Alcohol Gastritis is Caused by Excessive Use of Alcohol

The first thing you brought to my attention was your increased tolerance to alcohol. Drinking daily with friends and beginning with 1 or 2 beers then continuing to drink until you have consumed 15 to 20 beers by the end of the day. This self-report suggests heavy drinking minimally and possibly alcoholic drinking. This does not mean you are a confirmed alcoholic but it does mean that you could be abusing alcohol, addiction or not.

It is the excess of alcohol consumption that can cause stomach pain or alcohol gastritis, or inflammation of the lining of the stomach. Commonly reported symptoms of gastritis are:

• Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen. This is the most common of the gastritis symptoms.
• Nausea and vomiting. The vomit may differ in color depending on the severity of the gastritis.
• Belching. Belching usually either does not relieve the pain or relieves it only briefly.
• Loss of appetite.
• A bloated feeling, feeling as if you have just drunk A LOT of water.
• A burning sensation at the top of the belly.
• A bad taste in the mouth.
• Diarrhea (For more information go to: www.the-alcoholism-guide.org/alcoholic-gastritis.html)

Medicines are not effective in reducing gastritis. The most effective treatment of alcohol gastritis is to (1) moderate your use of alcohol or (2) to completely stop your use of alcohol. The symptoms of alcohol gastritis will return if excessive use of alcohol is resumed.

I would encourage to decrease your use of alcohol or stopping your use of alcohol entirely so you can reduce/eliminate your symptoms of alcohol gastritis. It might be a good idea to consult with your doctor and let him or her know how you have been using alcohol and have your diagnosis of alcohol gastritis confirmed or denied.

If you find it difficult to stop using alcohol, you may want to have a substance abuse professional evaluate your current level of alcohol abuse. You can also have a free assessment for alcoholism by going to our website, www.choosehelp.com.

I hope this information is useful to you. If I can be of service to you now or later, please contact at your earliest convenience.

All the Best,

John W. O’Neal, Ed.S, MSW, MA, LPC, NCC