Lupus And Alcohol Consumption
Navigating the Risks of Lupus and Alcohol Consumption with Compassion and Expert Care at Purpose Healing Center
The Risks and Reality of Drinking Alcohol With Lupus
A person with lupus symptoms must be mindful when making daily healthy choices. One of these is considering lupus and alcohol consumption on occasion. Moderate alcohol consumption sounds harmless, but it can make lupus worse and even lead to a flare-up during a calm period.
Combining alcohol and lupus medications can cause inflammation, drug interactions, and liver issues. If you need help to stop consuming alcohol because of your lupus treatment, Purpose Healing Center’s locations in Phoenix and Scottsdale can provide support.
Our Joint Commission-accredited treatment facility takes an evidence-based, holistic approach to each client’s well-being. We have had past success in treating alcohol use disorder while integrating with specialists treating lupus or other autoimmune diseases.
We encourage you to read this page to learn how drinking alcohol and lupus medications can worsen your condition. We’ll also discuss stopping alcohol intake to optimize the effectiveness of your lupus medications.
Understanding Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
People with lupus already know this, but let’s start with a quick overview of lupus for family members or caregivers. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease that impacts multiple organs in the body.
In this disorder, the immune system starts attacking healthy tissues and organs. The most visible sign of lupus is an inflamed, red rash, often appearing during flare-ups.
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Lupus Research and the Number of People with Lupus in the USA
The Lupus Foundation of America is the nation’s authority on this autoimmune disease, conducting research and sharing statistics to educate the public. Here are some numbers they provide on their website:
- 5 million Americans live with SLE in some form, and at least 5 million people worldwide have it.
- 90% of people with SLE are women, usually diagnosed between ages 15 and 44.
- 10-15% of lupus patients die prematurely because of severe health complications.
- SLE is among the top 20 leading causes of death in women, with even higher risks for African American and Hispanic women.
These numbers provided by the Lupus Foundation of America show that it is relatively common and a serious disorder, especially in women and marginalized communities, for whom SLE can be life-threatening. Knowing that you are in the highest category of SLE risk can help you spot the signs of developing lupus.
Lupus Symptoms and How Even Moderate Drinking Can Worsen Matters
Lupus can cause a range of symptoms, which can sometimes be missed in the earliest days of the disease. Some symptoms of lupus, like fatigue or headaches, can be attributed to more common problems like high blood pressure, especially when these or other symptoms overlap.
It’s not until the issues persist or worsen that a family doctor believes the patient must see a rheumatologist (autoimmune disease specialist), usually after an annual blood draw.
A rheumatologist diagnoses lupus after sending blood samples to analyze the person’s ANA status and SCF concentration, which are significant factors in making a formal diagnosis and planning lupus treatment. The rheumatologist will probably order more blood draws to track your progress throughout your treatment plan.
Symptoms of Lupus (SLE)
Here are some of the things doctors look for when making a lupus diagnosis:
- Joint pain
- Chronic fatigue
- Headaches
- Skin rashes, notably a “butterfly” rash across the cheeks
- Light sensitivity
- Fevers
- Organ inflammation
- Fluid retention and weight gain
- Periods of feeling unwell followed by remission
Some people developing lupus may drink alcohol or use other substances to cope with the chronic discomfort of SLE, especially if pain medicines aren’t quite enough to take the edge off.
Moderate Alcohol Consumption Interferes with Lupus Medications
If you drink alcohol while taking lupus drugs, you place yourself at a greater risk of serious drug interactions. The most commonly prescribed medicines for lupus are:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are pain medications that reduce inflammation, joint pain, and stiffness in lupus patients
- Corticosteroids lead to lower levels of inflammation in the body and calm flare-ups faster.
- Immunosuppressants target immune system cells to calm the immune response that activates the immune system cells.
Even moderate alcohol consumption can cause undue strain on the liver and increase the risk of organ damage, especially gastrointestinal tract (GI) bleeding.
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Lupus Pain and Alcohol Abuse Share Common Triggers
Interestingly, some people with lupus point out that alcohol consumption and lupus flares share some overlapping triggers:
- Unmanaged stress
- Poor sleep
- Dehydration
- Chronic pain due to inflammation
Each is a common culprit that may lead to both lupus flares and alcohol consumption cravings.
For instance, someone may drink wine as a pain medication, but the alcohol disrupts their sleep, making them feel terrible the next day. This can fuel a dangerous cycle of pain, fatigue, and alcohol addiction.
The Nurses’ Health Study Showed How Alcohol Intake Impacted Lupus
A large study of over 200,000 American female nurses helped medical researchers understand the development of chronic diseases, including SLE. The Nurses’ Health Study found:
- Cumulative average alcohol drinkers (moderate drinking) showed a 39% lower risk of developing lupus than non-drinkers.
- Wine drinkers of 2 servings per week showed a strong link to reduced lupus risk
- Researchers believe that alcohol consumption may reduce stem cell factors (STF), which links to immune system activity and inflammation.
It’s important to note that the Nurses’ Health Study looked at preventing chronic illnesses, including lupus. If you have already been diagnosed with lupus, you should avoid alcohol consumption.
Alcohol in the bloodstream can cause interactions with certain drugs or setbacks in your treatment plan. The study does NOT suggest anyone should start to drink to avoid SLE.
Making Healthy Choices for SLE Flare-up Prevention
Managing alcohol use and SLE requires making healthier lifestyle choices. Here are a few strategies that support overall good health:
- Taking medications on time and in the correct doses to prevent liver damage
- Stress management techniques like deep breathing or journaling
- Stretching exercises or yoga to manage joint pain
- Prioritizing self-care and spending time addressing your emotional needs
- Drinking water to stay well-hydrated
- Paying attention to sleep hygiene to stay well-rested
- Engaging in meditation or prayer for better focus
- Find a support system, which can be family, friends, or trusted co-workers (preferably who don’t drink alcohol)
You don’t need to tackle all of these changes at once. Start small, incorporating one or two new habits a week. Over time, these will add up to tremendous changes that help manage your SEL and cravings for alcohol.
Stop Drinking Alcohol With Support from Purpose Healing Center
Seeking treatment is a must for people who struggle with drinking alcohol but have a high risk of SLE. At our professional treatment center, you’ll find kind, knowledgeable doctors, nurses, and therapists committed to helping you stop drinking.
Our goal is not only to help you quit alcohol but also to reduce your risks for developing liver complications or GI bleeding from the SLE.
We’ll use evidence-based techniques and customized therapies to address the drinking problem at its root. We’ll also work closely with your SLE doctors, following their treatment plan and managing all medications. You will feel a sense of relief when you no longer drink alcohol and have new coping tools to manage the stress of living with SLE.
Call Purpose Healing Center today for a free evaluation – it’s free and confidential to reach out to us.
480-579-3319