Pancreatitis and Alcohol
Source: This article was originally published by Mission:Cure here
What’s the Real Connection?
There is a connection between pancreatitis and alcohol. However, it is often misunderstood. Many people think that drinking alcohol causes chronic pancreatitis. This is wrong! New studies show that pancreatitis is not a disease of alcoholics. Alcohol alone does not directly cause chronic pancreatitis.
The True Connection
Alcohol consumption does not directly cause
chronic pancreatitisOnly very heavy drinking, or binge drinking, can lead to chronic pancreatitis. This means five drinks per day over a long time.
Less than 5% of people who abuse alcohol will develop chronic “alcohol-induced” pancreatitis
Tobacco is a greater risk factor than alcohol
Chronic Pancreatitis and Alcohol: True or False
TRUE:
Alcohol can increase the risk of chronic pancreatitis
Alcohol does not directly cause the disease
Alcohol can be one of many factors (genetics, unknown causes)
Only very heavy alcohol consumption (5 drinks or more per day for 5 years) can cause chronic pancreatitis
Less than 5% of those who abuse alcohol will develop chronic pancreatitis
Once diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis, you cannot drink any alcohol
FALSE:
Alcohol is the greatest risk factor for chronic pancreatitis
Alcoholism is the leading cause of chronic pancreatitis
Most chronic pancreatitis cases are due to alcohol abuse
You can continue drinking after a chronic pancreatitis diagnosis
The widespread belief that chronic pancreatitis is usually caused by alcohol abuse is harmful.
Because most doctors believe that drinking is the most common cause of chronic pancreatitis:
Patients don’t get the best care
Children are accused of drinking
Parents of young patients are accused of giving their children alcohol
Light drinkers aren’t properly diagnosed after attacks because doctors rule out pancreatitis
Patients who drink are blamed for their illness
Patients who do not drink are accused of lying
A focus on alcohol slows the process of developing cures and treatments
Physicians focus on the wrong things
Patients are misdiagnosed
Physicians and researchers have focused on the impact of alcohol on pancreatitis patients for far too long. This has led to poor outcomes for patients. It must change.
Can I drink with pancreatitis?
NO!
If you have chronic pancreatitis, you should not drink alcoholic beverages under any circumstances. Carrying on drinking will result in extreme abdominal pain. Also, it will cause the pancreas to inflame and will continue to damage the pancreatic tissue.
You cannot drink wine, beer, or spirits if you have chronic pancreatitis.
Even one sip can cause extreme pain.
Resources to Stop Drinking
Alcoholism is not a leading cause of chronic pancreatitis. However, for some it is a factor. If you need help quitting drinking after a pancreatitis diagnosis, here are some resources:
A guide for overcoming addiction
Addiction helpline
Apps that help you quit drinking
Self-help strategies