotherapy regimen is different, using a different combination of drugs delivered on a strict schedule. Following the schedule of chemo cycles is crucial, as the effectiveness of the treatment depends on having sufficient levels of chemo in our body to fight cancer cells. If there are known interactions between alcohol and our chemo medication, treatment cycles may need to be pushed back.
Research shows that missing doses of chemo is associated with increased mortality — which drinking can certainly play a role in. Even though not all chemo or supporting medications have direct interactions with alcohol, drinking can still open the door to many complications (which we’ll get into).
Since alcohol is so heavily tied to the risk of developing cancer, drinking during and after chemo can also increase the risk of recurrence. Chemo causes extreme strain on our body as evidenced by its sometimes debilitating side effects. Drinking alcohol on top of that adds additional strain, pushing our body even harder and adding to our discomfort.
Cancer treatment requires an exhaustive approach that combines different methods and treatments. Alcohol can disrupt chemo in many different ways.
Chemo consists of a combination of different drugs to provide the best chance to eliminate cancer, and alcohol has many known interactions with common drugs used during chemo treatment. It also interacts with other medications used to support cancer treatment including pain relievers, anti-nausea medication, and anti-anxiety drugs.
Let’s take a look at how alcohol interacts with some of the most common chemo drugs:
It’s best to consult with our oncology treatment team regarding specific interactions within our personalized medication regimen. Alcohol may not have direct interactions with all chemo treatment medications, but it can still cause negative effects. Medication and alcohol are metabolized in our liver — putting it into overdrive. This can lead to severe side effects and reduce the effectiveness of the chemo drugs.
Much like the link between alcohol and chemotherapy, drinking also causes harmful impacts on non-chemo cancer treatments. The following therapies are impacted by the negative effects of alcohol:
We can see that interactions between cancer treatments, chemotherapy, and alcohol can cause negative symptoms. As it turns out, the timing of our drinking has a lot to do with how alcohol affects our treatment.
Chemo is primarily administered in medical settings such as a doctor’s office or outpatient clinic. It’s usually given intravenously, but it can also be in the form of an injection or pill. While drinking is not recommended for cancer patients at any stage (even those in remission), let’s dive deeper into the guidelines for drinking immediately after receiving chemo and after all cycles of treatment are completed.
If there are no direct interactions between alcohol and our panel of chemo drugs, drinking immediately after a treatment session may not pose immediate risks or symptoms. However, it’s still not recommended as drinking can further aggravate the side effects of chemo.
Chemo drugs typically stay in our system for 3-7 days, depending on the drug. If we choose to drink, it’s best to wait until the chemo medication exits our system to minimize any adverse effects. Treatment schedules also vary between patients, so it’s important to keep in mind when our next round will be.
Fitting in a drink while on chemo is a balancing act that only adds to the burden of treatment. If you do decide to drink during your treatment plan, be sure to communicate clearly with the treatment team so they can account for all elements.
After all cycles of chemo are completed, drinking is still not recommended. Chemo may help some types of cancer, but, for more advanced cancers, it may only stop the cancer from spreading. This means that the cancer will require ongoing maintenance and therapy to delay progression.
For patients who are cancer-free after chemo is completed, drinking is still not a good idea. Although the correlation between drinking and increased risk of cancer recurrence is still being studied, alcohol is clearly correlated with an increased risk of cancer.
If we do choose to drink, it’s best to wait until chemo symptoms subside, and thereafter follow recommended guidelines for drinking in moderation. Choosing to drink during and after chemo opens up “Pandora’s box,” leading to a host of potential complications and consequences.
Cancer and chemo are extremely taxing on our body. Cancer cells attack from inside, and chemo can destroy healthy cells that decrease our immune defenses. During this vulnerable state, even having one standard drink is not recommended.
If our chemo medication and supporting treatments have direct interactions with alcohol, any amount will cause negative harm to the way the drug works in our system. If our chemo medication doesn’t have direct interactions, we may not see or feel immediate symptoms, but alcohol still stresses out our body when it’s fighting to heal. As such, it’s generally best to avoid alcohol entirely while on chemo.
Drinking during chemo can lead to direct and indirect effects on our health and our fight against cancer. It can make cancer treatment more demanding on our body given these consequences:
Drinking isn’t recommended in any amounts while on chemo, but hiding our drinking can cause even greater harm. Our treatment team will be better equipped to support us if we communicate honestly about our drinking habits. We can also make more intentional choices to help diminish the chances complicating our treatment.
Chemo can be an arduous journey that deserves celebration once completed. We can celebrate the end of chemo and a future of good health by implementing these intentional drinking habits:
While guidelines for the safety of drinking during chemo aren’t cut and dry, medical professionals are unlikely to recommend drinking during cancer treatment. Whether or not drinking increases the chance of cancer recurrence is still inconclusive. However, alcohol has a direct correlation with an increased risk of developing cancer.
Not all chemo medications have interactions with alcohol at face value, but many do, and alcohol can interfere with treatment success in the long run. Cancer treatment can be a long and arduous road — alcohol only makes it more difficult. Quitting or cutting back on alcohol helps keep chemo on track!
Chemotherapy is a challenging experience — it’s physically taxing, mentally draining, and the side effects seem to seep into just about every area of life. From physical changes to mood changes and strains on work and family life, it’s not controversial to say: chemotherapy (and cancer in general) sucks.
It’s plausible, then, that we might reach for a few drinks to relax when the stress of chemo has us feeling down. Unfortunately, that’s likely going to do more harm than good. Besides the fact that alcohol fuels depression and anxiety, cancer and excessive drinking have a somewhat reciprocal relationship. Over the years, more research has been done to show a more definitive link between alcohol as a cause of cancer. That being said, surveys also show that excessive drinking is common for cancer patients, even during chemotherapy.
Information online about the safety of drinking alcohol while on chemotherapy is a bit unclear, making it difficult to make our own informed decisions. That’s where we come in. This article will unpack the science behind the effects of alcohol on chemotherapy and come up with a clear answer. Let’s dive in!
Research has extensively linked alcohol to cancer. Recent changes to the American Cancer Society guidelines recommend avoiding alcohol in order to reduce the risk of developing cancer. While many factors are theorized to cause cancer, drinking alcohol directly leads to an increased risk of developing all different types of cancer.
What types of cancer, exactly? Well … all of them. To learn about specific threats, check out our blogs about alcohol-related risks of developing cancer in the throat, colon, liver, breast, and more.
