Last Updated:
June 4th, 2025
Constipation Caused by Addiction
Constipation isn’t a subject that is always easy to talk about, but if it’s affecting your daily life or happening alongside drug or alcohol use, it’s important not to ignore it. Constipation might not seem like a big deal at first but it could be a sign both of addiction itself and the damage that substances are doing to your body. If you are experiencing chronic constipation, especially alongside other addiction symptoms, understanding what’s going on inside you can help you take better care of your health and begin recovery.
What is constipation?
Constipation means you’re having trouble going to the toilet. For some people, that might mean going a few days without any bowel movements, while for others, it means straining, hard, painful stools, feeling like you haven’t finished even after you’ve gone. Constipation can be very uncomfortable and can leave you feeling bloated, nauseous and very anxious.
Most people get constipated now and then, especially if they’re stressed, dehydrated or not eating well. But if it’s happening a lot, especially alongside drug or alcohol abuse, constipation could be part of a bigger issue. Some substances slow down your gut and make your bowels less active, while others can change your body’s signals so you don’t realise you need to go.
Constipation might feel like just one of those things, but over time it can become painful, upsetting and even dangerous if ignored. If you are using drugs or alcohol and noticing changes in your digestion, it could be your body telling you that something’s not right.
How can addiction cause constipation?
Various substances can disrupt normal digestive processes, leading to infrequent or difficult bowel movements.
Opioids such as morphine, heroin and prescription painkillers are notorious for causing constipation. They bind to receptors in your gastrointestinal tract, which slows down intestinal movement, reduces secretions and leads to harder stools and less frequent bowel movements. This is known as opioid-induced constipation (OIC), and it can be severe, persistent and require special medications to manage.
Alcohol addiction can also cause a range of constipation symptoms. Excessive alcohol use dehydrates the body which can result in harder stools and can also damage the nerves that control your digestive process, leading to long-term issues.
Stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine may lead to constipation indirectly. They can suppress your appetite and reduce food intake, resulting in reduced fibre consumption (a common cause of constipation). Stimulants can also cause dehydration and disrupt normal eating and sleeping patterns, all of which can contribute to digestive issues.
Various prescription medications, including certain antidepressants and antipsychotics, have effects that slow the function of your gut, leading to constipation. Similarly, benzodiazepines, often used for anxiety and sleep disorders, can relax the muscles of the digestive tract too much, bringing bowel movements to a crawl.
During withdrawal, constipation symptoms can become even more pronounced. This is because your body is adjusting to the absence of substances so processes like digestion become sluggish.
The good news is that understanding the link between substance use and constipation symptoms can help you seek the right addiction advice and rehab treatment.
What are some signs of constipation that you should look out for?
It is not always straightforward to know when constipation is becoming a problem, especially if it builds slowly over time. But when addiction is involved, recognising the symptoms early can help you avoid serious discomfort or even complications. Some common constipation danger signs include:
When should I consult a professional about constipation?
While mild, short-lived constipation is not usually an issue, when your bowel movements drop to less than three times a week or the passage of faeces becomes difficult for more than two weeks (two signs of chronic constipation), you should go and see a health professional as soon as you can. They will be able to determine whether your constipation symptoms are due to addiction or another cause, such as:
- Changes or deficiencies in your diet
- Use of certain supplements
- Prescription medicine side effects
- Genetic changes
- Illness
The health professional will ask you certain questions to help them ascertain the cause of constipation and further efficiently carry out treatment. These questions could be about the first time you started noticing constipation symptoms, your last bowel movement, how painful it was and any substances you have been using. There is no need to feel embarrassed, as you can always trust the doctor not to divulge any of the information you have provided to anybody else.
Can constipation be dangerous if left unaddressed?
Constipation can be very dangerous if it’s left unaddressed, especially when it’s linked to drug or alcohol use. While occasional constipation is usually manageable, chronic or severe constipation can lead to serious health issues.
For example, impacted stool (when waste gets stuck in your colon) can cause intense pain, bloating and vomiting. In more severe cases, it may require medical treatment to remove. Straining over time can also cause haemorrhoids, anal tears or rectal bleeding.
In people with substance addiction, particularly those using opioids, chronic constipation is incredibly common and often overlooked. If it’s not treated, it can lead to ongoing digestive problems, reduced appetite, malnutrition and even bowel perforation in extreme cases.
What should I do if I or a loved one is experiencing constipation from addiction?
When constipation keeps coming back and you suspect it could be linked to addiction, it is time to take it seriously. Constipation symptoms might not feel urgent but your body could be telling you something important. If you’re unsure what to do next, Addiction Helper is here to listen and guide you. Whether it’s support for yourself or someone you care about, contact us today and we can help you find the right path forward.
Our compassionate team are ready and available to take your call, and guide you towards lasting the lasting addiction recovery you deserve.
