Alcohol causes cirrhosis, ulcers, and hemorrhoids, all of which can cause bloody stool. Learn the facts about blood in stool after drinking 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 hundreds 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!
Between educational initiatives and firsthand experience, most of us feel like we understand what alcohol does to our body.
Think back to the school assemblies that dared us to “just say no” or that first mind-bending hangover. We’ve heard heavy drinking horror stories since before we could get into a bar, and now maybe we’ve lived through some of our own horror stories.
We know the risks and still drink when we want. Why not? Most of us only think about the short-term effects of alcohol use, but we need to consider the long term, too.
As we age, the effects of alcohol use start to catch up with us — often in weird, wild ways. One of the strangest signs of problem drinking is seeing blood in our stool. If you’ve ever left the bathroom wondering, “Why am I bleeding after drinking alcohol?”, this one’s for you. Let’s explore the potential causes of bloody stool and the role alcohol can play.
Let’s cut to the chase: can alcohol cause blood in stool? Yes! We may see telltale red blood or partially digested blood, which is black and the texture of coffee grounds. This isn’t an in-the-moment effect we’ll observe after one or two drinks. Instead, it’s the cumulative result of ongoing overindulgence. The key to understanding this symptom is to unpack the way our body processes (and reacts to) alcohol.
When we hear “blood,” we probably picture red streaks. In reality, most blood in stool looks black after its trip through the digestive system. Dark, smelly, tar-like stools can be a sign of serious internal bleeding, as can stools that look like coffee grounds. Doctors call this “melena.” Potential causes linking alcohol and blood in stool include the following:
Sometimes, we can attribute blood in stool after drinking to a more benign cause. If the blood we’re seeing is bright red, we may be experiencing anal fissures or hemorrhoids.
Let’s dive deeper into hemorrhoids, since they’re incredibly common — and alcohol can make them worse.
Hemorrhoids, or piles, are naturally occurring blood vessels lining the anus and rectum. They form at the junctions of small arteries and veins. These lumps only become problematic when they swell, causing itching, pain, and bloody stool.
Can alcohol cause hemorrhoids? Yes, and the explanation is fairly simple. Piles may be scraped during the passage of hard, dehydrated fecal matter, which leads to relatively painless bleeding. For many of us, small spots of bright red blood on toilet paper are the first sign of hemorrhoids.
While they can be caused by pregnancy, low fiber levels, or a sedentary lifestyle, alcohol also heightens our risk of bleeding from these uncomfortable bumps. Let’s explore the link between alcohol and hemorrhoids.
Those of us experiencing bloody stool should familiarize ourselves with all the major warning signs of hemorrhoids. While they aren’t usually dangerous, they can be incredibly uncomfortable and interfere with our well-being.
Most of us realize we have hemorrhoids when we see red blood on our toilet paper after a painless bowel movement. However, there are a few more symptoms we should be aware of.
Other signs of hemorrhoids include the following:
In rare cases, hemorrhoids can create serious health complications. Ongoing blood loss from severe lesions may cause anemia. If left untreated, hemorrhoids might become painful or cause blood clots. We should seek medical care for suspected hemorrhoids.
Sometimes, bleeding after drinking is exacerbated by our lifestyle choices. Spicy foods, low fiber, and dehydration can worsen rectal bleeding, especially if the bleeding is related to hemorrhoids. Consider these tips to promote healthy digestion and alleviate the stress on our GI tract.
Note: Bleeding after drinking can indicate a life-threatening condition. The only way to truly treat the symptom is to address its root cause. Instead of trying to DIY a solution for bloody stool, consult a healthcare provider.
If you ever see blood in your stool, discuss your symptoms with a doctor as soon as possible. A professional medical opinion is the only way to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
Whether your waste is bright red or black, this symptom warrants an examination. Multicolored bowel movements can be a sign of internal bleeding, organ damage, or liver failure.
If you’re especially concerned about your symptoms, you can make an appointment with your local urgent care or primary care physician. Explain your symptoms and request to be seen within the next few days, not weeks.
Be sure to alert your provider of any changes in bowel habits. Tell them whether the blood is mixed in with stool or if you’re just seeing it on the toilet paper. Note the color — is it bright red or black?
Finally, if possible, create a log of times when you’ve observed blood after using the restroom. This may seem like overkill, but it can be incredibly helpful. The more information your doctor has, the better your outcomes will be.
Sometimes, symptoms are severe or come on very quickly. Many people ignore the warning signs of internal bleeding — a decision that can be life-threatening. Head to the ER if you’re experiencing the following:
Listen to your body and trust your instincts. When in doubt, seek a professional opinion!
We know, we know — this whole topic feels a bit TMI. But if your stool has red or black in it, don’t let embarrassment keep you from seeking medical care. Pooping blood after drinking can signify serious internal damage. It may also be an easily solvable issue like hemorrhoids. You won’t know until you talk to a professional!
Bleeding after drinking inspires many of us to reassess our relationship with alcohol. If you’re hoping to cut back or quit, Reframe can help. Our innovative app combines proven habit-change techniques with 24/7 community support. Join millions of Reframers in the journey toward balance and well-being.
Between educational initiatives and firsthand experience, most of us feel like we understand what alcohol does to our body.
Think back to the school assemblies that dared us to “just say no” or that first mind-bending hangover. We’ve heard heavy drinking horror stories since before we could get into a bar, and now maybe we’ve lived through some of our own horror stories.
We know the risks and still drink when we want. Why not? Most of us only think about the short-term effects of alcohol use, but we need to consider the long term, too.
As we age, the effects of alcohol use start to catch up with us — often in weird, wild ways. One of the strangest signs of problem drinking is seeing blood in our stool. If you’ve ever left the bathroom wondering, “Why am I bleeding after drinking alcohol?”, this one’s for you. Let’s explore the potential causes of bloody stool and the role alcohol can play.
Let’s cut to the chase: can alcohol cause blood in stool? Yes! We may see telltale red blood or partially digested blood, which is black and the texture of coffee grounds. This isn’t an in-the-moment effect we’ll observe after one or two drinks. Instead, it’s the cumulative result of ongoing overindulgence. The key to understanding this symptom is to unpack the way our body processes (and reacts to) alcohol.
When we hear “blood,” we probably picture red streaks. In reality, most blood in stool looks black after its trip through the digestive system. Dark, smelly, tar-like stools can be a sign of serious internal bleeding, as can stools that look like coffee grounds. Doctors call this “melena.” Potential causes linking alcohol and blood in stool include the following:
Sometimes, we can attribute blood in stool after drinking to a more benign cause. If the blood we’re seeing is bright red, we may be experiencing anal fissures or hemorrhoids.
Let’s dive deeper into hemorrhoids, since they’re incredibly common — and alcohol can make them worse.
Hemorrhoids, or piles, are naturally occurring blood vessels lining the anus and rectum. They form at the junctions of small arteries and veins. These lumps only become problematic when they swell, causing itching, pain, and bloody stool.
Can alcohol cause hemorrhoids? Yes, and the explanation is fairly simple. Piles may be scraped during the passage of hard, dehydrated fecal matter, which leads to relatively painless bleeding. For many of us, small spots of bright red blood on toilet paper are the first sign of hemorrhoids.
While they can be caused by pregnancy, low fiber levels, or a sedentary lifestyle, alcohol also heightens our risk of bleeding from these uncomfortable bumps. Let’s explore the link between alcohol and hemorrhoids.
Those of us experiencing bloody stool should familiarize ourselves with all the major warning signs of hemorrhoids. While they aren’t usually dangerous, they can be incredibly uncomfortable and interfere with our well-being.
Most of us realize we have hemorrhoids when we see red blood on our toilet paper after a painless bowel movement. However, there are a few more symptoms we should be aware of.
Other signs of hemorrhoids include the following:
In rare cases, hemorrhoids can create serious health complications. Ongoing blood loss from severe lesions may cause anemia. If left untreated, hemorrhoids might become painful or cause blood clots. We should seek medical care for suspected hemorrhoids.
Sometimes, bleeding after drinking is exacerbated by our lifestyle choices. Spicy foods, low fiber, and dehydration can worsen rectal bleeding, especially if the bleeding is related to hemorrhoids. Consider these tips to promote healthy digestion and alleviate the stress on our GI tract.
Note: Bleeding after drinking can indicate a life-threatening condition. The only way to truly treat the symptom is to address its root cause. Instead of trying to DIY a solution for bloody stool, consult a healthcare provider.
If you ever see blood in your stool, discuss your symptoms with a doctor as soon as possible. A professional medical opinion is the only way to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
Whether your waste is bright red or black, this symptom warrants an examination. Multicolored bowel movements can be a sign of internal bleeding, organ damage, or liver failure.
If you’re especially concerned about your symptoms, you can make an appointment with your local urgent care or primary care physician. Explain your symptoms and request to be seen within the next few days, not weeks.
Be sure to alert your provider of any changes in bowel habits. Tell them whether the blood is mixed in with stool or if you’re just seeing it on the toilet paper. Note the color — is it bright red or black?
Finally, if possible, create a log of times when you’ve observed blood after using the restroom. This may seem like overkill, but it can be incredibly helpful. The more information your doctor has, the better your outcomes will be.
Sometimes, symptoms are severe or come on very quickly. Many people ignore the warning signs of internal bleeding — a decision that can be life-threatening. Head to the ER if you’re experiencing the following:
Listen to your body and trust your instincts. When in doubt, seek a professional opinion!
We know, we know — this whole topic feels a bit TMI. But if your stool has red or black in it, don’t let embarrassment keep you from seeking medical care. Pooping blood after drinking can signify serious internal damage. It may also be an easily solvable issue like hemorrhoids. You won’t know until you talk to a professional!