Alcohol’s cancer threat stems from the metabolism of ethanol, the main component of alcohol. Ethanol is broken down by our liver into a toxic compound called acetaldehyde (ACH). ACH is classified as a carcinogen, or a substance that can cause cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies carcinogens into four different categories based on the strength of evidence for their cancer-causing properties: known carcinogens, probable carcinogens, possible carcinogens, and non-classifiable. ACH is a known carcinogen — confirming alcohol’s role in the risk of developing cancer.
Alcohol also disrupts the hormones that promote cell division and growth, depletes essential vitamins and nutrients, and damages the immune system’s innate cancer-fighting power. Drinking during chemo is incredibly common, either in spite of this information or because we aren’t aware of it. To understand the negative effects of drinking while on chemotherapy, let’s first take a look at what chemo is.
Although often described under the umbrella term “chemotherapy” (or “chemo,” for short), this treatment frequently consists of a range of different drugs that attack our cells in different cycles to prevent cancer cells from reproducing. Chemotherapy drugs are cytotoxic, meaning they’re toxic to cells. They are also systemic, which means that they affect all the cells in the body — including healthy ones.
The same property that makes chemo effective at destroying cancer cells makes it dangerous to our healthy cells. This explains why chemo famously causes a reduction in our immune system function, making those of us undergoing chemo treatment immunocompromised. It also comes with a long list of uncomfortable side effects:
Through the long list of potential side effects, we can see the extensive impact that chemo has on our body. Treatment typically lasts anywhere from six months to a year, but sometimes runs longer. Because cancer can be pesky to treat, chemo is often used in conjunction with other approaches and supporting therapies that help to attack cancer from multiple angles and alleviate chemo side effects.
We know that chemotherapy and alcohol both have significant impacts on our body. Let’s see what experts suggest regarding drinking during chemo.
Every chemotherapy regimen is different, using a different combination of drugs delivered on a strict schedule. Following the schedule of chemo cycles is crucial, as the effectiveness of the treatment depends on having sufficient levels of chemo in our body to fight cancer cells. If there are known interactions between alcohol and our chemo medication, treatment cycles may need to be pushed back.
Research shows that missing doses of chemo is associated with increased mortality — which drinking can certainly play a role in. Even though not all chemo or supporting medications have direct interactions with alcohol, drinking can still open the door to many complications (which we’ll get into).
Since alcohol is so heavily tied to the risk of developing cancer, drinking during and after chemo can also increase the risk of recurrence. Chemo causes extreme strain on our body as evidenced by its sometimes debilitating side effects. Drinking alcohol on top of that adds additional strain, pushing our body even harder and adding to our discomfort.
Cancer treatment requires an exhaustive approach that combines different methods and treatments. Alcohol can disrupt chemo in many different ways.
Chemo consists of a combination of different drugs to provide the best chance to eliminate cancer, and alcohol has many known interactions with common drugs used during chemo treatment. It also interacts with other medications used to support cancer treatment including pain relievers, anti-nausea medication, and anti-anxiety drugs.
Let’s take a look at how alcohol interacts with some of the most common chemo drugs:
It’s best to consult with our oncology treatment team regarding specific interactions within our personalized medication regimen. Alcohol may not have direct interactions with all chemo treatment medications, but it can still cause negative effects. Medication and alcohol are metabolized in our liver — putting it into overdrive. This can lead to severe side effects and reduce the effectiveness of the chemo drugs.
Much like the link between alcohol and chemotherapy, drinking also causes harmful impacts on non-chemo cancer treatments. The following therapies are impacted by the negative effects of alcohol:
We can see that interactions between cancer treatments, chemotherapy, and alcohol can cause negative symptoms. As it turns out, the timing of our drinking has a lot to do with how alcohol affects our treatment.
Chemo is primarily administered in medical settings such as a doctor’s office or outpatient clinic. It’s usually given intravenously, but it can also be in the form of an injection or pill. While drinking is not recommended for cancer patients at any stage (even those in remission), let’s dive deeper into the guidelines for drinking immediately after receiving chemo and after all cycles of treatment are completed.
If there are no direct interactions between alcohol and our panel of chemo drugs, drinking immediately after a treatment session may not pose immediate risks or symptoms. However, it’s still not recommended as drinking can further aggravate the side effects of chemo.
Chemo drugs typically stay in our system for 3-7 days, depending on the drug. If we choose to drink, it’s best to wait until the chemo medication exits our system to minimize any adverse effects. Treatment schedules also vary between patients, so it’s important to keep in mind when our next round will be.
Fitting in a drink while on chemo is a balancing act that only adds to the burden of treatment. If you do decide to drink during your treatment plan, be sure to communicate clearly with the treatment team so they can account for all elements.
After all cycles of chemo are completed, drinking is still not recommended. Chemo may help some types of cancer, but, for more advanced cancers, it may only stop the cancer from spreading. This means that the cancer will require ongoing maintenance and therapy to delay progression.
For patients who are cancer-free after chemo is completed, drinking is still not a good idea. Although the correlation between drinking and increased risk of cancer recurrence is still being studied, alcohol is clearly correlated with an increased risk of cancer.
If we do choose to drink, it’s best to wait until chemo symptoms subside, and thereafter follow recommended guidelines for drinking in moderation. Choosing to drink during and after chemo opens up “Pandora’s box,” leading to a host of potential complications and consequences.
Cancer and chemo are extremely taxing on our body. Cancer cells attack from inside, and chemo can destroy healthy cells that decrease our immune defenses. During this vulnerable state, even having one standard drink is not recommended.
If our chemo medication and supporting treatments have direct interactions with alcohol, any amount will cause negative harm to the way the drug works in our system. If our chemo medication doesn’t have direct interactions, we may not see or feel immediate symptoms, but alcohol still stresses out our body when it’s fighting to heal. As such, it’s generally best to avoid alcohol entirely while on chemo.
Drinking during chemo can lead to direct and indirect effects on our health and our fight against cancer. It can make cancer treatment more demanding on our body given these consequences:
Drinking isn’t recommended in any amounts while on chemo, but hiding our drinking can cause even greater harm. Our treatment team will be better equipped to support us if we communicate honestly about our drinking habits. We can also make more intentional choices to help diminish the chances complicating our treatment.
