Why Am I Bloating After Quitting Alcohol? The Sobriety Bloat and How To Beat It

Are your pants fitting tighter? Maybe your stomach is feeling puffy. Are you feeling stomach discomfort after discontinuing alcohol use?

Bloating may be an uncomfortable symptom of alcohol withdrawal, but it doesn’t have to last forever. 

Let’s discuss some of the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal bloating, what causes it, and how long it will be until you feel relief. Being informed can help you tackle bloating head-on and help you feel better as soon as possible.

Table of Contents

• What Is Alcohol Withdrawal Bloating?
• What Are the Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal Bloating?
• 3 Possible Causes of Bloating After Quitting Alcohol
• Tips for Decreasing Alcohol Withdrawal Bloating 
• Commonly Asked Questions About Bloating After Quitting Alcohol
• How Long Does Bloating Last After Quitting Alcohol?
• Clear Steps Recovery: Individualized Treatment for Alcohol Addiction Recovery 

Alcohol is known to cause weight gain due to its high sugar content and stomach fat buildup, worsen medical conditions such as ulcers, and cause the uncomfortable feeling of bloating.

Bloating can be an intense side effect of consuming alcohol and alcohol withdrawal. Although alcohol withdrawal bloating is temporary, it occurs when alcohol is removed from the body, which causes: 

• Swelling
• Inflammation
• Water retention
• Digestive issues

It may be tough to differentiate the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal bloating from other digestive bloating issues. Some common signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal bloating include:

• Bloating sensation in the abdomen
• Feeling of fullness or tightness in the stomach
• Increased gas or flatulence
• Abdominal discomfort or pain
• Changes in bowel movement (diarrhea or constipation)
• Indigestion or heartburn

You or your loved one does not have to face the uncomfortable side effects of alcohol withdrawal bloating alone. At Clear Steps Recovery, we can provide the extra encouragement and support you need in a professional environment to get you feeling your best as soon as possible. Contact us today to see how we can be a part of your alcohol treatment plan. 

#1: Water Retention

When you consume alcohol, it increases urine production which can lead to dehydration. When alcohol consumption stops, the body works to stabilize itself by returning the water balance to normal. This can cause temporary water retention, leading to feelings of bloating. 

#2: Impact on Gut Microbiome

The gut microbiome consists of a complex community of microorganisms within your digestive system. The gut microbiome is particularly sensitive to what your body consumes, including alcohol, which can cause disruptions to the gut flora. When alcohol is removed, your gut will start to readjust, which can lead to bloating as the body works to balance out its gut’s microbiome. 

#3: Digestive System Changes

As we have discussed, alcohol can cause severe damage and disruption to the body, and the digestive system is no stranger to dealing with the consequences of alcohol consumption. When alcohol is removed from the body, the digestive system goes through a healing and recovery process. This process can cause bloating as the digestive system repairs any damage it has sustained. 

Alcohol recovery can come with a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, but bloating is hard to ignore. You can try to decrease alcohol withdrawal bloating by:

• Drinking water: Because alcohol is a diuretic, it causes your body to be dehydrated. Consuming water can increase the water in your body, flush out toxins, and help reduce inflammation.
• Adding fiber and probiotics: These digestive aids can treat and prevent alcohol bloating. Fiber is a great way to keep the digestive system regulated. The longer one takes probiotics, the healthier the gut microbiome is. Additional digestive enzymes can support the gut and digestion when undergoing the healing process.
• Reducing salt intake: High salt intake makes water retention worse, so limiting your salt consumption can reduce bloating.
• Exercising: Staying active can help support the body through the healing process.
• By avoiding carbonated drinks: Soda and carbonated beverages contain sugar and gas, which can make the body inflamed. By decreasing the amount of sugar and gas you consume, you may find additional relief while your body is regulating.
• By adding over-the-counter antacids: Antacids can support indigestion or heartburn and provide some relief to any bloating you are experiencing.

If you are looking for additional support in quitting alcohol and supporting your alcohol recovery process, Clear Steps Recovery can help. With a team of experienced professionals, you can conquer sobriety and return to a happy, healthy life. Contact us today to see how our professional rehabilitation services can make a difference in your life. 

The duration of bloating after quitting alcohol varies from person to person and is affected by several factors, including:

• How much you typically drink
• How long you have been drinking
• Overall health
• Diet
• And more

The stages of alcohol withdrawal bloating include:

• 0-24 hours: Your body will be dehydrated and experience water retention and bloating.
• 1-3 days: Bloating increases, and digestive discomfort begins as the body starts the alcohol detoxification process.
• By day 7: Your gut bacteria begin to rebalance, and there is a start of reduction of bloating and discomfort.
• Between 2-4 weeks: Your body starts to improve as inflammation decreases and hydration levels return to normal.
• After one month: Bloating should be gone or significantly reduced, and your microbiome is restored.

How Long Does It Take Your Gut To Heal After Quitting Alcohol?

Because alcohol causes inflammation and damage in the lining of your stomach, it can cause bloating and other digestive issues. By the second week without alcohol, you may notice problems starting to subside. Additionally, you should notice fewer additional symptoms as your gut continues to heal, such as:

• Heartburn
• Gassiness
• Stomach pain
• Bowel movement issues

Unfortunately, healing your gut and reducing bloating doesn’t happen overnight. You can support your body’s recovery by staying hydrated, eating healthy foods, and participating in exercise.

When Should I Be Concerned About Alcohol Withdrawal Bloating?

While bloating is a regular part of the alcohol recovery process, if it becomes severe, painful, or lasts longer than a month, it is essential to speak to your doctor. Consistent bloating may be a sign of other digestive problems. Additionally, if bloating coincides with other symptoms, such as bleeding, severe constipation, or diarrhea, seek medical treatment immediately. 

Is Bloating a Normal Symptom of Alcohol Withdrawal?

Yes, bloating is a normal part of alcohol withdrawal, but it won’t last forever. When you remove alcohol, your body processes foods and fluids differently as your body works to heal itself. This, in turn, can cause temporary discomfort like bloating. 

Clear Steps Recovery is here to help walk through all the ups and downs of alcohol recovery. With compassionate and efficient treatment options, we can provide alcohol addiction treatments that fit your specific needs. 

Our alcohol rehab program offers:

• Client intake and initial assessments
• Medical detoxes
• Individual and group therapies
• Medication management
• Aftercare services
• Relapse support
• Flexible day treatment services
• And more

Contact our team of dedicated professionals who are ready to walk with you through you or your loved one's sobriety journey today. Together, we can get you back on track and living a healthy life.