Bleeding after drinking inspires many of us to reassess our relationship with alcohol. If you’re hoping to cut back or quit, Reframe can help. Our innovative app combines proven habit-change techniques with 24/7 community support. Join millions of Reframers in the journey toward balance and well-being.
We may have heard that alcohol can stunt growth. But how exactly does it do this, and how bad is it really? Check out our latest blog to learn more.
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 hundreds 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!
In today’s culture, it seems we’re forever trying to find ways to further our growth, whether emotionally, financially, socially, or physically. But when we introduce alcohol into our “growth mindset” and way of living, we can stunt our growth in countless ways.
As alcohol touches the lives of so many young adults and adolescents, it’s important to take a hard look at its detrimental effects. Let’s further examine the permanent influence that alcohol has on growth, especially during critical developmental stages.
Adolescence and young adulthood are periods of critical emotional and physical development. Puberty, for example, initiates reproductive maturity and great hormonal changes. Negative influences during puberty have long-term consequences.
Adolescent growth ends when the growth plates in the bones harden, which usually happens after puberty — around age 15 for girls and age 17 or 18 for boys. However, our brain — specifically, the prefrontal cortex (PFC), which regulates our thoughts, actions, and emotions — continues to develop into our mid-to-late 20s. Changes in the growth of our brain have lasting impacts on all of these areas, in addition to memory, learning, and ability to reason.
Alcohol significantly impairs functioning during adulthood, but drinking during adolescence can have even greater impacts. Research shows that binge drinking is more common among adolescents than adults, which, when combined with a still-developing PFC, increases the chance of risk-taking behaviors. Alcohol use also affects growth and development.
Growth occurs until adulthood, but most of our growth happens during puberty. What we know as a “growth spurt” typically happens during puberty. Alcohol has been shown to induce suppression of Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1), which plays a large role in puberty and physical growth.
Drinking during adolescence has also been associated with delays in puberty, which can interfere with the maturation and normal development of our organ systems — directly affecting growth and development. Another way that alcohol plays a part in stunting our growth is through disruptions in our sleep. During sleep, our body produces hormones that help us grow. Not only in height, but through repairing tissue and building muscle.
Not only does alcohol stunt physical growth and development, but it also restricts muscle growth. It does this through three main disruptions.
Through disruptions in multiple systems and hormones in our body, we’ve concluded that alcohol has negative effects on our growth and development in general and even more so during puberty. Let’s take a look at another critical developmental stage — pregnancy.
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy is not recommended in any amount. Not only does alcohol stunt the growth of the baby, it has serious permanent effects on the baby’s development. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy causes a multitude of complications known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). This spans a range of conditions, including the following:
So far, we’ve determined that alcohol has dramatic impacts on physical development and growth during pregnancy. Now, let’s take a look at how alcohol can influence a growing brain.
Drinking while our brain is still developing impacts two main areas — the hippocampus and prefrontal lobe. Research shows that alcohol misuse during development reduces the rate of brain growth and volume of these areas.
It goes without saying that all areas of the brain are important to our overall function. However, the hippocampal and prefrontal regions typically develop last, as they deal with our executive or higher cognitive functions.
The hippocampus controls our memory and learning whereas the prefrontal lobe deals with our decision-making skills, planning, emotional regulation, and judgment. Impacts on these areas of the brain are shown to increase the risk of developing alcohol misuse and alcohol use disorder (AUD) later in life.
Skills controlled by our hippocampus and prefrontal lobe are crucial in our adulthood, and impairments to these regions can have many negative and lasting consequences. Let’s learn more about what they are to grasp the gravity of the risks of drinking during development.
According to the CDC, more than 3,900 deaths occur each year from excessive drinking for those under 21 years of age. Along with alcohol-related deaths, drinking during development poses numerous other issues.
Through the many consequences, we see the extensive interference that drinking during development leads to causes Let’s take a look at some ways we can go about it to have a more positive impact.
If you’re concerned that drinking may be affecting your growth, don’t worry: every day is a new day to start growing in new ways. Whether you’re young and still growing up, or you’re struggling to make gains in the gym, or you feel stuck in life and you think alcohol may be interfering with your flourishing — there’s hope.
Start by assessing your relationship to alcohol. Take a few days (or a week) to track your cravings, your drinks, and your thoughts. Reflect on how your life would be different without alcohol. If you think drinking is harming your well-being, it may be time to get sober-curious or take a break with a 30-day challenge.
If you decide it’s time to change your relationship with alcohol, check out our blog on how to stop drinking and consider joining the Reframe app — a community of people on similar journeys to quit or cut back on alcohol.
Approaching a conversation about drinking with the young adult in your life may not be easy. The teenage years can be a turbulent time socially and emotionally. Some ways that parents or other adults can help adolescents develop a more positive relationship include the following actions:
For more thoughts on how to nurture your teen through recovery from alcohol misuse, head over to our blog titled “How To Help Your Teen With Alcohol Recovery.”
Alcohol has the power to impact all facets of our growth. From wide-ranging effects on fetal development to negative impacts on puberty and brain maturation in adolescents, to the inhibition of physical and emotional development of adults, alcohol can have dramatic impacts at every stage of life.
Beyond abstaining from alcohol during pregnancy, adolescence is the most impactful and important time to consider alcohol’s effects on growth. By understanding the seriousness of underage drinking and its consequences, we can be better prepared to handle it.
In today’s culture, it seems we’re forever trying to find ways to further our growth, whether emotionally, financially, socially, or physically. But when we introduce alcohol into our “growth mindset” and way of living, we can stunt our growth in countless ways.
As alcohol touches the lives of so many young adults and adolescents, it’s important to take a hard look at its detrimental effects. Let’s further examine the permanent influence that alcohol has on growth, especially during critical developmental stages.
Adolescence and young adulthood are periods of critical emotional and physical development. Puberty, for example, initiates reproductive maturity and great hormonal changes. Negative influences during puberty have long-term consequences.
Adolescent growth ends when the growth plates in the bones harden, which usually happens after puberty — around age 15 for girls and age 17 or 18 for boys. However, our brain — specifically, the prefrontal cortex (PFC), which regulates our thoughts, actions, and emotions — continues to develop into our mid-to-late 20s. Changes in the growth of our brain have lasting impacts on all of these areas, in addition to memory, learning, and ability to reason.
Alcohol significantly impairs functioning during adulthood, but drinking during adolescence can have even greater impacts. Research shows that binge drinking is more common among adolescents than adults, which, when combined with a still-developing PFC, increases the chance of risk-taking behaviors. Alcohol use also affects growth and development.
Growth occurs until adulthood, but most of our growth happens during puberty. What we know as a “growth spurt” typically happens during puberty. Alcohol has been shown to induce suppression of Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1), which plays a large role in puberty and physical growth.
Drinking during adolescence has also been associated with delays in puberty, which can interfere with the maturation and normal development of our organ systems — directly affecting growth and development. Another way that alcohol plays a part in stunting our growth is through disruptions in our sleep. During sleep, our body produces hormones that help us grow. Not only in height, but through repairing tissue and building muscle.
Not only does alcohol stunt physical growth and development, but it also restricts muscle growth. It does this through three main disruptions.
Through disruptions in multiple systems and hormones in our body, we’ve concluded that alcohol has negative effects on our growth and development in general and even more so during puberty. Let’s take a look at another critical developmental stage — pregnancy.
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy is not recommended in any amount. Not only does alcohol stunt the growth of the baby, it has serious permanent effects on the baby’s development. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy causes a multitude of complications known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). This spans a range of conditions, including the following:
So far, we’ve determined that alcohol has dramatic impacts on physical development and growth during pregnancy. Now, let’s take a look at how alcohol can influence a growing brain.
Drinking while our brain is still developing impacts two main areas — the hippocampus and prefrontal lobe. Research shows that alcohol misuse during development reduces the rate of brain growth and volume of these areas.
It goes without saying that all areas of the brain are important to our overall function. However, the hippocampal and prefrontal regions typically develop last, as they deal with our executive or higher cognitive functions.
The hippocampus controls our memory and learning whereas the prefrontal lobe deals with our decision-making skills, planning, emotional regulation, and judgment. Impacts on these areas of the brain are shown to increase the risk of developing alcohol misuse and alcohol use disorder (AUD) later in life.
Skills controlled by our hippocampus and prefrontal lobe are crucial in our adulthood, and impairments to these regions can have many negative and lasting consequences. Let’s learn more about what they are to grasp the gravity of the risks of drinking during development.
According to the CDC, more than 3,900 deaths occur each year from excessive drinking for those under 21 years of age. Along with alcohol-related deaths, drinking during development poses numerous other issues.
Through the many consequences, we see the extensive interference that drinking during development leads to causes Let’s take a look at some ways we can go about it to have a more positive impact.
If you’re concerned that drinking may be affecting your growth, don’t worry: every day is a new day to start growing in new ways. Whether you’re young and still growing up, or you’re struggling to make gains in the gym, or you feel stuck in life and you think alcohol may be interfering with your flourishing — there’s hope.
Start by assessing your relationship to alcohol. Take a few days (or a week) to track your cravings, your drinks, and your thoughts. Reflect on how your life would be different without alcohol. If you think drinking is harming your well-being, it may be time to get sober-curious or take a break with a 30-day challenge.
If you decide it’s time to change your relationship with alcohol, check out our blog on how to stop drinking and consider joining the Reframe app — a community of people on similar journeys to quit or cut back on alcohol.
Approaching a conversation about drinking with the young adult in your life may not be easy. The teenage years can be a turbulent time socially and emotionally. Some ways that parents or other adults can help adolescents develop a more positive relationship include the following actions:
For more thoughts on how to nurture your teen through recovery from alcohol misuse, head over to our blog titled “How To Help Your Teen With Alcohol Recovery.”
