Alcoholism and Acid Reflux: Finding Support and Solutions

Published on Monday, September 11, 2023 by Deanna Salles-Freeman

The Isolation of Alcoholism and Its Impact on Acid Reflux

Dealing with alcoholism is an arduous journey, and the road can be even more challenging for those without a strong support system. The consequences of excessive alcohol consumption extend beyond addiction, affecting physical health, including acid reflux.

We know that excessive alcohol consumption is a common trigger for acid reflux, as it relaxes the lower esophageal pressure, allowing stomach acid to escape into the esophagus more easily. For individuals with alcoholism seeking relief from acid reflux symptoms, reducing or eliminating alcohol intake can be a crucial step toward improving your overall health and well-being.

It takes courage and conviction to battle alcoholism, and it’s a struggle to approach it without adequate support. The community here at Foodguides will help to explore ways to decrease alcohol consumption, thus finding relief from acid reflux symptoms.

Loneliness of Alcoholism

Alcoholism can be an isolating experience, leaving you feeling ashamed, misunderstood, and unsupported. It doesn’t help that there is a certain judgment when you refuse a libation in the company of others partaking, questioning why you aren’t drinking. I’ve been there, both giving and receiving, and it’s awkward. Let’s just learn acceptance.

The lack of a reliable support network often makes it even more difficult to overcome addiction. We need empathetic friends, family, and professionals. Connection is key for those struggling with alcoholism who may find themselves trapped in a cycle of destructive behavior, unable to break free from the grip of addiction.

“The opposite of addiction isn’t sobriety – it’s connection.”

- Johann Hari

Alternative Outlets

Have you typed ‘alcohol’ in the search on the Foodguides site? There are lots of options to explore non-alcoholic beverages and mocktails. What about those times when the addiction calls? Finding healthier outlets to replace those times when you have the urge to drink can be helpful. For some, this can be transformative. Replacing a habit with something healthy has the potential to change not only your health. It can improve your relationships with friends and family, bring a sense of internal peace, and may even help your wallet.

I always go back to what I loved as a child. Engaging in physical activities like roller skating, hula hooping, or joining a mixed league sports group can be a fun outlet that releases necessary endorphins to reduce urges. Pursuing hobbies is another way to take time for yourself.

Emotional triggers can be a big part of what drives alcohol consumption.

Knowing yourself and identifying these triggers is imperative. This may require professional help with therapy or counseling. Seeking productive ways to create connections and address triggers while integrating positive habits will produce a lifestyle change. This is beneficial in two ways: reduced overall stress and anxiety, and reduced alcohol consumption, both of which directly impact reflux symptoms.

Meet the Challenge

It is essential to have people in your corner. Attempting to decrease or eliminate alcohol consumption can be intense, even dangerous. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe. Always seek professional help if you fear you will have adverse effects. Loneliness and feelings of hopelessness may have you feeling stuck in the arms of alcohol, exacerbating your acid reflux symptoms and perpetuating the cycle of addiction. Seeking out alternative coping strategies can expose you to communities that can become great support systems.

For more information, including resources to link to support groups and professional help in your area, please check out The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) National Helpline by clicking this link or calling 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

I see you, and YOU are beautiful!

_{Chen, S., Wang, J., & Li, Y. (2010). Is alcohol consumption associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease? Journal of Zhejiang University SCIENCE B, 11(6), 423–428. https://doi.org/10.1631/jzus.b1000013}
_{Gupta, H., Suk, K. T., & Kim, D. J. (2021). Gut Microbiota at the Intersection of Alcohol, Brain, and the Liver. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 10(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10030541}
_{Johann Hari. (2015, July 9). Everything you think you know about addiction is wrong. YouTube. https://youtu.be/PY9DcIMGxMs}