Alcohol Use Disorder
Drinking alcohol can be pleasant. However, excessive drinking can be dangerous for the human body. High amounts of alcohol will irritate and inflame the entire upper GI tract. Some drinkers take it too far, damaging the esophagus and stomach. Most of the time, it is minor bleeding, which causes blood to end up in the stomach. If a person is an alcoholic and starts to vomit black, that is a significant warning sign that something is wrong.
The best option is a lifestyle change. Allowing the GI tract to heal is the best option. Minimizing alcohol consumption is possible without altogether quitting alcohol. For example, people should not drink alcohol only. Instead, they should mix fluids like water or juice to stay hydrated. This approach is milder on the GI tract, and the moisture helps greatly.
Additionally, eating bland and mild food is a good choice. It reduces the chance of irritation since spicier foods can potentially inflame the esophagus and stomach. Eating before drinking is also a good idea since the food helps absorb the alcohol when it reaches the stomach.