Chemo can be an arduous journey that deserves celebration once completed. We can celebrate the end of chemo and a future of good health by implementing these intentional drinking habits:
While guidelines for the safety of drinking during chemo aren’t cut and dry, medical professionals are unlikely to recommend drinking during cancer treatment. Whether or not drinking increases the chance of cancer recurrence is still inconclusive. However, alcohol has a direct correlation with an increased risk of developing cancer.
Not all chemo medications have interactions with alcohol at face value, but many do, and alcohol can interfere with treatment success in the long run. Cancer treatment can be a long and arduous road — alcohol only makes it more difficult. Quitting or cutting back on alcohol helps keep chemo on track!
Can sniffing alcohol relieve nausea? Read our latest blog to find out!
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
No one likes the feeling of an upset stomach, and most of us will do just about anything to alleviate the pain and avoid throwing up. If you scan the web, you may find that people swear by sniffing alcohol to alleviate nausea. Is it true? Does it work? This article will walk you through everything you need to know about nausea, alcohol, and whether or not smelling alcohol for nausea works.
Nausea is that queasy or uneasy feeling we get in our stomach. The urge to vomit or an uncomfortable feeling in our throats often accompanies nausea. Vomiting or “throwing up” is when we forcibly empty the contents of our stomach through our mouth. Muscles in our stomach contract to propel the stomach’s contents through our esophagus and out. Nausea and vomiting are not a disease of their own but symptoms of different conditions. There are many reasons people experience nausea:
Vomiting and nausea are typically harmless, but in some cases, they can be a sign of something more serious such as encephalitis, meningitis, some cancers, heart attack, concussion or brain injury, brain tumors, bowel obstruction, or appendicitis. If you think you are experiencing something more serious than general nausea and vomiting, seek medical attention.
Yes! It is not uncommon for us to feel nausea after drinking alcohol. Vomiting is a common result of alcohol consumption. Why? Alcohol irritates the lining of our stomach and slows the rate of digestion, which leads to fat building up in our liver, stomach, and pancreas secretions. The toxins released as we consume alcohol alert the “vomiting center” in our brain — the area postrema. The brain senses these toxins and tries to rid the body of them by signaling us to throw up.
So, if alcohol can cause nausea or make us throw up, how would smelling alcohol help us with it?
To answer that question, we have to understand the different types of alcohol:
When people recommend smelling alcohol to relieve nausea, they are not talking about sniffing an open bottle of vodka; they are talking about isopropyl alcohol (IPA).
But does it work? In some cases, a few big whiffs of rubbing alcohol can help alleviate nausea; however, there is limited scientific evidence to prove it.
One study found that isopropyl alcohol vapor aromatherapy provided faster relief of nausea and reduced the need for anti-nausea medications. Another study saw that inhaled isopropyl alcohol helped patients experiencing nausea in the emergency department.
Although the limited evidence seems promising, there is still no guarantee that sniffing IPA will relieve our nausea. Furthermore, inhaling too much isopropyl alcohol can irritate or paralyze our respiratory system. We need to be careful when trying to use isopropyl alcohol to help with nausea and remember that it might not work for everyone.
Smelling alcohol for nausea may work in some cases, but why? Since there has been limited research on this topic, we don’t know exactly how it can help with nausea. Some believe the strong smell of rubbing alcohol may be a distraction from our nausea. Another theory is that overloading our olfactory system (our sense of smell) overrides our senses and leads our brains to prioritize processing the strong scent over the feeling of nausea.
Much of the evidence that smelling alcohol helps with nausea is found in anecdotal reports of people feeling better. With the limited research conducted, it is hard to conclude the true mechanism, but we know it works for some people.
Smelling alcohol may not work for everyone, but other home remedies might help:
If nausea is persistent and home remedies do not help, seek medical attention. Physicians may suggest anti-nausea medications such as Ondansetron (Zofran), Metoclopramide, Olanzapine, or Promethazine.
Sniffing alcohol might help with nausea, but it’s important to know the difference between isopropyl alcohol and the alcohol we drink (ethanol). We should not consume isopropyl alcohol, and sniffing ethanol won’t do anything. Still, the science behind nausea relief from sniffing IPA is unclear and unproven. Either way, quitting or cutting back on drinking alcohol (ethanol) can help us avoid nausea.
No one likes the feeling of an upset stomach, and most of us will do just about anything to alleviate the pain and avoid throwing up. If you scan the web, you may find that people swear by sniffing alcohol to alleviate nausea. Is it true? Does it work? This article will walk you through everything you need to know about nausea, alcohol, and whether or not smelling alcohol for nausea works.
Nausea is that queasy or uneasy feeling we get in our stomach. The urge to vomit or an uncomfortable feeling in our throats often accompanies nausea. Vomiting or “throwing up” is when we forcibly empty the contents of our stomach through our mouth. Muscles in our stomach contract to propel the stomach’s contents through our esophagus and out. Nausea and vomiting are not a disease of their own but symptoms of different conditions. There are many reasons people experience nausea:
Vomiting and nausea are typically harmless, but in some cases, they can be a sign of something more serious such as encephalitis, meningitis, some cancers, heart attack, concussion or brain injury, brain tumors, bowel obstruction, or appendicitis. If you think you are experiencing something more serious than general nausea and vomiting, seek medical attention.
Yes! It is not uncommon for us to feel nausea after drinking alcohol. Vomiting is a common result of alcohol consumption. Why? Alcohol irritates the lining of our stomach and slows the rate of digestion, which leads to fat building up in our liver, stomach, and pancreas secretions. The toxins released as we consume alcohol alert the “vomiting center” in our brain — the area postrema. The brain senses these toxins and tries to rid the body of them by signaling us to throw up.
So, if alcohol can cause nausea or make us throw up, how would smelling alcohol help us with it?
To answer that question, we have to understand the different types of alcohol:
When people recommend smelling alcohol to relieve nausea, they are not talking about sniffing an open bottle of vodka; they are talking about isopropyl alcohol (IPA).
But does it work? In some cases, a few big whiffs of rubbing alcohol can help alleviate nausea; however, there is limited scientific evidence to prove it.
One study found that isopropyl alcohol vapor aromatherapy provided faster relief of nausea and reduced the need for anti-nausea medications. Another study saw that inhaled isopropyl alcohol helped patients experiencing nausea in the emergency department.
