What You Need to Know About Mixing Opioids and Alcohol
You are here:Like many people, you may be using prescription opioids to manage chronic pain while continuing to enjoy a mixed drink or glass or two of wine in the evening. If so, you should know that mixing opioids and alcohol is never safe. Studies show that about 15% of people who died from opioid-related causes had also consumed alcohol. With this in mind, let’s look at some of the reasons why alcohol and opioids can be a deadly mix.
How Do Opioids Cause Harm?
Physicians prescribe opioids to help people cope with chronic pain or cough. The drugs have many therapeutic benefits, but they can cause serious side effects when misused. On the other hand, opioids are sold illicitly to people who intend to misuse them for their euphoric effects.
The most commonly prescribed opioids are:
- Vicodin (hydrocodone, oxycodone, OxyContin, Percocet)
- Opana (oxymorphone)
- Kadian, Avinza (morphine)
- Fentanyl
- Codeine
Opioids work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain that control pain and pleasure. They block pain signals and increase dopamine levels, making the user want more of the medication. Because of this, opioids can cause harm in several ways, even when used according to directions. For example, mild to moderate side effects may occur such as:
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Slowed breathing
- Constipation
- Tolerance or dependence
When opioid misuse causes slowed breathing, hypoxia is possible. This means the brain receives too little oxygen, leading to possible coma, permanent brain damage, or death. Mixing these drugs with alcohol greatly increases the risks. Never misuse opioids by taking someone else’s prescription, taking more than prescribed, or using the drug to get high.
How Does Alcohol Cause Harm?
Alcohol interferes with the way the brain works to control memory, speech, judgment, and balance. Heavy alcohol use can cause other health problems such as mood swings, erratic behavior, certain cancers, high blood pressure, heart, liver, or kidney disease, weakened immune system, reduced cognitive functioning, and stroke.
If you mix alcohol with other drugs such as opioids the effects of both substances are enhanced. No amount of alcohol is considered safe when taking prescription drugs.
What Are the Dangers of Mixing Opioids and Alcohol?
Now that you know the risks of both opioids and alcohol, here’s what you should know about the risks of mixing the two substances. Opioids and alcohol each cause sedation, among other side effects. Combining the two drugs is called polysubstance use and leads to many health issues. If you use two or more substances you may experience some of the following issues:
- Arrest and incarceration
- Legal and financial problems
- Suicidal ideations
- Addiction
- Overdose
Prescription drugs typically carry a black-box warning that advises against mixing them with alcohol due to the risk of deadly interactions. Unfortunately, alcohol labels don’t carry any similar warnings. If you use opioids and alcohol simultaneously, familiarize yourself with the potential risks. You may not be able to stop using the substances on your own as both are highly addictive. For that reason, professional addiction treatment is your best option.
Can Mixing Opioids and Alcohol Cause an Overdose?
Intentional or unintentional opioid misuse can lead to an overdose, and the risk increases when mixing opioids with alcohol. A person can also overdose on alcohol regardless of the presence of other substances in their body. If you are concerned about overdose, here are some signs to watch for:
- Impaired motor control
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Nausea, vomiting
- Clammy skin
- Dulled responses
- Loss of consciousness
- Behavioral changes, violence
- Bodily injury
- Sedation
- Respiratory depression
- Slow heart rate
- Low body temperature
If you suspect an overdose, seek medical help immediately. If possible, administer naloxone and monitor the individual until medical assistance arrives. Opioid and alcohol overdose can result in permanent brain damage or death if left untreated.
Stop Mixing Opioids and Alcohol with Treatment at Design for Change Recovery
Mixing opioids and alcohol can cause complex addiction problems that you cannot solve on your own. Design for Change Recovery offers a comprehensive treatment program that addresses both addictions simultaneously to ensure effective and lasting recovery results.
Addiction encompasses a range of mental and physical components that require customized treatment. Our treatment advisors will help you create a personalized recovery plan. We provide a JCAHO-accredited full continuum of care that includes detox, rehabilitation, and aftercare.
We also provide different levels of care to ensure that you get the right program for your needs. Your options include outpatient, intensive outpatient, inpatient, intensive inpatient, partial hospitalization, and extended care. The programs are flexible to accommodate your schedule if you work, attend school, or have other obligations.
Contact our Lancaster, CA facility today to speak with a treatment advisor and learn more about our programs. We are in-network with many major insurance providers to help you get the quality care you deserve, so reach out to us by phone, email, or online today.
Sources:
nida.nih.gov/ – Prescription Opioids DrugFacts
niaaa.nih.gov/ – Alcohol’s Effects on Health