Alcohol has the power to impact all facets of our growth. From wide-ranging effects on fetal development to negative impacts on puberty and brain maturation in adolescents, to the inhibition of physical and emotional development of adults, alcohol can have dramatic impacts at every stage of life.
Beyond abstaining from alcohol during pregnancy, adolescence is the most impactful and important time to consider alcohol’s effects on growth. By understanding the seriousness of underage drinking and its consequences, we can be better prepared to handle it.
Drinking after anesthesia may not seem like a big deal; however, there are many risks involved. Check out our latest blog for more info.
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 hundreds 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!
Anesthesia, one of the world’s greatest medical developments, helps us not feel pain during critical procedures. While a century and a half ago, during the Civil War, alcohol may have been used during amputations, it is a practice of the past (for good reason).
Procedures that require anesthesia today typically come with clear warnings not to drink beforehand. However, the direction for drinking alcohol after anesthesia is a bit more muddled. To help us practice safe and speedy recovery, let’s get a closer look at what anesthesia is and how drinking after it is not a great idea.
Anesthesia is the use of anesthetic drugs to keep us from feeling pain during medical procedures and surgeries. Anesthetic drugs temporarily inhibit the nerves that send pain signals to our brains until the procedure is over.
Anesthesia can be administered by inhalation, injection, ointment, and sprays. The way it's administered and the level of sedation depends on the type and length of the procedure. Understanding the different types will help us understand when drinking after anesthesia is acceptable.
There are four main types of anesthesia:
Different types of anesthesia will impact the safety of consuming alcohol after it’s administered. Let’s take a closer look at how anesthesia and alcohol interact to determine if and when it’s safe to drink after.
Alcohol and anesthesia interact because they act on the same systems in our body. Anesthesia suppresses nerve transmission to our central nervous system. Higher levels of sedation also suppress functions of our nervous system such as our heart rate, circulation, and breathing. Similarly, alcohol depresses messengers in our brain that affect our motor, emotional, and cognitive control.
Another similarity that causes interactions is how alcohol and anesthesia are metabolized. Both substances are primarily broken down and eliminated by our liver. Anesthesia stays in our system even after some of its effects wear off. When we drink before our body metabolizes the anesthetic, our liver may not be able to keep up — leading to prolonged and compounded impairment.
Consuming alcohol before administration of anesthesia can be dangerous. Due to the interactions between the two, the anesthetic may have reduced effectiveness. The amount of sedation is carefully calculated and takes into account many different factors to ensure our safety. When alcohol blocks the effect of the anesthetic, our treating physician may prescribe more, without knowing the full picture. This can cause serious complications with not only the anesthesia but also the procedure itself.
Alcohol causes acute effects on anesthesia, but chronic drinking is also shown to cause permanent changes to anesthetic tolerance. Research shows that higher levels of anesthesia are needed for successful induction and maintenance of sedation for chronic drinkers. Anesthesia is generally safe, but complications can occur when other factors are involved.
Through its interactions, we can see why drinking before anesthesia is a no-go. But what about after?
The safest wait time depends on the type of procedure and anesthesia administered, but as a rule of thumb, the longer the better. Anesthesia inhibits our nerves and can affect our motor and cognitive function. Although the numbness or sedation may have worn off, the anesthetic drugs take time to be fully eliminated from our body and can continue to impair our normal functions. Anesthesia is also paired with medical procedures that typically require rest and recovery. Drinking after anesthesia can interfere with healing and opens the door to other risks.
With any procedure involving anesthesia, drinking alcohol afterward can greatly increase the risk of complications:
Due to the numerous risks associated with drinking after anesthesia, it’s generally recommended that we wait at least two weeks after anesthesia to resume drinking alcohol, but it’s best to follow guidance from our practitioners who are most familiar with our medical background.
While drinking after anesthesia may not always cause immediate risk, it can still delay the healing process after a procedure. Safe recovery practices lead to optimal healing and get us functioning in less time. We can prioritize safety and healing after recovery with five simple steps:
Alcohol before anesthesia is a big red flag. Drinking after anesthesia can also be dangerous. While the timeframe of abstinence may vary depending on the type and application, anesthesia and the procedures it’s used for are best left uncomplicated. It’s important to follow specific aftercare instructions, but in general, the longer we wait, the safer we are. We only get one chance to recover correctly, and alcohol can majorly disrupt the process.
Anesthesia, one of the world’s greatest medical developments, helps us not feel pain during critical procedures. While a century and a half ago, during the Civil War, alcohol may have been used during amputations, it is a practice of the past (for good reason).
Procedures that require anesthesia today typically come with clear warnings not to drink beforehand. However, the direction for drinking alcohol after anesthesia is a bit more muddled. To help us practice safe and speedy recovery, let’s get a closer look at what anesthesia is and how drinking after it is not a great idea.
Anesthesia is the use of anesthetic drugs to keep us from feeling pain during medical procedures and surgeries. Anesthetic drugs temporarily inhibit the nerves that send pain signals to our brains until the procedure is over.
Anesthesia can be administered by inhalation, injection, ointment, and sprays. The way it's administered and the level of sedation depends on the type and length of the procedure. Understanding the different types will help us understand when drinking after anesthesia is acceptable.
There are four main types of anesthesia:
Different types of anesthesia will impact the safety of consuming alcohol after it’s administered. Let’s take a closer look at how anesthesia and alcohol interact to determine if and when it’s safe to drink after.
Alcohol and anesthesia interact because they act on the same systems in our body. Anesthesia suppresses nerve transmission to our central nervous system. Higher levels of sedation also suppress functions of our nervous system such as our heart rate, circulation, and breathing. Similarly, alcohol depresses messengers in our brain that affect our motor, emotional, and cognitive control.
Another similarity that causes interactions is how alcohol and anesthesia are metabolized. Both substances are primarily broken down and eliminated by our liver. Anesthesia stays in our system even after some of its effects wear off. When we drink before our body metabolizes the anesthetic, our liver may not be able to keep up — leading to prolonged and compounded impairment.
Consuming alcohol before administration of anesthesia can be dangerous. Due to the interactions between the two, the anesthetic may have reduced effectiveness. The amount of sedation is carefully calculated and takes into account many different factors to ensure our safety. When alcohol blocks the effect of the anesthetic, our treating physician may prescribe more, without knowing the full picture. This can cause serious complications with not only the anesthesia but also the procedure itself.
Alcohol causes acute effects on anesthesia, but chronic drinking is also shown to cause permanent changes to anesthetic tolerance. Research shows that higher levels of anesthesia are needed for successful induction and maintenance of sedation for chronic drinkers. Anesthesia is generally safe, but complications can occur when other factors are involved.
Through its interactions, we can see why drinking before anesthesia is a no-go. But what about after?
The safest wait time depends on the type of procedure and anesthesia administered, but as a rule of thumb, the longer the better. Anesthesia inhibits our nerves and can affect our motor and cognitive function. Although the numbness or sedation may have worn off, the anesthetic drugs take time to be fully eliminated from our body and can continue to impair our normal functions. Anesthesia is also paired with medical procedures that typically require rest and recovery. Drinking after anesthesia can interfere with healing and opens the door to other risks.
With any procedure involving anesthesia, drinking alcohol afterward can greatly increase the risk of complications:
Due to the numerous risks associated with drinking after anesthesia, it’s generally recommended that we wait at least two weeks after anesthesia to resume drinking alcohol, but it’s best to follow guidance from our practitioners who are most familiar with our medical background.
While drinking after anesthesia may not always cause immediate risk, it can still delay the healing process after a procedure. Safe recovery practices lead to optimal healing and get us functioning in less time. We can prioritize safety and healing after recovery with five simple steps:
Alcohol before anesthesia is a big red flag. Drinking after anesthesia can also be dangerous. While the timeframe of abstinence may vary depending on the type and application, anesthesia and the procedures it’s used for are best left uncomplicated. It’s important to follow specific aftercare instructions, but in general, the longer we wait, the safer we are. We only get one chance to recover correctly, and alcohol can majorly disrupt the process.
Alcohol disrupts our brain signaling, potentially resulting in alcohol withdrawal seizures. Check out our latest blog to learn the science behind this, and safety tips.
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 hundreds 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’re watching an episode of your favorite show, Stranger Things, when all of a sudden one of the characters falls to the ground, jerking and convulsing rapidly. This is a seizure (or at least a massive generalization of what a seizure looks like). Beyond being in an alternate dimension like the characters in the show, seizures can happen for many different reasons — even ones that may seem unrelated, such as alcohol withdrawal.
Quitting or cutting back on alcohol is undoubtedly good for our health, but stopping abruptly after a period of heavy drinking can throw off the chemical balance in our brain, potentially triggering alcohol withdrawal seizures. Let’s jump into everything we need to know about this dangerous and often overlooked effect of alcohol withdrawal to stay healthy and safe.
Seizures are sudden, uncontrolled spurts of electrical activity in our brain that change or disrupt normal messaging in our brain. It’s like getting hit with a spam email. Clicking on it might download a virus, messing up the normal function of your phone or computer.
When we quit or cut back on alcohol abruptly, we may experience withdrawal, a period of physical and mental symptoms occurring as our brain tries to regain balance. The abnormal electrical activity from a seizure can scramble normal activity in our brain, which can impact our consciousness, movement, and behavior. There are different types of seizures, but the most common type caused by alcohol withdrawal is generalized tonic-clonic seizures.
