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Alcohol and Pancreatitis

Alcohol use and addiction can affect many organs in the body, including the pancreas. A vital organ, the pancreas helps the digestive process and helps the body use energy efficiently. However, alcohol use can negatively affect the pancreas, causing an inflammation known as pancreatitis. Understanding how alcohol affects the pancreas and how to find treatment for alcohol misuse and addiction can be an important aspect of making healthy life choices.

What Is the Pancreas?

The pancreas is an organ/gland that is next to the small intestine and behind the stomach. The pancreas has two major functions:

  • Producing and releasing digestive enzymes in the small intestine to help in the digestion process.
  • Releasing glucagon and insulin into the bloodstream to help the body use energy properly.

What Is Pancreatitis?

According to the US National Library of Medicine, pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes swollen. Damage to the pancreas as a result of pancreatitis or some other issue occurs when digestive enzymes that are normally released by the pancreas are activated before they are released into the small intestine. There are two forms of pancreatitis.

  • Acute pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that only lasts for very short periods of time and then resolves. Its severity may range from life-threatening to mild. The majority of cases of acute pancreatitis result in complete recovery, but in severe cases, there can be tissue damage, infection, and even the formation of cysts.
  • Chronic pancreatitis is long-lasting inflammation of the pancreas that continues after acute pancreatitis. There are various potential causes of chronic pancreatitis, including chronic alcohol use.

Symptoms of Pancreatitis

The symptoms of acute pancreatitis may include a swollen or tender abdomen, abdominal pain that radiates to the back (often exacerbated by eating fatty foods), nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate, and fever. Symptoms of chronic pancreatitis include the above symptoms as well as weight loss, diarrhea, and even diabetes.

Causes of Pancreatitis

The major causes of pancreatitis include:

  • Gallstones.
  • Reactions to medications.
  • Infections or autoimmune diseases.
  • Complications of surgery.
  • Hereditary issues.
  • Metabolic issues.
  • Heavy alcohol use.

Risk Factors for Pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis as a result of long-term alcohol misuse is identified in nearly 70 percent of the cases, whereas about 20 percent of cases of chronic pancreatitis have no discernible cause and may result from numerous interacting issues.

Risk factors for chronic pancreatitis may include:

  • Hereditary factors.
  • Development of gallstones.
  • An infection or complication of surgery.
  • Heavy alcohol use.

Other conditions, such as lupus or high levels of triglycerides, may increase the risk for chronic pancreatitis.

Studies indicate males between the ages of 30 and 40 are the largest demographic group diagnosed with the disorder. Although, it is important to note, that anyone can develop chronic pancreatitis, especially if they misuse alcohol.

Does Alcohol Cause Pancreatitis?

Although not fully understood how alcohol causes the pancreas to become inflamed, studies have shown a clear link between alcohol use and acute pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis caused by drinking too much alcohol makes up 17%-25% of the world’s cases and is the second most common cause after gallstones. This is usually manifested due to individuals drinking consistently over a five-year period with around 4-5 drinks daily.

Chronic pancreatitis is often the result of chronic alcohol consumption, resulting in around 40% to 70% of all cases. Those already struggling with acute pancreatitis who are also chronic alcohol abusers, may experience recurrent bouts leading to chronic pancreatitis.

To treat alcohol-induced pancreatitis, patients are encouraged to stop drinking alcohol while following the treatment protocol for other causes of pancreatitis.  Further, professional treatment of alcohol use disorder may be recommended to decrease alcohol use, minimize hospital admissions for recurrent attacks, and to prevent development of chronic pancreatitis.

What Tests Are Done to Diagnose Pancreatitis?

The diagnosis of pancreatitis may involve the use of:

  • Analysis of digestive enzymes in the blood (amylase and lipase), as high levels of these enzymes suggest acute pancreatitis (along with the symptoms reported above)
  • Tolerance tests that measure damage to the pancreas
  • Pancreatic function tests that determine if the pancreas is creating enzymes in the correct amounts
  • Imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, a CT scan, or an MRI, to help physicians look at the pancreas and determine if there is any damage.
  • Biopsies
  • Urine tests to determine the presence of any bile or enzymes that may indicate pancreatitis
  • Stool tests

These tests, in addition with the patient’s presentation, are used to determine the diagnosis of either acute or chronic pancreatitis.

How to Treat Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis may be treated with medications (particularly analgesics or other pain medications) and fluids. In some cases (e.g., chronic gallstones), surgical removal of the gallbladder may be required. Once the diseased gallbladder is removed, inflammation of the pancreas will typically resolve. In some cases of severe pancreatitis, surgery may be required to remove damaged tissue from the pancreas.

Treatment for chronic pancreatitis may involve medications to control pain, nutrition therapy, and the administration of insulin or other enzymes. In some cases, a low-fat diet may be useful. Surgery may also be necessary in some cases.

Individuals who drink alcohol in large amounts are advised to stop, and sometimes, this can assist in the treatment of chronic pancreatitis. Prevention is the best cure for chronic pancreatitis for most individuals.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, chronic pancreatitis results in more than 56,000 hospitalizations per year and more than 122,000 outpatient visits. Some of the complications associated with the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis include:

Finding Treatment for Alcohol Addiction

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction or alcoholic pancreatitis, it’s important to know that you are not alone. Evidence-based addiction treatment can produce positive health outcomes. Once you’ve decided to seek help, you’ll need to go about finding an alcohol addiction rehab center. A good first step would be to reach out to your doctor. They may be able to help determine your medical needs and may be able to refer you to a suitable treatment center. You may also consider visiting the SAMHSA treatment locator to browse rehab centers by zip code.

You may also consider calling an addiction helpline. Powerful online resources, addiction helplines are 24/7 support lines that can help those who are looking for alcohol addiction treatment. American Addiction Centers operates its own helpline which can help answer your questions about alcohol addiction, locate suitable rehab centers, and verify your insurance coverage. Don’t delay, call us today at to get started.


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