Can Alcohol Cause Vomiting and Diarrhoea?

Alcohol can irritate the digestive system and may contribute to vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration and other health problems. If symptoms are severe, persistent, include blood, or are linked with confusion, severe pain, fainting or breathing problems, seek urgent medical advice.

Recovery Scotland is an information and referral support service. We do not provide medical diagnosis, detox or alcohol treatment directly. We can help you understand support pathways and, where appropriate, discuss providers who may be able to assess alcohol-related concerns.

Why Does Alcohol Cause Diarrhoea?

Alcohol irritates the digestive system and intestines by causing them to speed up. Instead of the normal speed they work at, muscles in the digestive tract and colon contract at a much quicker rate and push stool out quicker. As the intestines don’t have enough time to process what’s happening and aren’t able to properly digest any food, some people experience diarrhoea after drinking.

Others can actually experience bouts of constipation after drinking alcohol and this is because of dehydration. When you drink alcohol, it stops the body from releasing vasopressin, which is a hormone that stops water from going automatically into your urine and instead uses it to hydrate your body. Less vasopressin means you’ll need to urinate more but as you get rid of more fluid than normal, you can also become constipated.

Research has shown that the type of alcohol you consume can actually have a bigger impact. Those with a higher alcohol content, typically over 15%, can actually slow down the muscles and how fast they push food through the digestive system.

Why Does Alcohol Cause Vomiting?

Being sick is another response from your body in an attempt to remove excess alcohol from the gastrointestinal tract. When you drink alcohol, the body converts it into what’s known as acetaldehyde. This then causes the body to want to get rid of the alcohol content, and vomiting often occurs. Other reasons that you might be sick after drinking alcohol include:

• Your body cannot stand it: When alcohol is consumed, the liver and stomach work to defuse it but, if you drink too much, they cannot work quick enough.
• Your stomach wall lining is damaged: Alcohol causes additional acid to build up in the stomach and, again, when this becomes too much, there’s only one way for it to leave.
• Other health concerns: Gastritis is a common medical condition experienced by those who drink too much. This is because, over time, the alcohol has irritated the stomach lining and damaged the GI tract – leading to other stomach concerns, acid reflux and vomiting.

Is it Dangerous?

One-off episodes of being sick or having diarrhoea aren’t usually thought to be dangerous, although it is important that you stop drinking alcohol and keep hydrated. However, if you’ve been drinking alcohol for a number of years and have suffered from diarrhoea and sickness for prolonged periods, it could be a sign that there’s ongoing damage to your digestive system.

Studies have shown that chronic alcohol exposure can actually impact how well the large intestine absorbs nutrients and vitamins. This, in itself, can result in the development of serious health concerns.

Alcohol and vomiting can be treated at home but they can still become very serious and lead to other conditions. For example, both can result in dehydration which can turn into a life-threatening condition. If you experience any of the below symptoms, it’s recommended that you seek medical attention:

• Vomiting or diarrhoea for two or more days
• A temperature or fever
• Difficulty breathing
• Blood in either the vomit or stool
• Excessive thirst and infrequent urination
• Dry skin and mouth
• Light-headedness and dizziness

Symptoms of dehydration include dark urine, being unable to urinate and dizziness.

Are Certain People More at Risk?

Everyone is at risk of vomiting and diarrhoea after drinking alcohol, however, some people are more at risk. Typically, those who have a bowel conditions like Crohn’s Disease, IBS and Celiac Disease will find that they’re more susceptible to vomiting and diarrhoea. This is because these health conditions mean the individual already has a delicate digestive system and alcohol can irritate an already damaged digestive tract.

Those who have consumed large amounts of alcohol for many years, and have damaged their digestive system as a result, will also find that they regularly suffer from sickness and diarrhoea. If you have an alcohol addiction, it is important that you seek rehab treatment to overcome it.

How Do I Get Treatment?

Recognising that alcohol is affecting your health can be an important first step. Support options may include speaking with a GP, NHS or community alcohol services, therapy, medically supervised detox where appropriate, residential rehab providers, outpatient support, peer support and aftercare.

If you may be physically dependent on alcohol, seek medical advice before stopping suddenly. Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous for some people and may need clinical supervision.

Recovery Scotland does not provide detox, medical care or alcohol treatment directly. Where appropriate, we can help you understand available pathways and discuss suitable providers who can complete an assessment.

If there is immediate danger, severe dehydration, blood in vomit or stool, chest pain, confusion, seizures or overdose risk, call 999. For urgent non-emergency medical advice in Scotland, contact NHS 24 on 111 or speak with a GP.