This type of seizure is what probably comes to mind when we think of a “seizure” and what we commonly see portrayed in movies (although typically exaggerated). It involves two phases: the tonic phase, which is the stiffening phase, and the clonic, which is characterized by rhythmic jerking. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures can include the following symptoms:
Symptoms typically last about one to three minutes. If someone is experiencing a seizure or other serious symptoms, it’s important to seek emergency medical assistance right away. Now that we know alcohol withdrawal can undoubtedly cause seizures, let’s understand how it works.
Alcohol is directly linked to an increased seizure risk due to the way alcohol affects our brain chemistry. Here’s how:
Alcohol impacts two major neurotransmitters that can play a role in seizures: gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate.
GABA slows down signaling in the brain by blocking messages in the central nervous system (CNS). This neurotransmitter produces a calming effect by reeling in nerve cell hyperactivity, which is linked to fear, anxiety, and stress.
On the other hand, glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter that stimulates brain signaling. It’s critical for normal brain function and plays a key role in learning, memory, and mood regulation. GABA and glutamate are opposites that keep each other in balance.
Alcohol throws a wrench in the works by mimicking GABA and increasing its depressant effects. Meanwhile, alcohol blocks glutamate receptors, decreasing brain signaling. This significant disruption to our brain activity can trigger seizures for those who may have epilepsy and even for those who don’t.
While consuming alcohol can lead to seizures, the more common alcohol-related reason for seizures is alcohol withdrawal. To understand why, let’s first understand why withdrawal occurs.
Because alcohol mimics GABA, it decreases our brain’s natural ability to produce GABA and decreases its receptors over time. Glutamate receptors adapt to alcohol’s depressant effects by increasing brain activity to compensate. This “balance” becomes the new normal, explaining why we become more tolerant or less affected by alcohol. This tolerance is the reason why alcohol withdrawal occurs, and consequently, alcohol withdrawal seizures.
When we quit or cut back, alcohol’s depressant effects are reduced or eliminated and brain activity can go into overdrive. Imagine pulling back a bowstring tighter and tighter, increasing tension. When we release the string quickly rather than slowly, the arrow shoots forward forcefully — similar to how activity in our brain can go into overdrive.
As our body adjusts, we might experience physical withdrawal symptoms such as headache, nausea, increased heart rate, tremors, and excessive sweating. As our brain adjusts, we may experience mental and emotional symptoms such as anxiety, mood swings, insomnia, confusion, and hallucinations.
This abrupt change in our brain chemistry can also lead to seizures, as our brain recalibrates to functioning without alcohol’s depressant effects. Research shows that about 5% of those who experience alcohol withdrawal experience seizures, and more than 90% of those seizures occur within the first 48 hours after stopping drinking.
Now that we better understand how alcohol consumption and withdrawal are linked to seizures, let’s map out the steps we can take to prevent them and maintain our well-being.
We can better prevent seizures and complications tied to seizures by practicing more mindful consumption and safe alcohol detox. Here are some practices we can implement:
Alcohol withdrawal is unpleasant and sometimes dangerous, but it’s also a sign that we're breaking free from harmful drinking habits. The steps we can take to prevent seizures can be our first steps to a healthier future!
Seizures are scary, but now that we understand how the upheaval of our brain chemicals during withdrawal can cause seizures, we can take steps to prevent them. Practicing moderation, taking a more gradual approach to quitting or cutting back, and exploring supported detox options decreases our risk of alcohol withdrawal seizures. Take control and seize the opportunity for a healthier, seizure-free future!
You’re watching an episode of your favorite show, Stranger Things, when all of a sudden one of the characters falls to the ground, jerking and convulsing rapidly. This is a seizure (or at least a massive generalization of what a seizure looks like). Beyond being in an alternate dimension like the characters in the show, seizures can happen for many different reasons — even ones that may seem unrelated, such as alcohol withdrawal.
Quitting or cutting back on alcohol is undoubtedly good for our health, but stopping abruptly after a period of heavy drinking can throw off the chemical balance in our brain, potentially triggering alcohol withdrawal seizures. Let’s jump into everything we need to know about this dangerous and often overlooked effect of alcohol withdrawal to stay healthy and safe.
Seizures are sudden, uncontrolled spurts of electrical activity in our brain that change or disrupt normal messaging in our brain. It’s like getting hit with a spam email. Clicking on it might download a virus, messing up the normal function of your phone or computer.
When we quit or cut back on alcohol abruptly, we may experience withdrawal, a period of physical and mental symptoms occurring as our brain tries to regain balance. The abnormal electrical activity from a seizure can scramble normal activity in our brain, which can impact our consciousness, movement, and behavior. There are different types of seizures, but the most common type caused by alcohol withdrawal is generalized tonic-clonic seizures.
This type of seizure is what probably comes to mind when we think of a “seizure” and what we commonly see portrayed in movies (although typically exaggerated). It involves two phases: the tonic phase, which is the stiffening phase, and the clonic, which is characterized by rhythmic jerking. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures can include the following symptoms:
Symptoms typically last about one to three minutes. If someone is experiencing a seizure or other serious symptoms, it’s important to seek emergency medical assistance right away. Now that we know alcohol withdrawal can undoubtedly cause seizures, let’s understand how it works.
Alcohol is directly linked to an increased seizure risk due to the way alcohol affects our brain chemistry. Here’s how:
Alcohol impacts two major neurotransmitters that can play a role in seizures: gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate.
GABA slows down signaling in the brain by blocking messages in the central nervous system (CNS). This neurotransmitter produces a calming effect by reeling in nerve cell hyperactivity, which is linked to fear, anxiety, and stress.
On the other hand, glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter that stimulates brain signaling. It’s critical for normal brain function and plays a key role in learning, memory, and mood regulation. GABA and glutamate are opposites that keep each other in balance.
Alcohol throws a wrench in the works by mimicking GABA and increasing its depressant effects. Meanwhile, alcohol blocks glutamate receptors, decreasing brain signaling. This significant disruption to our brain activity can trigger seizures for those who may have epilepsy and even for those who don’t.
While consuming alcohol can lead to seizures, the more common alcohol-related reason for seizures is alcohol withdrawal. To understand why, let’s first understand why withdrawal occurs.
Because alcohol mimics GABA, it decreases our brain’s natural ability to produce GABA and decreases its receptors over time. Glutamate receptors adapt to alcohol’s depressant effects by increasing brain activity to compensate. This “balance” becomes the new normal, explaining why we become more tolerant or less affected by alcohol. This tolerance is the reason why alcohol withdrawal occurs, and consequently, alcohol withdrawal seizures.
When we quit or cut back, alcohol’s depressant effects are reduced or eliminated and brain activity can go into overdrive. Imagine pulling back a bowstring tighter and tighter, increasing tension. When we release the string quickly rather than slowly, the arrow shoots forward forcefully — similar to how activity in our brain can go into overdrive.
As our body adjusts, we might experience physical withdrawal symptoms such as headache, nausea, increased heart rate, tremors, and excessive sweating. As our brain adjusts, we may experience mental and emotional symptoms such as anxiety, mood swings, insomnia, confusion, and hallucinations.
This abrupt change in our brain chemistry can also lead to seizures, as our brain recalibrates to functioning without alcohol’s depressant effects. Research shows that about 5% of those who experience alcohol withdrawal experience seizures, and more than 90% of those seizures occur within the first 48 hours after stopping drinking.
Now that we better understand how alcohol consumption and withdrawal are linked to seizures, let’s map out the steps we can take to prevent them and maintain our well-being.
We can better prevent seizures and complications tied to seizures by practicing more mindful consumption and safe alcohol detox. Here are some practices we can implement:
Alcohol withdrawal is unpleasant and sometimes dangerous, but it’s also a sign that we're breaking free from harmful drinking habits. The steps we can take to prevent seizures can be our first steps to a healthier future!
Seizures are scary, but now that we understand how the upheaval of our brain chemicals during withdrawal can cause seizures, we can take steps to prevent them. Practicing moderation, taking a more gradual approach to quitting or cutting back, and exploring supported detox options decreases our risk of alcohol withdrawal seizures. Take control and seize the opportunity for a healthier, seizure-free future!
New studies show that estrogen and an organic compound (Alda-1) significantly affect alcohol's impact on the heart. Check out our newest blog for the latest research.
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 hundreds 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!
Have you heard that a glass of wine can be good for your heart health? This is (somewhat) true due to the antioxidants that are found in red wine, but the negative effects of the alcohol itself counteract any benefit. Antioxidants are also in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and even chocolate, and those aren’t toxic to our body! Research has since debunked the common misconception that wine is good for heart health, and found that even minimal amounts of alcohol can be bad for our heart.
So, what are the new studies on alcohol and heart health all about? In two recent studies, researchers looked into two compounds (which we’ll get into later) to see how they impact alcohol-related heart issues. But first, let’s examine what we already know.
Our heart is the core of our body function. After all, it keeps us alive! But alcohol, which is so normalized in our social culture, is directly linked to many heart issues:
So, it’s clear that alcohol and poor heart health are directly tied, but what does the latest research tell us?
While it’s been previously established that quitting or cutting back on alcohol improves heart health, the truth is that heart damage from alcohol consumption continues to be a public health issue. Two new animal studies looked at factors that could help protect against cardiovascular damage from alcohol, namely Alda-1 (a chemical activator) and estrogen (a hormone). Let’s take a closer look:
Previous research found that binge drinking increases a stress-related protein in the heart known as JNK2. This protein disrupts how our heart cells handle calcium (which is essential for helping our heart muscles contract), leading to irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia).
This new study looked at how aldehyde dehydrogenase activator 1 (Alda-1) could prevent the activation of this stress protein. Alda-1 is a chemical compound that increases the activity of the ALDH2 enzyme (a main enzyme that helps break down alcohol).