Although the limited evidence seems promising, there is still no guarantee that sniffing IPA will relieve our nausea. Furthermore, inhaling too much isopropyl alcohol can irritate or paralyze our respiratory system. We need to be careful when trying to use isopropyl alcohol to help with nausea and remember that it might not work for everyone.
Smelling alcohol for nausea may work in some cases, but why? Since there has been limited research on this topic, we don’t know exactly how it can help with nausea. Some believe the strong smell of rubbing alcohol may be a distraction from our nausea. Another theory is that overloading our olfactory system (our sense of smell) overrides our senses and leads our brains to prioritize processing the strong scent over the feeling of nausea.
Much of the evidence that smelling alcohol helps with nausea is found in anecdotal reports of people feeling better. With the limited research conducted, it is hard to conclude the true mechanism, but we know it works for some people.
Smelling alcohol may not work for everyone, but other home remedies might help:
If nausea is persistent and home remedies do not help, seek medical attention. Physicians may suggest anti-nausea medications such as Ondansetron (Zofran), Metoclopramide, Olanzapine, or Promethazine.
Sniffing alcohol might help with nausea, but it’s important to know the difference between isopropyl alcohol and the alcohol we drink (ethanol). We should not consume isopropyl alcohol, and sniffing ethanol won’t do anything. Still, the science behind nausea relief from sniffing IPA is unclear and unproven. Either way, quitting or cutting back on drinking alcohol (ethanol) can help us avoid nausea.
If you’ve had rhabdo before, can you drink alcohol now, or should you wait a few months? Learn the facts about rhabdomyolysis and alcohol on the Reframe blog.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
A 19-year-old consumed two liters of red wine. Six hours later, he entered the emergency room intoxicated, uneasy, and sore. He hadn’t taken any medications or other substances, and his medical history was completely unremarkable. After running numerous tests, however, the doctors spotted muscle damage and concluded he had alcohol-induced rhabdomyolysis.
Fortunately, he was diagnosed and treated quickly and was able to make a full recovery. But what happens the next time his friends invite him out for drinks? Is it safe to drink alcohol after a rhabdo diagnosis?
Rhabdomyolysis, nicknamed “rhabdo,” is a rare, rapid breakdown of damaged muscle tissue. When our muscles are injured, they deteriorate, releasing a slew of proteins and electrolytes into the bloodstream. This can worsen kidney function and alter the body’s electrolyte balance. If left untreated, rhabdomyolysis can even lead to organ failure.
Any form of muscle damage may cause rhabdo. The most common culprits are physical overexertion, traumatic injury, and excessive heat exposure. More rarely, muscle breakdown occurs due to drug and alcohol use, certain medications, or illnesses.
If left untreated, rhabdo can be deadly. Knowing the signs of this condition helps us seek medical care before it’s too late.
Clinicians identify rhabdomyolysis through a triad of symptoms: myalgia, myoglobinuria, and asthenia. For those of us who aren’t doctors, that translates to muscle pain, tea-colored urine, and weakness.
It’s important to note that experiencing all of these symptoms at once is a bit rare; fewer than 10% of us will have all three. Instead, we’ll probably just notice one common symptom — the dark, discolored urine emblematic of rhabdomyolysis.
The following symptoms are also associated with rhabdo:
Regardless of how your muscle damage manifests, prompt medical care is crucial. If you experience extreme muscle pain, dark urine, swelling, or any of the other symptoms outlined above, head to the hospital. This condition can be life-threatening.
When we have rhabdo, our deteriorating muscles dump a ton of potassium, phosphate, creatine kinase (CK), urate, and myoglobin into our bloodstream. All that gunk eventually reaches our kidneys, which may struggle to filter out those unexpected hemoglobinic pollutants. That’s a fast track to kidney failure and a whole host of other issues.
The consequences of rhabdo are serious. If left untreated, this condition can cause big problems:
Because rhabdomyolysis threatens our lives, we want to take every possible measure to avoid it. In addition to avoiding triggers like prolonged heat exposure and heavy exercise, we may want to consider one other lifestyle change — cutting back on our alcohol intake.
Alcohol is one of the lesser-known causes of rhabdo. Some patients develop this condition after episodes of intoxication or alcohol-induced comas (acute alcoholic myopathy). Others only exhibit symptoms after years of heavy drinking, which we call chronic alcoholic myopathy.
When we consume large amounts of alcohol, we become dehydrated and uninhibited. Both of these changes contribute to our risk of rhabdo. For example, our impaired judgment may lead us to make decisions we usually wouldn’t, resulting in muscle injury from falls or overexertion. These short-term risks may cause us to develop rhabdo.
There’s another facet to alcohol-induced rhabdomyolysis: drinking accelerates the muscle breakdown associated with rhabdo. When our liver metabolizes the ethanol found in beer, wine, or cocktails, it produces carcinogenic acetaldehyde. This substance triggers the formation of free radicals — unstable, reactive molecules that destroy the protective membranes of our cells. Over time, this damage adds up, meaning that those of us who drink heavily in the long term may experience muscle breakdown, weakness, and (you guessed it) rhabdo.
So, what can we do if we have this condition? If your urine is tea-colored after drinking or you notice out-of-control muscle aches, you may need to go to the hospital.
Seek medical care immediately if you experience any symptoms of rhabdo. This potentially fatal condition isn’t one we can treat on our own — it requires expert clinical care.
As in most medical emergencies, prompt intervention for rhabdomyolysis is key. The sooner we get to the hospital, the better our outcome will be. Our medical team will strive to promote muscle healing, stop further muscle damage, and protect our kidney function.
All types of rhabdo, including alcohol-induced rhabdomyolysis, are treated with fluid management. Mild cases may resolve with a combo of rest and lots of water. In moderate to severe instances, we might require “aggressive repletion” in the form of intravenous fluids administered at the hospital. Those typically include saline or a solution of glucose and sodium bicarbonate (commonly known as baking soda). The purpose of this approach is to flush out the muscle proteins that cause arrhythmia and kidney damage.
Because rhabdo is such a dangerous condition, scientists continue searching for more (and better) ways to treat it. At present, there is no standardized second-line treatment for those whose conditions aren’t improved by fluids. Fortunately, it seems like that’s changing.
Researchers from Tulane University found that corticosteroids dramatically improved the condition of an alcohol-induced rhabdomyolysis patient who didn’t respond to fluid management. These drugs have a low toxicity profile, making them potentials option for those who don’t respond to aggressive repletion.
