Bruises after drinking alcohol can occur for many reasons. Find out why this happens and how to get effective treatment.
If you need immediate help with alcohol detox and addiction treatment, call 877-679-2132.
Reasons for Bruises After Drinking
Drinking too much alcohol comes with many risks. In the short term, it can lead to injuries, violence, and alcohol poisoning. It also increases the risk of suicide, sexual assault, and homicide. Heavy drinking can cause risky sexual behavior and unintended pregnancy.
Over time, drinking a lot of alcohol can cause many health problems. It increases the risk of many types of cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Chronic alcohol misuse can also lead to liver disease, which often causes bruising.
Bruises happen when blood gets trapped under the skin. This can make the area painful and swollen. When you get a bruise, an injury crushes blood vessels, but the skin doesn’t break, so there’s no external bleeding.
Several things can cause bruises after drinking alcohol:
- Vasodilation: Alcohol makes blood vessels larger, which makes you more likely to bruise.
- Loss of coordination: Drinking heavily can make you clumsier, leading to falls or injuries that cause bruises.
- Liver disease: Chronic alcohol use can damage the liver. When the liver doesn’t work well, you’re more likely to bruise and bleed easily.
How Can I Reduce Bruising After Drinking?
If you notice bruising after drinking, here are some steps to help reduce it:
- Drink less alcohol: Cutting down on how much you drink can help prevent bruising. Try to drink in moderation or avoid alcohol altogether.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps your body recover and can reduce bruising.
- Be careful: Pay attention to your surroundings. Avoid situations where you might fall or get injured when you’ve been drinking.
- Eat healthy: Eating a balanced diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals can help your body heal faster and reduce bruising. Foods rich in vitamins C and K, like oranges and leafy greens, are excellent choices.
- Rest: Get plenty of sleep. Rest helps your body recover and heal, which can reduce bruising.
- Ice the bruise: If you bruise, applying ice can help reduce swelling and pain. Wrap ice in a cloth and apply it to the bruise for 10 to 20 minutes.
- See a doctor: If you bruise easily or notice a lot of bruising, talk to a doctor. They can check for any underlying health issues and give you advice on how to reduce bruising after drinking alcohol.
Taking these steps can help you reduce bruising and stay healthier. If you’re worried about your drinking habits, don’t hesitate to get help from a healthcare professional.
When Should I See a Doctor About Bruising After Drinking?
It’s important to see a doctor if:
- You bruise very easily, even without getting hurt.
- You have bruises all over body after drinking.
- Bruises appear suddenly and without a clear reason.
- Bruises are very large or painful.
- You notice other symptoms, like bleeding gums or nosebleeds.
- You have a history of liver disease or other health problems.
Seeing a doctor can help determine if there’s a more serious issue and get you the right treatment.
Is Bruising After Drinking a Sign of Alcoholism?
Bruising after drinking can be a sign of heavy alcohol use, but it doesn’t always mean someone has alcoholism. Here are some things to consider:
- Frequent drinking: If you drink a lot and often bruise, it might be a sign you’re drinking too much.
- Other signs of alcoholism: These can include drinking alone, needing more alcohol to feel the same effects, and having trouble stopping once you start.
- Health problems: Chronic alcohol use can lead to liver disease, which makes bruising more likely.
If you’re worried about your drinking habits or bruising, talk to a doctor. They can help you determine whether you have a problem and what to do next.
Bruises After Drinking FAQs
How does alcohol affect the body?
Alcohol affects the body by slowing down the brain and nervous system, which can impair judgment, coordination, and reaction times. It can also damage the liver, heart, and other organs with long-term use.
What nutritional deficiencies are associated with bruising after drinking alcohol?
Bruising after drinking alcohol can be linked to deficiencies in vitamins like vitamin C and K, and minerals like zinc, which are important for skin health and healing.
Can alcohol affect my blood clotting?
Yes, alcohol can affect your blood clotting by thinning the blood and reducing the ability of platelets to clump together, which can lead to easier bruising and bleeding.
How do I know if I’m drinking too much?
You might be drinking too much if you need alcohol to relax, if you can’t control your drinking, if it’s affecting your responsibilities or relationships, or if you experience withdrawal symptoms when not drinking.
Get Insurance-Covered Alcohol Rehab at Ohio Recovery
If you’re concerned about alcohol abuse, we offer personal treatment programs at Ohio Recovery in Cincinnati, OH.
We treat alcohol addictions and mental health issues in an outpatient setting. This means you can meet your daily commitments while attending therapy on weekdays.
Most health insurance plans cover at least part of addiction treatment costs. We can help you check your insurance coverage and work out costs you might need to pay out of pocket.
When you’re ready to tackle alcohol addiction, call 877-679-2132.