To test this, researchers separated mice into three groups. Two groups of mice were given every-other-day doses of alcohol to mimic binge drinking with only one group given Alda-1. The last group wasn’t exposed to alcohol or given Alda-1. They found that the mice exposed to alcohol had almost double the level of JNK2 (the stress-related protein) than the group that wasn’t. The study also found that more than 70% of the mice that weren’t given Alda-1 developed atrial fibrillation (Afib) compared to none in the group given Alda-1.
Although this animal study may not be able to account for the complexities of binge drinking in humans, it does reaffirm the direct link between alcohol and Afib, and paves the way for additional research on using Alda-1 to protect us from alcohol-related heart issues.
Another recent study looked at the potential link between estrogen and alcohol-related heart issues. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reports that alcohol consumption disproportionately affects heart health in women. Could estrogen be the reason?
To answer this question, researchers used female rats with their ovaries removed, which simulates menopause (when the ovaries produce little to no estrogen). All of the mice were exposed to alcohol, but some were given an estrogen replacement.
They found that the group given the estrogen replacement had more weight gain and fat mass as well as higher blood pressure and heart rate — all factors that impact heart health. This group also saw a greater impact on the heart’s ability to pump oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body and greater disruption to the circadian clock proteins (which regulate heart function and other bodily processes).
These findings show that estrogen is a significant factor in increased heart-related issues from alcohol in women. This fact serves as a reminder that women may need to take greater precautions, but it also leaves room for additional research on the prevention of alcohol-related heart problems for women and men.
Both studies were aimed at examining specific protective factors against alcohol-related heart issues (that weren’t quitting or cutting back on alcohol), The studies acknowledged that quitting or cutting back has significant positive impacts on heart health. Let’s explore other ways we can maintain a healthy heart.
Positive habits may not be able to completely prevent heart disease, but they can make a big difference in boosting our overall heart health. Here are some practices we can implement:
While research on using Alda-1 and knowledge on estrogen to treat alcohol-related heart issues is still in its early stages, these tips can help us maintain a healthy heart based on what we know now. As the anonymous saying goes, “The road to a healthy heart is paved with good intentions and positive choices.” And with every new day, we have a chance to make those positive choices!
Alcohol and heart disease have a direct link, but recent research found promising results in terms of possibly preventing alcohol’s detrimental effects on our cardiovascular health. But, at the end of the day, nothing is as effective as limiting or eliminating the substance that’s causing the issue. Let’s do our part in caring for our heart by quitting or cutting back on alcohol!
Have you heard that a glass of wine can be good for your heart health? This is (somewhat) true due to the antioxidants that are found in red wine, but the negative effects of the alcohol itself counteract any benefit. Antioxidants are also in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and even chocolate, and those aren’t toxic to our body! Research has since debunked the common misconception that wine is good for heart health, and found that even minimal amounts of alcohol can be bad for our heart.
So, what are the new studies on alcohol and heart health all about? In two recent studies, researchers looked into two compounds (which we’ll get into later) to see how they impact alcohol-related heart issues. But first, let’s examine what we already know.
Our heart is the core of our body function. After all, it keeps us alive! But alcohol, which is so normalized in our social culture, is directly linked to many heart issues:
So, it’s clear that alcohol and poor heart health are directly tied, but what does the latest research tell us?
While it’s been previously established that quitting or cutting back on alcohol improves heart health, the truth is that heart damage from alcohol consumption continues to be a public health issue. Two new animal studies looked at factors that could help protect against cardiovascular damage from alcohol, namely Alda-1 (a chemical activator) and estrogen (a hormone). Let’s take a closer look:
Previous research found that binge drinking increases a stress-related protein in the heart known as JNK2. This protein disrupts how our heart cells handle calcium (which is essential for helping our heart muscles contract), leading to irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia).
This new study looked at how aldehyde dehydrogenase activator 1 (Alda-1) could prevent the activation of this stress protein. Alda-1 is a chemical compound that increases the activity of the ALDH2 enzyme (a main enzyme that helps break down alcohol).
To test this, researchers separated mice into three groups. Two groups of mice were given every-other-day doses of alcohol to mimic binge drinking with only one group given Alda-1. The last group wasn’t exposed to alcohol or given Alda-1. They found that the mice exposed to alcohol had almost double the level of JNK2 (the stress-related protein) than the group that wasn’t. The study also found that more than 70% of the mice that weren’t given Alda-1 developed atrial fibrillation (Afib) compared to none in the group given Alda-1.
Although this animal study may not be able to account for the complexities of binge drinking in humans, it does reaffirm the direct link between alcohol and Afib, and paves the way for additional research on using Alda-1 to protect us from alcohol-related heart issues.
Another recent study looked at the potential link between estrogen and alcohol-related heart issues. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reports that alcohol consumption disproportionately affects heart health in women. Could estrogen be the reason?
To answer this question, researchers used female rats with their ovaries removed, which simulates menopause (when the ovaries produce little to no estrogen). All of the mice were exposed to alcohol, but some were given an estrogen replacement.
They found that the group given the estrogen replacement had more weight gain and fat mass as well as higher blood pressure and heart rate — all factors that impact heart health. This group also saw a greater impact on the heart’s ability to pump oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body and greater disruption to the circadian clock proteins (which regulate heart function and other bodily processes).
These findings show that estrogen is a significant factor in increased heart-related issues from alcohol in women. This fact serves as a reminder that women may need to take greater precautions, but it also leaves room for additional research on the prevention of alcohol-related heart problems for women and men.
Both studies were aimed at examining specific protective factors against alcohol-related heart issues (that weren’t quitting or cutting back on alcohol), The studies acknowledged that quitting or cutting back has significant positive impacts on heart health. Let’s explore other ways we can maintain a healthy heart.
Positive habits may not be able to completely prevent heart disease, but they can make a big difference in boosting our overall heart health. Here are some practices we can implement:
While research on using Alda-1 and knowledge on estrogen to treat alcohol-related heart issues is still in its early stages, these tips can help us maintain a healthy heart based on what we know now. As the anonymous saying goes, “The road to a healthy heart is paved with good intentions and positive choices.” And with every new day, we have a chance to make those positive choices!
Alcohol and heart disease have a direct link, but recent research found promising results in terms of possibly preventing alcohol’s detrimental effects on our cardiovascular health. But, at the end of the day, nothing is as effective as limiting or eliminating the substance that’s causing the issue. Let’s do our part in caring for our heart by quitting or cutting back on alcohol!
Drinking in the sun increases the risk of skin damage and long-term issues. Check out our latest blog for more info on why alcohol and sun tanning aren’t a good duo.
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 hundreds 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’re lounging by the pool, the sun beating down, and maybe you have a drink in hand. It seems like a perfect summer day, but while you’re busy relaxing, alcohol might be doing more than just giving you a buzz: it could be sabotaging your skin.
From dehydration to increased sensitivity, alcohol’s effects can turn your tanning session into a recipe for damage. Let’s explore how quitting or cutting back on alcohol can lead to better skin and a healthier glow.
Tanning is our body’s natural response to ultraviolet (UV) exposure. UV rays from the sun penetrate the outer layers of our skin, triggering cells called melanocytes.
Melanocytes produce melanin, which is the pigment responsible for giving our skin its color. So, we might think we’re just getting a sun-kissed glow from tanning, but it’s actually our body’s way of protecting itself from further damage.
Excessive exposure to UV rays damages skin cells, accelerates aging, and increases the risk of skin cancer. So, although we might be seeking that golden glow or that sun-kissed radiance that says “I just came back from vacation,” it’s important that we understand the long-term effect tanning can have on our skin’s health.
Alcohol and suntanning can be a dangerous combo. This is because of the different ways alcohol affects our skin:
Drinking in the sun amplifies the risks of sun damage, leading to long-term skin issues that go far beyond a temporary tan. But there’s even more!
Beyond the increased risk of skin damage, drinking in the sun can lead to a host of other complications. Be mindful of these risks:
By recognizing the potential dangers and taking proactive steps, we can enjoy our time outdoors while minimizing these health hazards.
To keep us feeling our best and minimize the risks associated with alcohol and sun exposure, it’s essential to implement mindful habits. Here are some things we can do:
We can still enjoy time in the sun by taking these precautions to maintain our health and well-being.
As we chase that sun-kissed glow, it’s clear that alcohol and suntanning are a risky combination. The mix of dehydration, increased UV sensitivity, and impaired recovery creates a perfect storm for skin damage and long-term health issues. Instead of risking our skin for a fleeting tan, stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and steer clear of alcohol to enjoy a healthier, more radiant glow. Let’s raise a glass (of water or a refreshing mocktail) to keep our fun in the sun risk-free!
You’re lounging by the pool, the sun beating down, and maybe you have a drink in hand. It seems like a perfect summer day, but while you’re busy relaxing, alcohol might be doing more than just giving you a buzz: it could be sabotaging your skin.
From dehydration to increased sensitivity, alcohol’s effects can turn your tanning session into a recipe for damage. Let’s explore how quitting or cutting back on alcohol can lead to better skin and a healthier glow.
Tanning is our body’s natural response to ultraviolet (UV) exposure. UV rays from the sun penetrate the outer layers of our skin, triggering cells called melanocytes.
Melanocytes produce melanin, which is the pigment responsible for giving our skin its color. So, we might think we’re just getting a sun-kissed glow from tanning, but it’s actually our body’s way of protecting itself from further damage.
Excessive exposure to UV rays damages skin cells, accelerates aging, and increases the risk of skin cancer. So, although we might be seeking that golden glow or that sun-kissed radiance that says “I just came back from vacation,” it’s important that we understand the long-term effect tanning can have on our skin’s health.
