Crohn’s Disease and Alcohol Abuse

Understanding Crohn’s Disease: Symptoms and Challenges

Crohn’s Disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that makes the tissues in the digestive tract become inflamed and swollen. It most commonly affects the small intestine, but the inflammation can spread to other parts of the digestive tract, deeper into the bowel.

Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease can occur suddenly and can range from mild to severe. These include:

• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Severe diarrhea
• Fever
• Blood in the stool
• Fatigue
• Mouth sores
• Weight loss
• Reduced appetite
• Malnutrition

Some people also experience skin, eye, and joint inflammation, liver and bile duct inflammation, kidney stones, and iron deficiencies, and some children with the disease may experience delayed development. Having Crohn’s Disease can also worsen mental illnesses like depression or anxiety. It can occur at any age, but most people who are diagnosed are under the age of 30.  

There is no known cause of Crohn’s disease, but some researchers believe it may be a hereditary condition, as it is more common in people who have other family members with Crohn’s. Some scientists also think there could be a type of bacteria or virus that triggers an extremely atypical immune response, which then develops into Crohn’s disease.

Along with certain foods and medications, drinking alcohol can exacerbate inflammatory conditions, which is why Crohn’s Disease and alcohol abuse are not compatible. Flare-ups can cause the spreading and worsening of the disease, which can be extremely painful and debilitating, and can sometimes lead to life-threatening health issues like:

• Bowel obstructions
• Ulcers
• Fistulas
• Anal fissure
• Colon cancer
• Skin disorders
• Infections
• Blood clots
• Osteoporosis
• Arthritis
• Liver disease

The Impact of Alcohol on Crohn’s Disease

Everybody is unique in the severity of how alcohol use will affect their bodies, but even moderate amounts of alcohol can affect inflammation levels, so drinking with Crohn’s is almost always a recipe for disaster, as it can be a potential trigger for flare-ups. 

Crohn’s disease and alcohol abuse should not mix. Alcohol use comes with its own list of short- and long-term health risks, and when combined with the issues Crohn’s can cause, these risks are compounded. Whether in small amounts or binge drinking sessions, drinking can cause serious health problems in people who have this disease by irritating a digestive tract that is already inflamed. The more you drink, the worse the inflammation will become. 

Many doctors warn that drinking alcohol can cause bleeding, malabsorption issues, and irritation of the gastrointestinal lining. The best course of action is to monitor your health and speak with your doctor honestly about how much alcohol you are using, and the potential risks and side effects that you may be facing as a result.

Alcohol Abuse: A Risk Factor for Crohn’s Disease Patients

A person with Crohn’s disease may find themselves facing depression, anxiety, and feelings of isolation, as it can be difficult to socialize when everybody wants to go out for dinner and drinks. They may feel too unwell to leave the house, and this is when alcohol abuse may become an issue. 

People sometimes turn to drugs and alcohol to self-medicate for mental illness or to “feel good” when they are down. Over time, the person begins to feel they need the drugs and alcohol to feel normal, forming a physical dependency that ultimately becomes addiction if left unchecked.

Recognizing the Signs of Alcohol Abuse in Crohn’s Disease Patients

Common signs of alcohol abuse may include:

• Drinking alone, drinking in secret, drinking in the morning, or hiding their drinking from loved ones
• Keeping stashes of alcohol around the house, at work, or on their person
• Experiencing extreme mood swings and irritability
• Feeling hungover or “off” when they are not drinking
• Choosing to drink over social obligations or other responsibilities
• Drinking to relax, to be social, or to deal with stress
• Experiencing black-outs or short-term memory loss
• Isolating oneself from loved ones and friends, or changing friend groups to hang out with other people who drink a lot
• Thinking and talking about alcohol a lot, or often planning when to have the next drink
• Finding reasons to bring alcohol to every event (in a flask, bringing a 6-pack to a friend’s house, etc.)

Managing Crohn’s Disease and Avoiding Alcohol Abuse

Some tips for managing Crohn’s Disease include:

• Quit smoking
• Avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen
• Watch what you eat and simplify your diet
• Reduce stress
• Minimize caffeine and alcohol

While many people are fine with having a glass of wine or a beer every once in a while, most find that it is better to avoid alcohol completely. Those with an alcohol use disorder may wish to consider a rehabilitation program to overcome the underlying causes of addiction and stop drinking for good.

Treatment Options for Co-Occurring Crohn’s Disease and Alcohol Abuse

If you have an alcohol use disorder and Crohn’s Disease, you may benefit from an individualized treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy, medical care, psychotherapy, counseling, and holistic modalities to heal the body, mind, and spirit on a physical, mental, emotional, and social level. This will ensure you are best set up for the future as you learn healthier ways to think and behave, and grow into the individual you most want to be.

At WhiteSands, we use all of the above, customizing each program at intake to best suit each patient’s unique needs. From the moment you walk through our doors, you will be supported by people who understand alcohol abuse, and who will put your health and comfort first in every situation.  

The Importance of Seeking Professional Help

Alcohol addiction is a serious health condition that requires more than just stopping drinking. It can be dangerous to quit “cold turkey,” and it is never recommended to quit drinking without medical supervision, in case of serious side effects like delirium tremens or seizures.

A hospital or medical detox center, followed by a short- or long-term rehabilitation program is the best way to quit. Alcohol use disorder is a disease that stems from underlying issues that require professional therapy, counseling, and hard work to overcome. With treatments like behavioral therapy, group sessions, EMDR, exercise, nutritional education, life skills programs, and relapse prevention counseling, you can find healthier ways to live your life, without using alcohol.

How WhiteSands Treatment Can Help

WhiteSands is an addiction treatment center that offers comprehensive care, including medical services, inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment plans, detox, and holistic care. If you or a loved one requires help quitting drinking, our caring team can offer the support, programming, and education to get you back in good health and feeling confident in your sobriety.

A Crohn’s Disease diagnosis can feel like a roadblock that is in the way of living your best life, but with the WhiteSands team’s help, you can remove barriers such as alcohol use disorder, and live the life you want to, while feeling strong, healthy, and in control of your future.

For more information on the types of individualized programs, evidence-based care, and dual diagnosis treatment plans we can offer you in our luxury Florida-based facilities, please call us at 877-855-3470. You can speak confidentially to an intake counselor who can answer your questions, verify your insurance coverage, and help you get started on your road to recovery.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.