Discussions of alcohol-related organ damage often focus on the liver, kidneys, and heart. These aren’t the only organs that can be harmed by heavy drinking, are they? For example, can alcohol cause gallbladder attacks or otherwise affect the gallbladder?
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How Alcohol Affects the Gallbladder
Before discussing how can alcohol affect the gallbladder, let’s take a moment to quickly review what the gallbladder is and does.
The gallbladder is a small organ that is part of the human digestive system. It is located in the upper right abdomen, just below the liver. It is connected to other organs via passageways called ducts.
The primary function of the gallbladder is to store bile. Produced by the liver, bile is a thick fluid that helps the body break down fats in food. When you eat, your gallbladder squeezes bile into a series of ducts that end in your small intestine, where it assists in the digestion process.
Alcohol and Gallstones
The most common gallbladder-related health problem is the development of gallstones.
Referred to by medical professionals as cholelithiasis, gallstones are small, hard deposits that are usually made of cholesterol or bilirubin (a naturally produced substance in bile). The negative effects of gallstones include severe pain and blockages that prevent the normal flow of bile.
A review that involved 24 previously published studies found that moderate alcohol consumption may actually lower a person’s risk of developing gallstones.
However, the authors of this study cautioned against advising people to consume alcohol as a protective factor against gallstones. They noted that any potential benefits of even moderate drinking are outweighed by the many types of damage this behavior can cause.
“Excessive drinking, defined as binge drinking, and chronic heavy alcohol consumption results in multiple psychiatric and clinical illnesses, including mortality from a variety of chronic diseases,” they wrote.
Also, other sources have noted that heavy drinking may indirectly contribute to the development of gallstones, primarily by disrupting the liver’s ability to synthesize bile.
Can Alcohol Cause a Gallbladder Attack?
Gallbladder attacks occur when a gallstone lodges in the duct that carries bile away from the organ. This blockage can cause painful spasming of the gallbladder that can last for several hours.
Can alcohol cause a gallbladder attack? As noted in the previous section, alcohol seems to have only an indirect impact on the development of gallstones. This means that it would not be correct to say that alcohol can cause a gallbladder attack.
Gallbladder Attack Symptoms
The main symptom of a gallbladder attack is a sudden stabbing pain in the abdomen, which typically occurs after a person has eaten. This is the time when the gallbladder would be activated to begin pushing bile toward the stomach and small intestine.
In addition to acute, intensifying abdominal pain, other gallbladder attack symptoms can include:
- Pain between the shoulder blades
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever or chills
- Pale or lightly colored feces
- Brownish urine
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
Once an attack has begun, there isn’t much that a person can do to alleviate the pain or end the attack. If the discomfort becomes overwhelming or doesn’t show signs of subsiding, medical attention may be necessary.
Medical responses to gallbladder attacks can include medication, procedures to remove the gallstones, or even the removal of the entire gallbladder. In the case of removal – a procedure known as a cholecystectomy – bile will flow directly from the liver to the stomach and small intestine.
When a person has had their gallbladder removed, they usually need to adhere to certain dietary restrictions for a short period. Once their body has healed from the procedure, patients can often return to eating the same foods that they did before their operation.
Other Gallbladder Problems Associated with Alcohol
As with gallstones, alcohol’s influence on other gallbladder problems is also mainly indirect. For example:
- Alcohol-related liver damage can cause gallstones. When gallstones prevent bile from leaving the gallbladder, it can lead to cholecystitis. This condition is characterized by inflammation and swelling of the gallbladder.
- Chronic cholecystitis is a risk factor for gangrene, or tissue death, within the gallbladder.
- Gallstones and inflammation of the gallbladder are also risk factors for gallbladder cancer.
The best way to minimize your risk of alcohol-related damage to your gallbladder or other organs is either to drink only in moderation or not to drink at all. If you are unable to stop drinking, or to control how much you drink once you start, you may have developed alcohol use disorder (alcoholism).
Alcohol use disorder is a chronic, progressive disease. It is highly unlikely that your symptoms will dissipate over time. Instead, they are likely to become more severe.
The good news is that when you get comprehensive, personalized care from a reputable addiction treatment provider, you can end your alcohol use. This will allow you to begin living a much healthier life in recovery.
Contact Phoenix Rising Recovery About Treating Alcohol Addiction
Phoenix Rising Recovery offers a full continuum of care for adults who have become addicted to alcohol and other substances. We also provide dual diagnosis services for patients dealing with alcoholism and co-occurring mental health concerns. These may include anxiety, depression, and other related issues.
When you choose our alcohol rehab in Palm Springs, California, you’ll have access to various treatment options. These include detox, residential care, a partial hospitalization program, an intensive outpatient program, and an outpatient program.
Our team of experienced professionals will work closely with you. Together, we’ll determine which programs, therapies, and support services align with your needs and goals. This way, we can help you build a strong foundation for long-term recovery.
To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, or to schedule a free consultation, please visit our Contact page or call us today.
Published: 1/27/2025
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