Alcohol and suntanning can be a dangerous combo. This is because of the different ways alcohol affects our skin:
Drinking in the sun amplifies the risks of sun damage, leading to long-term skin issues that go far beyond a temporary tan. But there’s even more!
Beyond the increased risk of skin damage, drinking in the sun can lead to a host of other complications. Be mindful of these risks:
By recognizing the potential dangers and taking proactive steps, we can enjoy our time outdoors while minimizing these health hazards.
To keep us feeling our best and minimize the risks associated with alcohol and sun exposure, it’s essential to implement mindful habits. Here are some things we can do:
We can still enjoy time in the sun by taking these precautions to maintain our health and well-being.
As we chase that sun-kissed glow, it’s clear that alcohol and suntanning are a risky combination. The mix of dehydration, increased UV sensitivity, and impaired recovery creates a perfect storm for skin damage and long-term health issues. Instead of risking our skin for a fleeting tan, stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and steer clear of alcohol to enjoy a healthier, more radiant glow. Let’s raise a glass (of water or a refreshing mocktail) to keep our fun in the sun risk-free!
Alcohol slows our body’s natural healing process through inflammation and by suppressing immune function. Check out our latest blog to learn the science behind healing.
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 hundreds 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 twist your ankle during a morning run, and, after a long day at work, you unwind with a couple of drinks, hoping that’ll help you relax. But a few days later, your ankle still feels sore, and you wonder why it's taking so long to heal. Could those drinks be a part of the problem?
While it might seem harmless, alcohol can slow down the body’s natural healing process in different ways. Whether it’s a minor injury, muscle recovery, or surgery, alcohol has a bigger impact on our recovery than we might think. Let’s understand how alcohol interferes with our body’s ability to heal and what this means for our overall health.
In short, alcohol does slow healing, and it affects the body’s ability to recover in multiple ways:
Alcohol impairs our innate and adaptive immune functions, which are two key mechanisms that keep us healthy. Our innate immune system is our body’s first line of defense. It responds quickly to invaders such as bacteria and viruses. Alcohol slows down our innate immune response, leaving us vulnerable to infections.
It also disrupts our adaptive immune response, which is our long-term system of defense responsible for creating antibodies (proteins that identify and fight germs) and for adapting to fight off future threats. In fact, our body registers alcohol as a threat! So, alcohol's impact on our immune system can lead to a weakened defense against illness, slower recovery times, and increased risk of complications.
Alcohol is a toxin that irritates our tissues, causing an inflammatory response. Inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection. It sends a signal to our brain that there’s a problem requiring repair.
Inflammation is a normal response to injury, as it helps us heal and recover. However, when alcohol is involved, this natural response can go into overdrive. It can cause persistent inflammation, damaging tissues rather than helping them heal. Chronic inflammation can slow down the healing of wounds, injuries, and illnesses.
Another way alcohol slows down healing is by interfering with our body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients. We might be eating a healthy diet, but our body can’t absorb the nutrients properly. Because alcohol irritates the lining of our stomach and intestines, our body has a more difficult time breaking down and absorbing nutrients from the food we eat. This disruption can lead to nutrient deficiencies and impact our body’s ability to heal.
Nutrient deficiency affects healing because we might be low in nutrients that play significant roles in cell repair, immune function, and tissue regeneration. For example, alcohol can impact the absorption of vitamin C, which is essential for collagen production. Impaired collagen production, in turn, slows down wound recovery. Alcohol consumption can also impair absorption of zinc, which supports immune function and tissue repair. When nutrients like these aren’t absorbed properly, healing can be delayed.
Last but not least, alcohol impedes recovery by disrupting our sleep. Sleep is a time when our body heals and recovers, and when we drink, our sleep gets thrown off.
Alcohol disrupts our REM sleep, which is a critical phase of restorative sleep. During this phase, our brain and body undergo essential repair processes, including muscle recovery and repair. When we don’t get enough REM sleep, our healing might take longer.
Alcohol also affects our sleep quality. We might pass out faster due to alcohol’s depressant effects, but once the alcohol is metabolized, we might experience what’s known as the rebound effect. When we drink, we experience a drop in glutamine levels, a neurotransmitter critical for learning and attention. Once alcohol is metabolized, however, our glutamine can spike, waking us up before we get enough restful sleep. Alcohol also interferes with our normal circadian rhythm or natural sleep cycle, causing us to wake up frequently throughout the night.
Additionally, alcohol acts as a diuretic, causing increased urination and dehydration. When we’re not properly hydrated, our cells can’t work properly, impeding repair and recovery.
As we can see, alcohol puts a damper on healing and recovery in more ways than one. It negatively affects our immune system, causes inflammation, and impairs nutrient absorption. This makes alcohol and wound healing a tough combo, as well as alcohol and bone healing. Plus, it makes it harder for us to fend off bacteria and viruses, and recover from any illness for that matter. Let’s take a closer look at what this means for our health in the long run.
The impact of alcohol can extend far beyond the immediate aftermath of injury or illness. In terms of healing and recovery, the effects can be significant.
Alcohol’s long-term effects on healing and recovery also affect our overall health. Our body’s natural healing process ensures we’re equipped to fight off infections and recover from wounds and illness. Let’s see how we can better support this process.
While we might not be able to prevent all illnesses or recover immediately after injury, boosting our body’s natural healing process can make a significant difference. Here are some steps we can take:
By incorporating these practices into our daily life, we can enhance our body’s ability to heal and recover, setting ourselves up for a healthier future.
Alcohol doesn’t impact just short-term recovery; but it can also have significant effects on our body’s overall natural healing process. By impairing immune function, reducing nutrient absorption, and prolonging inflammation, it slows down healing and leaves the body more vulnerable to illness. Quitting or cutting back on alcohol can improve our immune function and speed up recovery. Say goodbye to sluggish days and hello to quicker healing and more vitality!
You twist your ankle during a morning run, and, after a long day at work, you unwind with a couple of drinks, hoping that’ll help you relax. But a few days later, your ankle still feels sore, and you wonder why it's taking so long to heal. Could those drinks be a part of the problem?
While it might seem harmless, alcohol can slow down the body’s natural healing process in different ways. Whether it’s a minor injury, muscle recovery, or surgery, alcohol has a bigger impact on our recovery than we might think. Let’s understand how alcohol interferes with our body’s ability to heal and what this means for our overall health.
In short, alcohol does slow healing, and it affects the body’s ability to recover in multiple ways:
Alcohol impairs our innate and adaptive immune functions, which are two key mechanisms that keep us healthy. Our innate immune system is our body’s first line of defense. It responds quickly to invaders such as bacteria and viruses. Alcohol slows down our innate immune response, leaving us vulnerable to infections.
It also disrupts our adaptive immune response, which is our long-term system of defense responsible for creating antibodies (proteins that identify and fight germs) and for adapting to fight off future threats. In fact, our body registers alcohol as a threat! So, alcohol's impact on our immune system can lead to a weakened defense against illness, slower recovery times, and increased risk of complications.
Alcohol is a toxin that irritates our tissues, causing an inflammatory response. Inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection. It sends a signal to our brain that there’s a problem requiring repair.
Inflammation is a normal response to injury, as it helps us heal and recover. However, when alcohol is involved, this natural response can go into overdrive. It can cause persistent inflammation, damaging tissues rather than helping them heal. Chronic inflammation can slow down the healing of wounds, injuries, and illnesses.
Another way alcohol slows down healing is by interfering with our body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients. We might be eating a healthy diet, but our body can’t absorb the nutrients properly. Because alcohol irritates the lining of our stomach and intestines, our body has a more difficult time breaking down and absorbing nutrients from the food we eat. This disruption can lead to nutrient deficiencies and impact our body’s ability to heal.
Nutrient deficiency affects healing because we might be low in nutrients that play significant roles in cell repair, immune function, and tissue regeneration. For example, alcohol can impact the absorption of vitamin C, which is essential for collagen production. Impaired collagen production, in turn, slows down wound recovery. Alcohol consumption can also impair absorption of zinc, which supports immune function and tissue repair. When nutrients like these aren’t absorbed properly, healing can be delayed.
Last but not least, alcohol impedes recovery by disrupting our sleep. Sleep is a time when our body heals and recovers, and when we drink, our sleep gets thrown off.
Alcohol disrupts our REM sleep, which is a critical phase of restorative sleep. During this phase, our brain and body undergo essential repair processes, including muscle recovery and repair. When we don’t get enough REM sleep, our healing might take longer.
Alcohol also affects our sleep quality. We might pass out faster due to alcohol’s depressant effects, but once the alcohol is metabolized, we might experience what’s known as the rebound effect. When we drink, we experience a drop in glutamine levels, a neurotransmitter critical for learning and attention. Once alcohol is metabolized, however, our glutamine can spike, waking us up before we get enough restful sleep. Alcohol also interferes with our normal circadian rhythm or natural sleep cycle, causing us to wake up frequently throughout the night.
Additionally, alcohol acts as a diuretic, causing increased urination and dehydration. When we’re not properly hydrated, our cells can’t work properly, impeding repair and recovery.
As we can see, alcohol puts a damper on healing and recovery in more ways than one. It negatively affects our immune system, causes inflammation, and impairs nutrient absorption. This makes alcohol and wound healing a tough combo, as well as alcohol and bone healing. Plus, it makes it harder for us to fend off bacteria and viruses, and recover from any illness for that matter. Let’s take a closer look at what this means for our health in the long run.
The impact of alcohol can extend far beyond the immediate aftermath of injury or illness. In terms of healing and recovery, the effects can be significant.
Alcohol’s long-term effects on healing and recovery also affect our overall health. Our body’s natural healing process ensures we’re equipped to fight off infections and recover from wounds and illness. Let’s see how we can better support this process.
