Addiction and Gastritis: A Comprehensive Study

Addiction is a condition that presents with compulsive use, and seeking of substances despite adverse effects on the person’s health, and life. According to the 2021 report “ 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH)” from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), about  21.9 percent of the population aged 12 years and above used illicit substances in 2020. Young adults are the most affected with 2 in every 5 reporting using illicit substances in the last 12 months. 

Gastritis is a condition that causes inflammation, erosion, and erosion of the stomach lining. Addiction-related gastritis is caused by toxic compounds in alcohol such as ethanol, and illicit drugs including cocaine.

Symptoms of substance-linked gastritis include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and hematemesis.

Diagnosing gastritis related to addiction involves a healthcare practitioner taking the addict’s medical history, and conducting a physical examination. Upper endoscopy is also conducted to rule out any other stomach condition.

Treating gastritis caused by substance abuse requires a comprehensive approach involving substance abuse counseling, lifestyle adjustments, and medications.

What is Gastritis?

Gastritis is a general term for various conditions with one thing in common: the inflammation, erosion, or irritation of the stomach lining. According to the article “ Definition & Facts for Gastritis & Gastropathy” from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), about 50 percent of the world’s population is infected by H. pylori bacteria, a risk factor for developing gastritis. The condition is also more common in developing countries compared to the developed world.

In a 2021 study by Feyisa ZT, et al, Prevalence And Associated Risk Factors Of Gastritis Among Patients Visiting Saint Paul Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, published in the PLOS One journal, the research found that out of 364 patients who sought medical care at the facility, 48 percent and 29.9 percent had acute and chronic gastritis, respectively.

While typically associated with factors such as stress, diet, and infection, a significant contributor to gastritis is addiction. Addiction-related gastritis arises from substance abuse, including alcohol, illicit drugs, and prescription medications when used for recreational purposes. 

What Causes Addiction-Related Gastritis?

Addiction-related gastritis stems from the toxic effects of substances on the stomach lining including illicit drugs and ethanol. Alcohol abuse is a primary culprit, as excessive alcohol consumption irritates and damages the mucous membrane, leading to inflammation. According to a 2002 study by Bienia A., “The Effect Of Chronic Alcohol Abuse On Gastric And Duodenal Mucosa”, chronic alcohol use erodes and weakens gastric mucosa,  the stomach’s protective barrier. This makes it more susceptible to injury from stomach acid. The study discovered that all the participants who abused alcohol had gastric mucosa inflammation.

Similarly, drug abuse, especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin, contributes to gastritis. Prolonged use of these medications disrupts the stomach’s delicate balance, causing erosion of the mucous lining and inflammation. Cocaine and other illicit drugs also irritate the stomach lining, exacerbating gastritis symptoms.

What Are The Symptoms of Addiction-Related Gastritis?

The symptoms of addiction-related gastritis vary in severity and presentation, these include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and hematemesis.

According to a 2023 study by Ahlawat R., et al, “ Esophagogastroduodenoscopy”, gastritis linked to addiction presents with the following symptoms:

1. Abdominal pain: Persistent or recurrent pain in the upper abdomen, often described as burning or gnawing.

2. Nausea and vomiting: Feeling nauseous, especially after meals, and occasional vomiting.

3. Indigestion: Discomfort or bloating after eating, accompanied by belching or gas.

4. Loss of appetite: A decreased desire to eat due to stomach discomfort or pain.

5. Hematemesis: Vomiting blood, indicating erosion of the stomach lining and potential bleeding.

6. Black, tarry stools: Evidence of gastrointestinal bleeding, a serious complication of gastritis.

Individuals with addiction-related gastritis also experience symptoms related to their substance abuse, such as hangover symptoms in alcoholics or withdrawal symptoms in drug addicts. These additional symptoms carry the risk of complicating the clinical picture and delaying diagnosis and treatment.

How is Addiction-Related Gastritis Diagnosed?

Diagnosing addiction-related gastritis involves intake of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. Healthcare providers will inquire about the patient’s substance abuse history, including the type, frequency, and duration of use.

