Can Alcohol Cause Ulcers? How Drinking May Impact Your Gut Health

You may have a few drinks to relax with friends or to help blow off steam at the end of the day. But are you finding that consuming alcohol is doing you more harm than good?

Are you experiencing symptoms like belly aches, indigestion, or overall discomfort?

If you’ve ever felt stomach pain after drinking, you’re not alone. Many people wonder if alcohol could be doing more harm to their digestive system than they realize — especially when it comes to ulcers.

In this article, we’ll break down the connection between alcohol and ulcers, explain how drinking can affect your gut health, and share what you can do to protect your body. Whether you're in recovery or simply trying to make healthier choices, understanding this link can help you take better care of yourself.

Table of Contents

• What Is an Ulcer?
• What Is the Most Common Cause of Stomach Ulcers?
• Does Alcohol Cause Ulcers?
• Ways Drinking Alcohol Can Impact Stomach Ulcers 
• Commonly Asked Questions About Alcohol and Ulcers
• Reclaim Your Health With an Individualized Alcohol Recovery Program at Clear Steps Recovery 

Stomach ulcers, also known as peptic or gastric ulcers, are open sores caused by stomach acid that eats through the lining of the stomach. 

Symptoms of these types of ulcers may include:

• Dull, burning, or gnawing stomach pain
• Indigestion
• Acid reflux/heartburn
• Bloating and/or belching
• Gas pain
• Feeling full
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite

Some people have ulcers but don’t experience any of these symptoms. These are called ‘silent ulcers,’ and you generally won’t know they’re there until you experience the following complications:

• Dizziness, weakness, or fainting
• Paleness
• Vomiting blood or what looks like coffee grounds
• Blood in the stool (appears dark or tarry)
• Severe abdominal pain that doesn’t subside

If you suspect that you have an ulcer, it’s important to seek treatment from a healthcare professional right away.

The two most common causes of stomach ulcers are the overuse of NSAIDs and the bacterial infection H. pylori. These are the roots of about 99% of stomach ulcer cases in the United States.

NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are common over-the-counter pain relievers. They can irritate the stomach’s lining and also inhibit some of the chemicals that are normally produced to repair it. When NSAIDs are used as directed, this shouldn’t be a problem. But with overuse, the stomach’s protective lining can wear away and lead to ulcers.

H. pylori is a common bacterial infection present in up to half of the world’s population. It usually lives in the stomach and doesn’t cause problems for most people. But at times, the bacteria multiply and eat into the stomach lining, causing chronic inflammation that leads to ulcers.

Other causes of stomach ulcers include:

• Severe physiological stress, which makes the stomach more acidic
• Bacterial, fungal, or viral infections that lead to erosive gastritis
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a rare disorder that causes the stomach to overproduce gastric acid

Alcohol doesn’t directly affect the development of ulcers, but it can make them worse if they’re already present. Drinking alcohol not only increases the amount of stomach acid you have, but it can also irritate and erode the mucous lining of the stomach. This can exacerbate your condition and make it harder to heal, so continuing to drink while experiencing ulcers creates a vicious cycle.

If you find that you can’t stop drinking, even when it’s affecting your health, you may need help. Clear Steps Recovery believes that a supportive and healthy therapeutic setting plays a vital role in strengthening the addiction recovery journey for those who need it most. We’ll be here for you when you’re ready.

Alcohol can have several harmful effects on stomach ulcers, both in their development and in how they heal. While alcohol isn’t typically the root cause of ulcers, it can significantly worsen the condition and lead to complications. Drinking alcohol can impact stomach ulcers by causing:

• Worsened symptoms – Nausea, vomiting, heartburn
• Heightened pain 
• Higher risk of bleeding – Alcohol acts as a blood thinner
• Weakened stomach lining
• Elevated acid levels
• Increased complications – Gastritis/peritonitis, GI bleeding, perforation
• Slower healing/delayed recovery

Avoiding or limiting alcohol is an important step in managing ulcer symptoms and supporting digestive health, especially for those in recovery or at risk for gastrointestinal issues.

Can You Drink Alcohol While You Have an Ulcer? 

You should never drink alcohol while stomach ulcers are present. Not only can this impact your health in the ways we discussed above, but it can also lead to dangerous complications that may necessitate invasive treatments. 

For some people, drinking is a way to cope with their problems. But this leads to even more problems. The alcohol rehab program at Clear Steps Recovery can provide a way for you to start fresh and take charge of your health.

How Can I Prevent Ulcers While Drinking?

Since there’s no guaranteed way to prevent ulcers while consuming alcohol, the most effective way to reduce your risk may be to avoid alcohol altogether. If you already have ulcers and continue to drink, it’s likely that your symptoms will worsen and the ulcer may become more severe.

Can Drinking Alcohol Cause Mouth Ulcers? 

Alcohol isn’t a primary cause of mouth ulcers, but its acidic nature can contribute to or trigger their development. While your mouth heals, it’s best to avoid alcohol and other acidic foods and drinks to prevent further irritation.

Can Alcohol Exacerbate Gastrointestinal Problems Besides Ulcers? 

Even if you don’t currently have ulcers, excessive alcohol use can cause the following gastrointestinal issues:

• Acid reflux
• Nausea and vomiting
• Gastritis
• Pancreatitis
• Malabsorption of vitamins and nutrients
• GI cancers, including stomach cancer

Can You Drink Alcohol After a Stomach Ulcer Heals?

After your stomach ulcer heals, it may be okay to drink alcohol in moderation. But you should monitor yourself for symptoms and visit your doctor to get checked for new ulcers if needed.

If you have trouble drinking moderate amounts, it’s best that you don’t drink at all once you’ve experienced an episode with an ulcer.

If alcohol is taking a toll on your health — whether through digestive issues like ulcers or other physical and emotional challenges — know that you don’t have to face it alone. At Clear Steps Recovery, we offer personalized treatment plans designed to address the root causes of alcohol use and support your total well-being.

Our compassionate team understands the deep connection between substance use and physical health, and we’re here to help you heal from the inside out. Through evidence-based therapy, medical support, and holistic care, we’ll work with you to build a recovery plan that fits your life and goals.

Ready to take the first step toward lasting change? Contact Clear Steps Recovery today and start your journey to a healthier, alcohol-free future.

The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.