Additionally, medical experts have begun looking into ways to prevent recurrent episodes of rhabdomyolysis.
While we can’t completely eliminate the risk of rhabdo, we can make lifestyle changes that reduce it:
Any small change you make in the right direction will help you avoid rhabdo and improve your overall health.
Rhabdomyolysis and alcohol don’t mix, but can you drink at all after rhabdo? If so, how long should you wait? Is it okay to drink during treatment? Below is a quick reference guide answering the question, “How long after rhabdo can I drink alcohol?”
Abstaining from alcohol entirely is the safest option, but your doctor will have the best recommendations for your particular case.
The connection between alcohol and rhabdomyolysis is complex. Drinking contributes to muscle damage and weakens our immune system — a recipe for rhabdo recurrence. Our best bet is to enjoy some non-alcoholic alternatives while putting our well-being first.
If you start developing health conditions due to drinking, you may want to reevaluate your relationship with alcohol. Reframe offers a framework to help you do just that. Our one-of-a-kind app provides daily inspiration and valuable information, whether you’re quitting or cutting back. You can also enjoy peer support in our 24/7 Forum or regular Zoom meetings. We’re with you every step of the way. Visit the App Store or Google Play today for more information.
A 19-year-old consumed two liters of red wine. Six hours later, he entered the emergency room intoxicated, uneasy, and sore. He hadn’t taken any medications or other substances, and his medical history was completely unremarkable. After running numerous tests, however, the doctors spotted muscle damage and concluded he had alcohol-induced rhabdomyolysis.
Fortunately, he was diagnosed and treated quickly and was able to make a full recovery. But what happens the next time his friends invite him out for drinks? Is it safe to drink alcohol after a rhabdo diagnosis?
Rhabdomyolysis, nicknamed “rhabdo,” is a rare, rapid breakdown of damaged muscle tissue. When our muscles are injured, they deteriorate, releasing a slew of proteins and electrolytes into the bloodstream. This can worsen kidney function and alter the body’s electrolyte balance. If left untreated, rhabdomyolysis can even lead to organ failure.
Any form of muscle damage may cause rhabdo. The most common culprits are physical overexertion, traumatic injury, and excessive heat exposure. More rarely, muscle breakdown occurs due to drug and alcohol use, certain medications, or illnesses.
If left untreated, rhabdo can be deadly. Knowing the signs of this condition helps us seek medical care before it’s too late.
Clinicians identify rhabdomyolysis through a triad of symptoms: myalgia, myoglobinuria, and asthenia. For those of us who aren’t doctors, that translates to muscle pain, tea-colored urine, and weakness.
It’s important to note that experiencing all of these symptoms at once is a bit rare; fewer than 10% of us will have all three. Instead, we’ll probably just notice one common symptom — the dark, discolored urine emblematic of rhabdomyolysis.
The following symptoms are also associated with rhabdo:
Regardless of how your muscle damage manifests, prompt medical care is crucial. If you experience extreme muscle pain, dark urine, swelling, or any of the other symptoms outlined above, head to the hospital. This condition can be life-threatening.
When we have rhabdo, our deteriorating muscles dump a ton of potassium, phosphate, creatine kinase (CK), urate, and myoglobin into our bloodstream. All that gunk eventually reaches our kidneys, which may struggle to filter out those unexpected hemoglobinic pollutants. That’s a fast track to kidney failure and a whole host of other issues.
The consequences of rhabdo are serious. If left untreated, this condition can cause big problems:
Because rhabdomyolysis threatens our lives, we want to take every possible measure to avoid it. In addition to avoiding triggers like prolonged heat exposure and heavy exercise, we may want to consider one other lifestyle change — cutting back on our alcohol intake.
Alcohol is one of the lesser-known causes of rhabdo. Some patients develop this condition after episodes of intoxication or alcohol-induced comas (acute alcoholic myopathy). Others only exhibit symptoms after years of heavy drinking, which we call chronic alcoholic myopathy.
When we consume large amounts of alcohol, we become dehydrated and uninhibited. Both of these changes contribute to our risk of rhabdo. For example, our impaired judgment may lead us to make decisions we usually wouldn’t, resulting in muscle injury from falls or overexertion. These short-term risks may cause us to develop rhabdo.
There’s another facet to alcohol-induced rhabdomyolysis: drinking accelerates the muscle breakdown associated with rhabdo. When our liver metabolizes the ethanol found in beer, wine, or cocktails, it produces carcinogenic acetaldehyde. This substance triggers the formation of free radicals — unstable, reactive molecules that destroy the protective membranes of our cells. Over time, this damage adds up, meaning that those of us who drink heavily in the long term may experience muscle breakdown, weakness, and (you guessed it) rhabdo.
So, what can we do if we have this condition? If your urine is tea-colored after drinking or you notice out-of-control muscle aches, you may need to go to the hospital.
Seek medical care immediately if you experience any symptoms of rhabdo. This potentially fatal condition isn’t one we can treat on our own — it requires expert clinical care.
As in most medical emergencies, prompt intervention for rhabdomyolysis is key. The sooner we get to the hospital, the better our outcome will be. Our medical team will strive to promote muscle healing, stop further muscle damage, and protect our kidney function.
All types of rhabdo, including alcohol-induced rhabdomyolysis, are treated with fluid management. Mild cases may resolve with a combo of rest and lots of water. In moderate to severe instances, we might require “aggressive repletion” in the form of intravenous fluids administered at the hospital. Those typically include saline or a solution of glucose and sodium bicarbonate (commonly known as baking soda). The purpose of this approach is to flush out the muscle proteins that cause arrhythmia and kidney damage.
Because rhabdo is such a dangerous condition, scientists continue searching for more (and better) ways to treat it. At present, there is no standardized second-line treatment for those whose conditions aren’t improved by fluids. Fortunately, it seems like that’s changing.
Researchers from Tulane University found that corticosteroids dramatically improved the condition of an alcohol-induced rhabdomyolysis patient who didn’t respond to fluid management. These drugs have a low toxicity profile, making them potentials option for those who don’t respond to aggressive repletion.
Additionally, medical experts have begun looking into ways to prevent recurrent episodes of rhabdomyolysis.
While we can’t completely eliminate the risk of rhabdo, we can make lifestyle changes that reduce it:
Any small change you make in the right direction will help you avoid rhabdo and improve your overall health.
