Diarrhea After Drinking Alcohol: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

The adverse impacts of alcohol are often discussed in terms of dependence and abuse. However, rarely are its other effects addressed. One of the common effects of alcohol is frequent bowel movements after drinking the same. Among other things in the body, alcohol affects the digestive system as well. It can disturb the intestines, hinder water absorption, quicken the rate of digestion, and lead to diarrhea.

In this blog, we shall look at the reasons for stomach problems after alcohol consumption, how to prevent it, and the paths of treatment.

Why Do I Get Diarrhea After Drinking Alcohol?

An upset stomach after drinking alcohol is basically an unwanted effect given the impact of alcohol on the digestive system. When alcohol is consumed, it gets quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. Some of it is absorbed in the digestive system as well. When alcohol is taken on an empty stomach, it first gets absorbed by the small intestine and is then sent to the large intestine.

While in the digestive system, alcohol leads to some changes. It inflames the gastrointestinal tract, hampers water absorption, quickens digestion, and kills off the good bacteria causing other harmful bacteria to grow rapidly. All these factors lead to tummy issues after alcohol.

If food is consumed before drinking alcohol, it acts as a buffer. Therefore, alcohol must never be consumed on an empty stomach even if its effects are more rapid, intense, and all the more desirable.

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Can Alcohol Cause Diarrhea?

Alcohol is a depressant, it calms the central nervous system, relaxing the mind and body. However, alcohol use also impacts the body in a negative manner. One of the organs it affects is the stomach, leading to frequent bowel movements. Diarrhea after consuming alcohol is a common symptom, especially when taken on an empty stomach. It irritates the gut and the body seeks to excrete it as soon as possible.

There are a few reasons why one might suffer from diarrhea after drinking alcohol, and they are as follows:

– Inflammation: When alcohol is consumed, especially on an empty stomach, it gets absorbed into the bloodstream and passes through the body very quickly. It inflames the lining of the digestive system and increases acid production. One of the consequences of this is diarrhea.

– Water Absorption: Alcohol consumption disrupts water absorption in the digestive system. It hinders the function of the large intestine by disrupting water absorption, leading to water and other liquids being expelled by the body pretty quickly. This leads to stools being runny, as is the case with diarrhea.

– Increases Sugar Content: Alcohol is high in sugar content. When it reaches the intestine, they produce to dilute the same. This leads to loose stools, and in the long run, can also lead to type 2 diabetes.

– Bacteria: The digestive system consists of good bacteria and bad bacteria. What alcohol does is it kills off the good bacteria in the digestive system, leading to an increase of the harmful species of bacteria. This can lead to quicker excretion of stomach contents, leading to diarrhea.

– Gastrointestinal Conditions: Chronic and heavy drinking has a wide range of adverse impacts on the body, however, the presence of gastrointestinal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, Celiac disease, and Crohn’s disease can worsen this. These conditions can contribute to diarrhea after alcohol.

How Long Does Diarrhea Last After Drinking Alcohol?

Stomach issues after drinking alcohol can arise in just a few hours of drinking. Most people don’t suffer from stomach issues for more than 1 to 3 days, but they can continue on the next day, depending on your body, the amount of alcohol consumed, and whether you have eaten something prior or not.

Some of the things that might the duration of diarrhea are:

• Amount and type of alcohol
• Pre-existing digestive issues like IBS or gastritis
• Hydration level
• Whether alcohol was consumed on an empty stomach

Risk Factors Of Alcohol-Related Diarrhea

While diarrhea after drinking alcohol is a general symptom, some risk factors increase the chances of the same:

• Chronic, heavy drinking, especially drinking repeatedly.
• The existence of an alcohol use disorder
• Gluten intolerance can lead to reactions against grains in beers and other drinks
• The presence of gastrointestinal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, Celiac disease, or Crohn’s disease
• Certain kinds of alcoholic drinks can increase the chances of diarrhea more so than others. For instance, beer is high in carbohydrates, which means that the body can find it difficult to break it down. Wine is high in tannins, while mixed drinks can be high in sugar content.

How To Settle Your Stomach After Drinking?

There are ways to prevent an upset stomach after consuming alcohol. This involves making small changes, such as the following:

• Avoid heavy drinking, which is consuming less than 2 drinks per day.
• Do not drink on an empty stomach, eat food before drinking.
• Avoid drinking quickly. Drink slowly.
• Avoid consuming alcohol with caffeine or mixing two alcoholic beverages.
• Mix alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic drinks, including water.

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When To See A Doctor?

Frequent bowel movements following drinking alcohol can last for a few days. If one is experiencing diarrhea, then it is important to drink lots of fluids like water (not alcoholic ones), eat easily digestible foods, and avoid dairy products. Diarrhea subsides after a few days provided alcohol consumption ceases. However, if diarrhea persists for more than 2 – 3 days, then consulting the doctor is necessary.

Moreover, if other symptoms like black or bloody stools, abdominal or rectal pain, fever, or dehydration are present, then it is important to seek medical treatment.

Some commonly known treatments for diarrhea after consuming alcohol are as follows:

• Loperamide or Imodium is prescribed to slow down digestion, allowing the body to absorb water and make the stools thicker.
• Antibiotics like azithromycin can also be prescribed to treat diarrhea. 
• In severe cases, the doctor can also refer to a gastroenterologist.
• If diarrhea is associated with alcohol use disorder, then it requires medically supervised detoxification, psychotherapeutic interventions, and 12-step recovery programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does diarrhea last after alcohol?

Diarrhea typically lasts for 2 – 3 days after alcohol. If it persists for longer, then consulting the doctor is important.

Is diarrhea a symptom of alcohol intolerance?

Yes, diarrhea after drinking alcohol can also be a symptom of alcohol intolerance.

Why does alcohol upset my stomach?

Alcohol upsets the stomach because it inflames the digestive system, hampers water absorption, quickens digestion, and increases the content of harmful bacteria in the digestive system.