While we might not be able to prevent all illnesses or recover immediately after injury, boosting our body’s natural healing process can make a significant difference. Here are some steps we can take:
By incorporating these practices into our daily life, we can enhance our body’s ability to heal and recover, setting ourselves up for a healthier future.
Alcohol doesn’t impact just short-term recovery; but it can also have significant effects on our body’s overall natural healing process. By impairing immune function, reducing nutrient absorption, and prolonging inflammation, it slows down healing and leaves the body more vulnerable to illness. Quitting or cutting back on alcohol can improve our immune function and speed up recovery. Say goodbye to sluggish days and hello to quicker healing and more vitality!
Alcohol damages our cells, leading to premature aging and age-related health issues. Check out our latest blog to learn how alcohol impacts cellular regeneration.
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 hundreds 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!
Maybe you’ve had a long night (or a couple) out with friends and you knock out at night hoping to sleep the effects off and bounce back the morning after. But when you wake up the next morning and catch your reflection in the mirror, your skin is looking a little more tired and dull than usual. The pounding headache and unsettling nausea may have subsided, but the signs of aging don’t appear to be going away. Yes, maybe it’s the years catching up. But what if it’s something deeper? What if every innocent drink is silently fast-forwarding the aging process inside our body?
While we may shrug off the short-term effects of alcohol, the reality is that alcohol’s impact goes far beyond the surface (no pun intended). It damages our health on a cellular level. Let’s take a closer look at how alcohol influences cellular aging, one sip at a time.
Cellular aging is essentially how our cells change as time passes and we weather life’s storms. Our cells lose the ability to function properly as we get older, and since they’re the building blocks of our organs and body systems, cellular aging affects how well our body works over time. Back hurts all the time? Or starting to forget things more easily? These changes can stem from cellular aging.
When our cells age, they can’t perform their jobs as efficiently (just like an old car or phone that’s running out of juice). Cells might divide more slowly, delaying the process of making new cells. They might also not be able to repair damage as quickly and can even stop functioning altogether. This contributes to our body’s overall aging process, leading to signs such as wrinkles, low energy, and a weakened immune system.
This damage builds up over time due to different factors like stress, pollution, or unhealthy lifestyle choices. You might be wondering what alcohol’s role is in this, and that’s what we’re here to find out.
Alcohol contributes to aging by damaging our cells. It’s like clicking the fast-forward button on aging. Here’s how:
Getting to the bottom of how alcohol causes damage on a cellular level helps us see the bigger picture of its impact on our overall health. But what about some visible signs to look out for?
Alcohol accelerates aging by damaging our cells, which we’re not able to see (at least not right away). Cell damage can become visible over time through our skin or other noticeable signs of aging. Some visible effects of alcohol’s damage to our cells include:
Alcohol’s impact on our skin and overall aging is something we might see and feel the days following drinking, but what about in the long term?
Alcohol hits fast forward on the aging process. And we don’t just see that from the dullness or fatigue that comes the day after drinking, but also in the long term. This is because of how alcohol affects cellular regeneration (replacing or restoring damaged cells). Our cells make up our organs and body systems. So, when cellular regeneration is impacted, our organ function and healing are as well. Have you ever noticed that even something as benign as a head cold seems to hit harder than it did when you were a teenager? Blame it on aging and decreased cellular regeneration.
Drinking also causes dehydration and depletes essential nutrients, which both contribute to effective cell regeneration. Over time, alcohol can also weaken our immune system, making it harder to fend off illnesses and recover from injuries.
Chronic drinking damages our cells and immune system, making us look and feel older both inside and out. We may see signs of premature aging and be at risk of alcohol and age-related illness. So, now that we know the significant role alcohol plays in accelerating aging, can we undo the damage?
Damage to our cells from alcohol may be reversed to some degree. When we stop drinking, our body’s natural healing processes can begin to repair our cells and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
However, the extent of repair depends on many factors, including how long and how much alcohol we’ve consumed, how old we are, genetic disposition, and our overall health. Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to significant cellular and tissue damage — particularly in organs such as our liver and brain — which may not be reversible. Research is being done on repairing alcohol-induced DNA damage, but for now, the best way to repair your body is to quit the alcohol and develop healthy habits!
Alcohol isn’t the only culprit for premature aging, however. Our cells’ ability to repair themselves is impacted by many factors, including stress, pollution, and our lifestyle choices. So, by making conscious decisions to prevent and improve cellular aging, we might be able to see some improvements!
Completely reversing cellular damage might not be possible, but taking proactive steps to support our health can make a significant difference in slowing it down. Here are some things we can do:
By integrating these practices, we can improve our health and potentially mitigate some of the effects of cellular damage, helping us live a longer and healthier life.
As we can see, alcohol’s effects on cellular aging go far beyond a dull complexion or a longer recovery time after drinking. The damage goes deeper, affecting our body’s ability to repair and regenerate our cells. While we may not be able to entirely reverse the toll that alcohol takes on our cells, we can take charge of preventing aging moving forward. By making mindful choices such as quitting or cutting back on alcohol, we can slow down the aging process and support our cells in functioning at their best. Here’s to making choices that nourish both our cells and well-being!
Maybe you’ve had a long night (or a couple) out with friends and you knock out at night hoping to sleep the effects off and bounce back the morning after. But when you wake up the next morning and catch your reflection in the mirror, your skin is looking a little more tired and dull than usual. The pounding headache and unsettling nausea may have subsided, but the signs of aging don’t appear to be going away. Yes, maybe it’s the years catching up. But what if it’s something deeper? What if every innocent drink is silently fast-forwarding the aging process inside our body?
While we may shrug off the short-term effects of alcohol, the reality is that alcohol’s impact goes far beyond the surface (no pun intended). It damages our health on a cellular level. Let’s take a closer look at how alcohol influences cellular aging, one sip at a time.
Cellular aging is essentially how our cells change as time passes and we weather life’s storms. Our cells lose the ability to function properly as we get older, and since they’re the building blocks of our organs and body systems, cellular aging affects how well our body works over time. Back hurts all the time? Or starting to forget things more easily? These changes can stem from cellular aging.
When our cells age, they can’t perform their jobs as efficiently (just like an old car or phone that’s running out of juice). Cells might divide more slowly, delaying the process of making new cells. They might also not be able to repair damage as quickly and can even stop functioning altogether. This contributes to our body’s overall aging process, leading to signs such as wrinkles, low energy, and a weakened immune system.
This damage builds up over time due to different factors like stress, pollution, or unhealthy lifestyle choices. You might be wondering what alcohol’s role is in this, and that’s what we’re here to find out.
Alcohol contributes to aging by damaging our cells. It’s like clicking the fast-forward button on aging. Here’s how:
Getting to the bottom of how alcohol causes damage on a cellular level helps us see the bigger picture of its impact on our overall health. But what about some visible signs to look out for?
Alcohol accelerates aging by damaging our cells, which we’re not able to see (at least not right away). Cell damage can become visible over time through our skin or other noticeable signs of aging. Some visible effects of alcohol’s damage to our cells include:
Alcohol’s impact on our skin and overall aging is something we might see and feel the days following drinking, but what about in the long term?
Alcohol hits fast forward on the aging process. And we don’t just see that from the dullness or fatigue that comes the day after drinking, but also in the long term. This is because of how alcohol affects cellular regeneration (replacing or restoring damaged cells). Our cells make up our organs and body systems. So, when cellular regeneration is impacted, our organ function and healing are as well. Have you ever noticed that even something as benign as a head cold seems to hit harder than it did when you were a teenager? Blame it on aging and decreased cellular regeneration.
Drinking also causes dehydration and depletes essential nutrients, which both contribute to effective cell regeneration. Over time, alcohol can also weaken our immune system, making it harder to fend off illnesses and recover from injuries.
Chronic drinking damages our cells and immune system, making us look and feel older both inside and out. We may see signs of premature aging and be at risk of alcohol and age-related illness. So, now that we know the significant role alcohol plays in accelerating aging, can we undo the damage?
Damage to our cells from alcohol may be reversed to some degree. When we stop drinking, our body’s natural healing processes can begin to repair our cells and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
However, the extent of repair depends on many factors, including how long and how much alcohol we’ve consumed, how old we are, genetic disposition, and our overall health. Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to significant cellular and tissue damage — particularly in organs such as our liver and brain — which may not be reversible. Research is being done on repairing alcohol-induced DNA damage, but for now, the best way to repair your body is to quit the alcohol and develop healthy habits!
Alcohol isn’t the only culprit for premature aging, however. Our cells’ ability to repair themselves is impacted by many factors, including stress, pollution, and our lifestyle choices. So, by making conscious decisions to prevent and improve cellular aging, we might be able to see some improvements!
Completely reversing cellular damage might not be possible, but taking proactive steps to support our health can make a significant difference in slowing it down. Here are some things we can do:
By integrating these practices, we can improve our health and potentially mitigate some of the effects of cellular damage, helping us live a longer and healthier life.
As we can see, alcohol’s effects on cellular aging go far beyond a dull complexion or a longer recovery time after drinking. The damage goes deeper, affecting our body’s ability to repair and regenerate our cells. While we may not be able to entirely reverse the toll that alcohol takes on our cells, we can take charge of preventing aging moving forward. By making mindful choices such as quitting or cutting back on alcohol, we can slow down the aging process and support our cells in functioning at their best. Here’s to making choices that nourish both our cells and well-being!
Delirium tremens during alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening. Check out our latest blog for more info on treating and preventing this critical condition.
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 hundreds 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!