Rhabdomyolysis and alcohol don’t mix, but can you drink at all after rhabdo? If so, how long should you wait? Is it okay to drink during treatment? Below is a quick reference guide answering the question, “How long after rhabdo can I drink alcohol?”
Abstaining from alcohol entirely is the safest option, but your doctor will have the best recommendations for your particular case.
The connection between alcohol and rhabdomyolysis is complex. Drinking contributes to muscle damage and weakens our immune system — a recipe for rhabdo recurrence. Our best bet is to enjoy some non-alcoholic alternatives while putting our well-being first.
If you start developing health conditions due to drinking, you may want to reevaluate your relationship with alcohol. Reframe offers a framework to help you do just that. Our one-of-a-kind app provides daily inspiration and valuable information, whether you’re quitting or cutting back. You can also enjoy peer support in our 24/7 Forum or regular Zoom meetings. We’re with you every step of the way. Visit the App Store or Google Play today for more information.
Worried about esophagus cancer and wondering if alcohol might be one of the causes? Learn about the science behind the link in our latest blog!
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
Many of us remember when Robert Kardashian — O.J. Simpson’s notorious lawyer and Kris Kardashian’s first husband — was diagnosed with esophagus cancer. It seemed to take hold with lightning speed, leaving him unable to talk and eat within weeks. Kardashian passed away only two months after his diagnosis, at age 59.
No matter what you might think of Robert Kardashian — or the whole Kardashian clan for that matter — we can agree that esophagus cancer is a serious, devastating problem. It is estimated that 22,370 new cases will be diagnosed and 16,130 lives will be lost to the disease in 2024.
The good news is that esophageal cancer can be prevented by avoiding two of the main causes: smoking and alcohol use. How does alcohol affect the esophagus? And how can we protect ourselves from the risk? In this article, we will explore the connection between drinking and esophageal cancer and how we can minimize our risks.
Esophageal cancer, or cancer of the esophagus, forms when cells in the lining of the esophagus begin to grow out of control. The esophagus, also known as the “food pipe,” allows everything we chew and swallow to slide down into our stomach to be digested. While esophagus cancer can start anywhere along this 10-13 inch-long tube, it falls into one of two basic types:
Though it originates in the esophagus, esophageal cancer can spread to other parts of the body in three ways: through body tissue, via the lymphatic system, and through blood. When a doctor makes a diagnosis, the rate at which the cancer has spread will be marked by “stage” numbers ranging from 1 to 4. The lower the number, the better the prognosis — in earlier stages, it might be possible to remove the cancer completely!
Because its symptoms often overlap with other diseases, esophageal cancer tends to sneak up on its victims. What seems like an innocent cough or bout of indigestion could be something more, especially if it persists and comes with other symptoms. Check with your doctor if you have any doubts!
Here are some of the most common symptoms:
While some of these symptoms are a clear sign of a problem, others are more subtle and are not necessarily a sign that something is seriously wrong. However, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and have concerns checked out to catch any problems before they get worse (or just to put our minds at ease!).
The tissues of our digestive tract are sensitive, and many things can irritate them, damaging cells and causing potentially cancerous mutations over time. Here are a few common causes:
What happens if we go to the doctor and they suspect esophagus cancer? They will run several tests to make a diagnosis or rule it out:
All these tests can seem overwhelming, but your medical team won’t run any that aren’t necessary. Either way, it’s worth it to have peace of mind and, if necessary, early treatment.
Treatment for esophageal cancer depends on the stage (how much the cancer has spread), the size of the tumor, and whether or not the lymph nodes have been affected. While earlier stages can be treated and sometimes cured, the situation gets increasingly difficult in later stages. This is why it’s so important to get tested as soon as we suspect something is wrong.
Treatment usually involves a combination of radiation, chemotherapy, or surgery. Because these methods often come with some severe side effects of their own, we may need additional help maintaining proper nutrition. It’s a challenging time, but staying hopeful is crucial! Recovery is possible, and being in the right mindset is critical when it comes to giving ourselves the best possible chance. The body’s ability to heal is amazing, and we’re stronger than we think!
Now that we have an idea of what esophageal cancer is and how it’s treated, let’s take a closer look at one of its potential triggers — alcohol.
Alcohol is a carcinogen, meaning it is a cancer-causing substance. It is responsible for many types of cancer, including liver cancer, breast cancer, head and neck cancer, colorectal cancer (or cancer in the colon and/or rectum), and, yes, esophageal cancer.
The CDC makes it clear: “The less alcohol you drink, the lower your risk for cancer.” The type of alcohol doesn’t matter, either: “All alcoholic drinks, including red and white wine, beer, and liquor, are linked with cancer. The more you drink, the higher your cancer risk.”
According to the WHO, as many as 4% of all cancers diagnosed around the world in 2020 could be linked to drinking. In the U.S., alcohol-related cancers add up to about 75,000 cases and claim up to 19,000 lives each year.
But what is it about alcohol that makes it carcinogenic? There are a few different mechanisms behind alcohol’s cancer-causing properties, but all of them come down to how alcohol interacts with the cells in our body.
So is it all doom and gloom, or is there something we can do to minimize our risk? The good news is that by staying away from booze, we are much less likely to develop esophagus cancer (assuming we don’t continue or pick up smoking and other risky habits).
The process of getting to “low risk” status can take time, but it’s certainly worth it. One pooled analysis showed that after not drinking alcohol for 20 years, people who used to drink regularly had the same risk of esophageal cancer as those who never drank at all. That’s reassuring!
Alcohol-related risk of other cancers also decreases over time as we stop using or cut back on alcohol. Even if the cancer risk doesn’t vanish immediately, our body will begin to heal the moment we make a change. We can also look at it this way: while we can’t guarantee a life without illness if we quit or cut back on drinking, we can guarantee that our risk for cancer continues to rise by continuing to drink too much.
Is there anything else we can do to minimize our risk of esophageal cancer? Absolutely! Some relatively small lifestyle modifications can work wonders when it comes to improving our chances of living a long, happy life:
Esophagus cancer is a heavy topic, but it’s encouraging to know there are ways to decrease our risk. Let’s thank our bodies for the incredible work they do by giving them the care they deserve! In the words of author Jess C. Scott, “The human body is the best work of art.” It’s never too late to give this work of art a bit of extra attention and love.
Many of us remember when Robert Kardashian — O.J. Simpson’s notorious lawyer and Kris Kardashian’s first husband — was diagnosed with esophagus cancer. It seemed to take hold with lightning speed, leaving him unable to talk and eat within weeks. Kardashian passed away only two months after his diagnosis, at age 59.
