Unless you are a stuntperson or daredevil performer, a climber seeking more and more difficult climbing feats, or an escape artist, it is almost never a good idea to make something more dangerous than it has to be.
For example, if you have to drive on icy roads, it would not be a great idea to replace good tires with worn tires or to remove the seatbelts in the car or to disable the windshield wipers and the defrost settings.
The same is true when it comes to various harmful substances. Drugs of all kinds can be dangerous all on their own, but if you mix them with alcohol, the danger is increased.
Now, we are, of course, eager to encourage you to get treatment for a substance use disorder and to leave drugs firmly in your past. But if you are in the grips of a substance use disorder—or if you are using common prescription and over-the-counter drugs in a responsible way—we want to urge you to avoid a blend of alcohol and other drugs.
Let’s break the drugs in question into the three categories, starting with what may seem the least dangerous.
Alcohol and Over-the-Counter Medication
- Cold and Allergy Medications: Many such medications include antihistamines, which often cause drowsiness. Alcohol—which also can cause drowsiness—can intensify the effects of the medications. That means you’ll be less coordinated and find it harder to concentrate. This increases the likelihood of, for example, causing a car accident while you are behind the wheel.
- Cough Syrups: Dextromethorphan is found in many cough suppressants. In combination with alcohol, it can lead to drowsiness, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, and even impaired judgment.
- Pain Relivers: Alcohol can interact with both acetaminophen (leading to increased risk of liver damage) and ibuprofen (causing increased stomach irritation that could lead to bleeding or ulcers).
- Sleep Aids: Drugs intended to help you fall and stay asleep are, of course, sedatives. Alcohol can increase the impact of those drugs and put you at risk of an overdose.
- Other Drugs and Supplements: Alcohol can lessen the effectiveness of digestive aids, supplements, and herbal remedies.
Alcohol and Prescription Medication
- Antibiotics: Combining some antibiotics with alcohol can lead to flushing, severe nausea, and vomiting. The interaction can also reduce the effectiveness of the antibiotics.
- Antidepressants: Drinking alcohol while taking some antidepressants can actually lead to an increase in depression and anxiety. It can also lead to increased drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired motor skills.
- Antihistamines: The notes about OTC antihistamines apply to prescription medications, too.
- Antipsychotics: Alcohol often increases the sedative effects of antipsychotics. This can lead to increased dizziness and drowsiness.
- Benzodiazepines: These drugs tend to be significant causes of drowsiness. Mixed with alcohol, they may slow a person’s breathing—even to the point of being life-threatening.
- Blood Thinners: The effect of blood thinners can be increased by alcohol, which can lead to increased bleeding and bruising.
- Diabetes Medications: Mixing these meds with alcohol can cause dangerously low blood sugar levels, which in turn can lead to dizziness, confusion, and fainting.
- Opioids: Here is another case where alcohol can dangerously enhance the sedative effects of a drug. Extreme drowsiness, slowed breathing, and a threat to life are all possible results.
Alcohol and Illicit Drugs
- Cannabis: While it is true that cannabis is no longer an illicit drug in many places, mixing it with alcohol can still present problems. Alcohol can increase the amount of THC your body absorbs. This can lead to nausea, anxiety, dizziness, and more.
- Depressants: As with legal drugs that have sedative properties, illicit depressants (heroin, for example) can become more dangerous when combined with alcohol. In fact, the combination can suppress vital functions and put your life at risk.
- Hallucinogens: The combination of alcohol and hallucinogens (like LSD or PCP) can lead to unpredictable results. Alcohol might limit the mind-altering effects of these drugs, but it might also intensify confusion and disorientation—leading to feelings of panic or anxiety and increasing the odds that a person will engage in risky behaviors.
- Stimulants: Because stimulants (like cocaine or meth) get your system racing, they can mask the effects of alcohol—leading a person to drink more than they might otherwise. This might result in increased risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke as an individual’s heart rate and blood pressure rise.
At Bel Aire Recovery Center, We Mix Empathy and Expertise
When you are struggling with a substance use disorder, you do not want or need to be judged. What you do need is care provided by experts who have experience and a commitment to evidence-based treatment practices. You will find a combination of empathy and expertise at Bel Aire Recovery Center.
Located near Wichita, Kansas, Bel Aire is dedicated to personalized care throughout the treatment process and to providing ongoing support and resources when treatment comes to an end. If you are ready to make a change for the better, we are ready to help.