Imagine waking up in a whirlwind of disorientation where reality blurs and shadows dance in your periphery. You get up but your room warps into a puzzling landscape, familiar faces morph into strangers, and even the simplest actions become daunting. You’re hoping to snap out of it, but this isn't a scene from a nightmare. It’s the stark reality of alcohol withdrawal delirium, also referred to as delirium tremens (DTs).
DTs is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition that can arise after abruptly stopping heavy alcohol consumption. This form of alcohol withdrawal can plunge us into a state of intense confusion, vivid hallucinations, and erratic physical symptoms. For those looking to quit or cut back on alcohol, understanding DTs is crucial in managing safe detox and recovery. Let's dive into all things DTs to equip you with the tools to confront this challenging aspect of alcohol withdrawal.
Delirium tremens (DTs), also known as alcohol withdrawal delirium (AWD), is the most extreme form of alcohol withdrawal. It causes severe problems in our brain and nervous system that can be potentially fatal. In those with alcohol use disorder (AUD), about 50% of people experience withdrawal symptoms, and out of those people, 3% to 5% percent experience severe symptoms of delirium tremens. How can we tell DTs from general alcohol withdrawal?
Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal appear between 6 to 24 hours after drinking, but symptoms of DTs often occur a bit later. They typically appear within three days to a week or more after stopping drinking. Symptoms of DTs include general symptoms of alcohol withdrawal:
Symptoms more indicative of DTs (and not regular withdrawal) include the following:
If experiencing any severe symptoms, consult a physician and call 9-1-1 for emergency medical treatment. Now that we’ve learned to identify DTs, let’s examine why we experience withdrawal when we quit drinking.
To understand the risk factors for DTs, let’s first take a look at why alcohol withdrawal occurs. When we drink, alcohol excites and aggravates our nervous system, and our body becomes dependent on it over time.
The two main culprits? Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate — two neurotransmitters or chemical messengers in our brain. GABA decreases nerve cell signaling (producing a calming effect) and glutamate increases cell signaling (optimizing brain function for learning and memory). When we drink, alcohol increases GABA and suppresses glutamate, producing the calm, pleasurable feeling we may experience from alcohol. When we stop drinking, GABA levels drop and glutamate is no longer suppressed — prompting our brain to go into a state of overexcitement, causing withdrawal symptoms.
Since DTs is the most severe form of alcohol withdrawal, it only affects those of us with a history of heavy and prolonged alcohol use. We may develop DTs when we stop drinking or reduce our alcohol consumption too quickly. Certain risk factors can increase our risk of developing DTs, for example if we:
While these factors may increase our risk of developing DTs, all heavy, long-term drinkers are at risk. According to the CDC, heavy drinking refers to having 15 or more drinks in a week for men and 8 or more drinks in a week for women. But that’s not all! The CDC also classifies binge drinking as excessive drinking, and it’s actually the most common form of heavy drinking. Binge drinking means having 5 or more drinks in one sitting for men and 4 or more drinks in one sitting for women.
So, if we do develop delirium tremens, can it be treated?
DTs can be dangerous and even fatal. In most cases, hospitalization is recommended to ensure our safety and manage any complications. Treatment for DTs requires an extensive approach that involves the following methods:
There are effective treatments for DTs, but what about complications that may arise?
Active addiction, more aptly referred to as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is actively drinking and not being able to quit or cut back despite negative consequences. It differs from active recovery because recovery refers to taking steps to improve our relationship with alcohol even though we may not be sober or completely abstinent. The transition from active addiction to active recovery through these strategies is the first step in developing a healthier relationship with alcohol:
If we notice that we’re taking more of a passive approach, we can use these same strategies to transition from passive to active recovery.
Since DTs is caused by heavy alcohol consumption, other complications that are associated with excessive drinking can also occur. Additional conditions that may co-occur and require treatment include the following:
These additional risks and co-occurring conditions make navigating DTs even more challenging. While DTs can be fatal, luckily there’s a low mortality rate with timely intervention and early medical treatment.
DTs can be treated, but some symptoms can linger far beyond medical stabilization. Symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, and mood swings can remain for up to a year or more, a condition known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome. Going through alcohol withdrawal or DTs is no easy feat, to say the least. So, how can we better prevent it from happening?
We’ve already completed the first step in preventing DTs — learning about what it is. We can further increase our health and safety by implementing these strategies:
Early intervention and timely medical treatment are key when it comes to managing and preventing DTs. Developing a better relationship with alcohol can be challenging, but we don’t have to do it alone. Join Reframe’s welcoming community to connect with others who may be going through a similar experience.
Symptoms of delirium tremens can seem like a scene taken right out of a nightmare, but it’s a real occurrence that is caused by stopping alcohol consumption after prolonged, excessive use. Learning to identify symptoms of DTs can ensure we obtain timely medical treatment, greatly increasing our chances of successful recovery. To further improve our health and safety, we can quit or cut back on alcohol. With this knowledge of DTs, we’re better equipped to tackle it!
Imagine waking up in a whirlwind of disorientation where reality blurs and shadows dance in your periphery. You get up but your room warps into a puzzling landscape, familiar faces morph into strangers, and even the simplest actions become daunting. You’re hoping to snap out of it, but this isn't a scene from a nightmare. It’s the stark reality of alcohol withdrawal delirium, also referred to as delirium tremens (DTs).
DTs is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition that can arise after abruptly stopping heavy alcohol consumption. This form of alcohol withdrawal can plunge us into a state of intense confusion, vivid hallucinations, and erratic physical symptoms. For those looking to quit or cut back on alcohol, understanding DTs is crucial in managing safe detox and recovery. Let's dive into all things DTs to equip you with the tools to confront this challenging aspect of alcohol withdrawal.
Delirium tremens (DTs), also known as alcohol withdrawal delirium (AWD), is the most extreme form of alcohol withdrawal. It causes severe problems in our brain and nervous system that can be potentially fatal. In those with alcohol use disorder (AUD), about 50% of people experience withdrawal symptoms, and out of those people, 3% to 5% percent experience severe symptoms of delirium tremens. How can we tell DTs from general alcohol withdrawal?
Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal appear between 6 to 24 hours after drinking, but symptoms of DTs often occur a bit later. They typically appear within three days to a week or more after stopping drinking. Symptoms of DTs include general symptoms of alcohol withdrawal:
Symptoms more indicative of DTs (and not regular withdrawal) include the following:
If experiencing any severe symptoms, consult a physician and call 9-1-1 for emergency medical treatment. Now that we’ve learned to identify DTs, let’s examine why we experience withdrawal when we quit drinking.
To understand the risk factors for DTs, let’s first take a look at why alcohol withdrawal occurs. When we drink, alcohol excites and aggravates our nervous system, and our body becomes dependent on it over time.
The two main culprits? Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate — two neurotransmitters or chemical messengers in our brain. GABA decreases nerve cell signaling (producing a calming effect) and glutamate increases cell signaling (optimizing brain function for learning and memory). When we drink, alcohol increases GABA and suppresses glutamate, producing the calm, pleasurable feeling we may experience from alcohol. When we stop drinking, GABA levels drop and glutamate is no longer suppressed — prompting our brain to go into a state of overexcitement, causing withdrawal symptoms.
Since DTs is the most severe form of alcohol withdrawal, it only affects those of us with a history of heavy and prolonged alcohol use. We may develop DTs when we stop drinking or reduce our alcohol consumption too quickly. Certain risk factors can increase our risk of developing DTs, for example if we:
While these factors may increase our risk of developing DTs, all heavy, long-term drinkers are at risk. According to the CDC, heavy drinking refers to having 15 or more drinks in a week for men and 8 or more drinks in a week for women. But that’s not all! The CDC also classifies binge drinking as excessive drinking, and it’s actually the most common form of heavy drinking. Binge drinking means having 5 or more drinks in one sitting for men and 4 or more drinks in one sitting for women.
So, if we do develop delirium tremens, can it be treated?
DTs can be dangerous and even fatal. In most cases, hospitalization is recommended to ensure our safety and manage any complications. Treatment for DTs requires an extensive approach that involves the following methods:
There are effective treatments for DTs, but what about complications that may arise?
Active addiction, more aptly referred to as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is actively drinking and not being able to quit or cut back despite negative consequences. It differs from active recovery because recovery refers to taking steps to improve our relationship with alcohol even though we may not be sober or completely abstinent. The transition from active addiction to active recovery through these strategies is the first step in developing a healthier relationship with alcohol:
If we notice that we’re taking more of a passive approach, we can use these same strategies to transition from passive to active recovery.
Since DTs is caused by heavy alcohol consumption, other complications that are associated with excessive drinking can also occur. Additional conditions that may co-occur and require treatment include the following:
These additional risks and co-occurring conditions make navigating DTs even more challenging. While DTs can be fatal, luckily there’s a low mortality rate with timely intervention and early medical treatment.
DTs can be treated, but some symptoms can linger far beyond medical stabilization. Symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, and mood swings can remain for up to a year or more, a condition known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome. Going through alcohol withdrawal or DTs is no easy feat, to say the least. So, how can we better prevent it from happening?
We’ve already completed the first step in preventing DTs — learning about what it is. We can further increase our health and safety by implementing these strategies:
Early intervention and timely medical treatment are key when it comes to managing and preventing DTs. Developing a better relationship with alcohol can be challenging, but we don’t have to do it alone. Join Reframe’s welcoming community to connect with others who may be going through a similar experience.
Symptoms of delirium tremens can seem like a scene taken right out of a nightmare, but it’s a real occurrence that is caused by stopping alcohol consumption after prolonged, excessive use. Learning to identify symptoms of DTs can ensure we obtain timely medical treatment, greatly increasing our chances of successful recovery. To further improve our health and safety, we can quit or cut back on alcohol. With this knowledge of DTs, we’re better equipped to tackle it!