No matter what you might think of Robert Kardashian — or the whole Kardashian clan for that matter — we can agree that esophagus cancer is a serious, devastating problem. It is estimated that 22,370 new cases will be diagnosed and 16,130 lives will be lost to the disease in 2024.
The good news is that esophageal cancer can be prevented by avoiding two of the main causes: smoking and alcohol use. How does alcohol affect the esophagus? And how can we protect ourselves from the risk? In this article, we will explore the connection between drinking and esophageal cancer and how we can minimize our risks.
Esophageal cancer, or cancer of the esophagus, forms when cells in the lining of the esophagus begin to grow out of control. The esophagus, also known as the “food pipe,” allows everything we chew and swallow to slide down into our stomach to be digested. While esophagus cancer can start anywhere along this 10-13 inch-long tube, it falls into one of two basic types:
Though it originates in the esophagus, esophageal cancer can spread to other parts of the body in three ways: through body tissue, via the lymphatic system, and through blood. When a doctor makes a diagnosis, the rate at which the cancer has spread will be marked by “stage” numbers ranging from 1 to 4. The lower the number, the better the prognosis — in earlier stages, it might be possible to remove the cancer completely!
Because its symptoms often overlap with other diseases, esophageal cancer tends to sneak up on its victims. What seems like an innocent cough or bout of indigestion could be something more, especially if it persists and comes with other symptoms. Check with your doctor if you have any doubts!
Here are some of the most common symptoms:
While some of these symptoms are a clear sign of a problem, others are more subtle and are not necessarily a sign that something is seriously wrong. However, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and have concerns checked out to catch any problems before they get worse (or just to put our minds at ease!).
The tissues of our digestive tract are sensitive, and many things can irritate them, damaging cells and causing potentially cancerous mutations over time. Here are a few common causes:
What happens if we go to the doctor and they suspect esophagus cancer? They will run several tests to make a diagnosis or rule it out:
All these tests can seem overwhelming, but your medical team won’t run any that aren’t necessary. Either way, it’s worth it to have peace of mind and, if necessary, early treatment.
Treatment for esophageal cancer depends on the stage (how much the cancer has spread), the size of the tumor, and whether or not the lymph nodes have been affected. While earlier stages can be treated and sometimes cured, the situation gets increasingly difficult in later stages. This is why it’s so important to get tested as soon as we suspect something is wrong.
Treatment usually involves a combination of radiation, chemotherapy, or surgery. Because these methods often come with some severe side effects of their own, we may need additional help maintaining proper nutrition. It’s a challenging time, but staying hopeful is crucial! Recovery is possible, and being in the right mindset is critical when it comes to giving ourselves the best possible chance. The body’s ability to heal is amazing, and we’re stronger than we think!
Now that we have an idea of what esophageal cancer is and how it’s treated, let’s take a closer look at one of its potential triggers — alcohol.
Alcohol is a carcinogen, meaning it is a cancer-causing substance. It is responsible for many types of cancer, including liver cancer, breast cancer, head and neck cancer, colorectal cancer (or cancer in the colon and/or rectum), and, yes, esophageal cancer.
The CDC makes it clear: “The less alcohol you drink, the lower your risk for cancer.” The type of alcohol doesn’t matter, either: “All alcoholic drinks, including red and white wine, beer, and liquor, are linked with cancer. The more you drink, the higher your cancer risk.”
According to the WHO, as many as 4% of all cancers diagnosed around the world in 2020 could be linked to drinking. In the U.S., alcohol-related cancers add up to about 75,000 cases and claim up to 19,000 lives each year.
But what is it about alcohol that makes it carcinogenic? There are a few different mechanisms behind alcohol’s cancer-causing properties, but all of them come down to how alcohol interacts with the cells in our body.
So is it all doom and gloom, or is there something we can do to minimize our risk? The good news is that by staying away from booze, we are much less likely to develop esophagus cancer (assuming we don’t continue or pick up smoking and other risky habits).
The process of getting to “low risk” status can take time, but it’s certainly worth it. One pooled analysis showed that after not drinking alcohol for 20 years, people who used to drink regularly had the same risk of esophageal cancer as those who never drank at all. That’s reassuring!
Alcohol-related risk of other cancers also decreases over time as we stop using or cut back on alcohol. Even if the cancer risk doesn’t vanish immediately, our body will begin to heal the moment we make a change. We can also look at it this way: while we can’t guarantee a life without illness if we quit or cut back on drinking, we can guarantee that our risk for cancer continues to rise by continuing to drink too much.
Is there anything else we can do to minimize our risk of esophageal cancer? Absolutely! Some relatively small lifestyle modifications can work wonders when it comes to improving our chances of living a long, happy life:
Esophagus cancer is a heavy topic, but it’s encouraging to know there are ways to decrease our risk. Let’s thank our bodies for the incredible work they do by giving them the care they deserve! In the words of author Jess C. Scott, “The human body is the best work of art.” It’s never too late to give this work of art a bit of extra attention and love.
Did you know that alcohol is just as harmful to the muscles as it is to the liver? Learn all about alcoholic myopathy and how it’s treated in our latest blog!
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
We all know those muscle aches we wake up with the morning after we finish a long hike, try a new kickboxing workout, or stretch our limbs in a new yoga routine. But maybe you’ve experienced this effect after a night of drinking. What gives? Was there a set of jumping jacks (or 10, or 20) you forgot you did between rounds of Trivia Night? Or did a night out on the town magically serve as an equivalent of a trip to the gym?
Turns out, booze itself might be the culprit. Alcohol can induce a condition known as alcoholic myopathy, an uncomfortable muscle condition. How does alcohol cause muscle weakness? What’s the connection between alcohol, muscle wasting, and muscle weakness after drinking? And why do alcoholics have skinny legs? Let’s learn what those sore muscles after drinking are all about — and what we can do about it!
Derived from the Greek “myo” (muscle) and “pathy” (suffering), the term myopathy describes various types of muscle disease. What’s behind this “muscle suffering?” It could have a number of different causes, but the result is that the structure, metabolism, or function of our skeletal muscles is affected to the point of interfering with our daily life.
Myopathy can be chronic or acute. Symptoms can range from mildly unpleasant to downright debilitating:
The causes can vary, but generally fall into two categories: inherited and acquired.