1. Physical Examination: A physical examination will reveal malnutrition, dehydration, or abdominal tenderness.

2. Lab Tests: Laboratory tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC) and liver function tests are conducted to check for anemia, infection, or liver dysfunction associated with chronic alcohol or drug abuse. Additionally, stool tests are performed to detect the presence of blood, indicating gastrointestinal bleeding.

3. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy: The gold standard for diagnosing gastritis is an upper endoscopy, also known as esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). During this procedure, explained in detail in the 2023 study by Ahlawat, a flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth and into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The gastroenterologist visually inspects the stomach lining for signs of inflammation, erosions, or ulcers. Tissue samples (biopsies) are obtained for further analysis under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other gastrointestinal conditions.

Which Treatment Options Exist for Addiction And Gastritis?

Treating gastritis caused by substance abuse involves detox, substance abuse counseling and rehabilitation, lifestyle adjustments, medications, and management of complications.

The management of addiction-related gastritis focuses on addressing the underlying problem of substance abuse while alleviating symptoms and promoting healing of the stomach lining. Treatment strategies include:

1. Detox: Detoxification is aimed at managing intoxication and flushing out toxins from the body of a substance abuser. According to a 2006 article “ Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment” from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), it is also aimed at managing withdrawal symptoms and reducing the harm caused by addiction.

2. Substance abuse counseling and rehabilitation: Individuals with addiction-related gastritis require comprehensive treatment for their substance abuse disorder. This involves behavioral therapy, support groups, and medication-assisted treatment to achieve sobriety and prevent relapse.

3. Lifestyle modifications: Adopting a healthy lifestyle helps in the management of gastritis symptoms. This includes avoiding alcohol, drugs, and tobacco, as well as following a nutritious diet low in spicy, acidic, or irritating foods. Regular exercise and stress-reduction techniques, such as yoga or meditation are also beneficial.

4. Medications: In instances when symptoms are severe, healthcare providers prescribe medications to alleviate gastritis symptoms and promote healing. According to the article “ Gastritis”, from Mayo Clinic, medications include proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce stomach acid production, H2-receptor antagonists to block acid secretion, or cytoprotective agents to strengthen the stomach lining.

5. Treatment of complications: In cases of severe gastritis with complications such as bleeding or ulcers, additional interventions are necessary. Endoscopic therapies, such as cauterization or injection of epinephrine stop bleeding and promote ulcer healing. In rare instances, surgery is required to repair extensive damage to the stomach lining.

How Long Does Alcoholic Gastritis Last?

Symptoms associated with gastritis caused by drinking usually last several hours to years.  According to a 2023 article “ What Is Alcoholic Gastritis?”, from WebMD, alcohol and drug abuse cessation, avoiding spicy food as well as caffeinated drinks helps to speed up the treatment of gastritis.

Do Gastritis Affect Nutrition?

According to the NIDDK article, people suffering from gastritis are likely to experience problems absorbing iron from food. Gastritis also affects the absorption of vitamin B12.

Can I Treat Addiction Gastritis At Home

Yes, it is possible to manage addiction gastritis at home through lifestyle changes such as eating a balanced diet, alcohol and drug cessation, and managing anxiety and stress. However, it is recommended to check with your physician before embarking on home remedies for addiction gastritis. You should also consider reaching out for professional help from addiction experts including psychotherapists.

Are There Any Long-Term Complications Of Untreated Addiction-Related Gastritis?

Yes, according to a 2024 article “What Is Gastritis?” from WebMD, untreated gastritis leads to chronic inflammation, which causes ulcers, bleeding, and an increased risk of gastric cancer. Persistent inflammation also results in a condition known as atrophic gastritis, where the stomach lining thins and loses its ability to produce digestive acids and enzymes, leading to digestive issues and malnutrition.

How Can Addiction-Related Gastritis Be Prevented?

Preventing addiction-related gastritis involves reducing or eliminating the use of the substances causing the problem. This is achieved through support groups, therapy, and medical interventions for addiction. In addition, the 2024 article from WebMD recommends adopting a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management to help prevent gastritis.