Inherited myopathy includes congenital myopathies (in which all muscles are usually affected), those caused by mitochondrial deficiencies, metabolic myopathies (caused by faulty metabolic processes that deplete the muscles of resources they need to function) and muscular dystrophies (progressive degeneration of muscles).
Acquired myopathies, on the other hand, have a number of possible causes ranging from autoimmune or inflammatory diseases to endocrine issues, electrolyte imbalances, illness, and — yes — toxins, such as alcohol.
Early detection is key! A healthcare professional can help pinpoint the root of the problem and make an accurate diagnosis. In the case of alcoholic myopathy, we can do a great deal of prevention before we even get to the point of symptoms.
So what does alcohol have to do with it? Can it really affect our muscles? Science says yes! While the mechanism isn’t very well understood, the connection between muscle weakness, alcohol, muscle atrophy, and muscle pain is well-documented and can lead to serious problems if left unaddressed.
How common is alcoholic myopathy? According to an Alcohol Research article, as many as 40 to 60% of people diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (AUD) will develop alcoholic myopathy. While the liver gets the most airtime when it comes to the negative effects of alcohol on the body, muscle disease is actually about 5 times more common.
Alcoholic myopathy can be acute (arising after a heavy binge) or chronic (building up over time). Here are the signs of each:
There are three main ways in which alcohol messes with our muscles:
While these three are the main mechanisms behind alcoholic myopathy, booze contributes in other ways as well. Its tendency to cause inflammation can make matters worse. It can also cause oxidative stress (a process that contributes to tissue damage), mitochondrial dysfunction (glitches in the ways muscle cells use energy), and epigenetic changes that tweak the cellular processes supporting muscle function.
Finally, alcohol can also make it more difficult to bounce back from tissue injuries — not just because of its effects on muscle growth, but by causing dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
How long does alcoholic myopathy take to develop? It depends. For some of us, the symptoms start cropping up sooner rather than later. However, there are a few factors that tend to make chronic alcoholic myopathy in particular more likely to show up.
Now for the big question, can alcoholic myopathy be reversed? Yes, it can (Phew!). If we go easy on the booze, our muscles have a chance to recover. There are several strategies doctors use to give our muscles a helping hand.
So what can you do to give your muscles (and the rest of your body and mind) a breather when it comes to alcohol? Here are a few tips:
We rarely think about how much our muscles do for us every day until something goes wrong or doesn’t feel quite like it should. Let’s be proactive about our health — both when it comes to our muscles and in our journey to a happier, healthier version of ourselves. In the words of writer Haruki Murakami, “I move, therefore I am.” So let’s keep moving!
We all know those muscle aches we wake up with the morning after we finish a long hike, try a new kickboxing workout, or stretch our limbs in a new yoga routine. But maybe you’ve experienced this effect after a night of drinking. What gives? Was there a set of jumping jacks (or 10, or 20) you forgot you did between rounds of Trivia Night? Or did a night out on the town magically serve as an equivalent of a trip to the gym?
Turns out, booze itself might be the culprit. Alcohol can induce a condition known as alcoholic myopathy, an uncomfortable muscle condition. How does alcohol cause muscle weakness? What’s the connection between alcohol, muscle wasting, and muscle weakness after drinking? And why do alcoholics have skinny legs? Let’s learn what those sore muscles after drinking are all about — and what we can do about it!
Derived from the Greek “myo” (muscle) and “pathy” (suffering), the term myopathy describes various types of muscle disease. What’s behind this “muscle suffering?” It could have a number of different causes, but the result is that the structure, metabolism, or function of our skeletal muscles is affected to the point of interfering with our daily life.
Myopathy can be chronic or acute. Symptoms can range from mildly unpleasant to downright debilitating:
The causes can vary, but generally fall into two categories: inherited and acquired.
Inherited myopathy includes congenital myopathies (in which all muscles are usually affected), those caused by mitochondrial deficiencies, metabolic myopathies (caused by faulty metabolic processes that deplete the muscles of resources they need to function) and muscular dystrophies (progressive degeneration of muscles).
Acquired myopathies, on the other hand, have a number of possible causes ranging from autoimmune or inflammatory diseases to endocrine issues, electrolyte imbalances, illness, and — yes — toxins, such as alcohol.
Early detection is key! A healthcare professional can help pinpoint the root of the problem and make an accurate diagnosis. In the case of alcoholic myopathy, we can do a great deal of prevention before we even get to the point of symptoms.
So what does alcohol have to do with it? Can it really affect our muscles? Science says yes! While the mechanism isn’t very well understood, the connection between muscle weakness, alcohol, muscle atrophy, and muscle pain is well-documented and can lead to serious problems if left unaddressed.
How common is alcoholic myopathy? According to an Alcohol Research article, as many as 40 to 60% of people diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (AUD) will develop alcoholic myopathy. While the liver gets the most airtime when it comes to the negative effects of alcohol on the body, muscle disease is actually about 5 times more common.
Alcoholic myopathy can be acute (arising after a heavy binge) or chronic (building up over time). Here are the signs of each:
There are three main ways in which alcohol messes with our muscles:
While these three are the main mechanisms behind alcoholic myopathy, booze contributes in other ways as well. Its tendency to cause inflammation can make matters worse. It can also cause oxidative stress (a process that contributes to tissue damage), mitochondrial dysfunction (glitches in the ways muscle cells use energy), and epigenetic changes that tweak the cellular processes supporting muscle function.
Finally, alcohol can also make it more difficult to bounce back from tissue injuries — not just because of its effects on muscle growth, but by causing dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
How long does alcoholic myopathy take to develop? It depends. For some of us, the symptoms start cropping up sooner rather than later. However, there are a few factors that tend to make chronic alcoholic myopathy in particular more likely to show up.
Now for the big question, can alcoholic myopathy be reversed? Yes, it can (Phew!). If we go easy on the booze, our muscles have a chance to recover. There are several strategies doctors use to give our muscles a helping hand.
So what can you do to give your muscles (and the rest of your body and mind) a breather when it comes to alcohol? Here are a few tips:
We rarely think about how much our muscles do for us every day until something goes wrong or doesn’t feel quite like it should. Let’s be proactive about our health — both when it comes to our muscles and in our journey to a happier, healthier version of ourselves. In the words of writer Haruki Murakami, “I move, therefore I am.” So let’s keep moving!
