The Dangers of Mixing Alcohol with Opioids

Opioid Abuse in America 

You may be surprised to learn that approximately 100 people a day die as a result of opioid addiction? Opioid addiction is something that is often compounded by alcohol addiction. The increase in opioid addiction is the result of those struggling with drug abuse looking to illegal methods to be able to obtain the high that they are searching for. There are many people that develop this type of addiction as a result of injury or other illnesses and don’t realize the high addictive qualities of opioids. If you find that you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to opioids, it’s critical that you do everything within your power to get help and care for this type of substance abuse so that it does not ultimately take your life or that of your loved one. 

Side Effects of Alcohol

Alcohol addiction is something that can have a dramatic and permanent effect on seemingly every aspect of your life. Often, alcohol abusers will start to look for ways that can prolong the effects of alcohol that they are experiencing. The effect of combining alcohol and opioid use is something that can create that dangerous effect. However, this is something that could be fatal. You may find that you cannot catch your breath and as a result, struggle to breathe. Alcoholism affects other aspects of your life too including your psychological health and other aspects of your physical health and well-being. When you initially reach out to one of the treatment centers in the area for help, it’s imperative that you disclose the full extent of your substance abuse so that they can help you to develop a treatment program that will help you achieve your goals of sobriety. 

Side Effects of Opioids

Countless people develop an opioid addiction on a daily basis. The reason for the opioid addiction is something that is different for every person, though. There is a possibility that a person may have been diagnosed with a condition that leaves them feeling chronic pain. As a way to combat this chronic pain, their doctor prescribes them opioids. There are other people who may be recovering from surgery. As a result, they consume opioids so that they can better manage the pain and give their body the time that it needs to recover. However, it’s key to remember that prescription opioids are not something that is meant to be used indefinitely. In fact, a person can develop an opioid addiction fairly quickly. Similar to any other type of addiction, an addiction to prescription opioids is something that increases the risk of deadly consequences. It’s critical that you reach out for help to address your opioid addiction and get in touch with facilities that offer addiction treatments so that you can work through your addiction once and for all. 

Risks of Mixing Alcohol and Opioids 

There are numerous risks of mixing alcohol and opioids. Due to the fact that both prescription opioids and alcohol suppress the central nervous system, you will likely experience breathing issues. Also, since you’re under the influence of these substances, there is an increased risk that you will lose track of how much of these substances you have taken which can result in death. When you initially reach out to treatment centers for addiction care, it’s imperative that you completely disclose the extent of your alcohol addiction and opioid addiction so that they can work toward putting together a treatment plan that works best for you and your needs based on the extent of your addiction.  

Mixing Alcohol and Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, or Morphine

It’s important to understand that mixing alcohol with any type of substance such as oxycodone, hydrocodone or morphine puts you at an increased risk of serious health consequences. There are many people who have made the decision to mix these substances and, as a result, they have stopped breathing. Mixing alcohol with opioids can have a direct impact on your central nervous system. As a result, your body will need to put in more effort than it has to breathe. 

What to Do If You Have an Overdose of Opioids and Alcohol

If you or someone you love has experienced an overdose as a result of mixed opioid and alcohol use, it’s imperative that you reach out for help right away. An overdose isn’t something that can be managed at home. Instead, you need professional medical and addiction treatments. You should immediately call 9-1-1 and listen to their instructions while paramedics arrive. From there, you or your loved one will be taken to the hospital to try to reverse the impact of alcohol and other substances that may have contributed to the overdose. From there, the treatment team at the hospital will likely put you or your family member in touch with drug and alcohol rehab options in the area which can help you to work through your opioid and alcohol addiction. 

Medical Detox

Depending on the severity of your opioid and alcohol addiction, there is a possibility that you will need to complete an opioid or alcohol detox program before you can commit to an addiction treatment program. In most cases, opioid or alcohol detox will last anywhere between seven and 15 days and provide you with access to medication that can help you to navigate what you’re feeling during this period of recovery. 

Medications Used for Alcohol and Opioid Detox

There are several different types of medications that could be used during alcohol and opioid detox. For example, there are medications that can help you to manage your cravings for either substance. There are also medications that can help to block the effect of opioids and alcohol in the event that you ever relapse. Which medication is right for you is something that your treatment team will review with you. 

Resurgence Rehab Programs For Alcohol and Opioid Dependence

When you’re ready to overcome your addiction to alcohol and opioid dependence, the treatment team at Resurgence Behavioral Health is here to help you. Our treatment facility offers treatment programs that will help you to work through your addiction to either or both of these potentially dangerous and deadly substances. One of the most important decisions that you will need to make when it comes to your substance abuse issues revolves around the treatment program that you will commit to. This is an important decision and it’s not one that you should make alone. Instead, you should take the time to speak to the treatment team at your alcohol or drug recovery center of choice to ensure that you make the right decision. 

In many cases, if you needed to commit to a drug or alcohol detox, then you may find it more beneficial to commit to an inpatient rehab program. The reason for this is that an inpatient drug or alcohol addiction program will provide you with the same comprehensive level of care that you received during your detox program. During inpatient drug rehab, you will have a unique opportunity to truly dig into how addiction and abuse have impacted your life in a safe and sober environment. Regardless of how long you have struggled with alcohol or opioid addiction, taking advantage of an inpatient rehab will help you to push the reset button, and identify the events in your life that may have contributed to you being addicted to alcohol and opioids. 

If you’re unable to commit to inpatient rehab due to work or school responsibilities, there are still ways that you can work toward overcoming your addiction to drinking and drugs. The best option for you, in this case, would be intensive outpatient or general outpatient rehab. An outpatient rehab program provides you with the flexibility that you need to see to work or school responsibilities or it can be beneficial for a person that may not like the restrictions that come along with inpatient rehab. Although your treatment team will work closely with you to develop an alcohol and opioid addiction plan that suits your individual needs, they will continue to check in on you as you progress through your plan to treat your addiction to alcohol and make adjustments as needed. If you have any questions about treatment, you can always ask your treatment experts for insight. 

When you’re ready to change your life and break free of drinking and drugs, we encourage you to get in touch with the addiction specialists at Resurgence Behavioral Health. Whether you’re struggling with an alcohol addiction or you have developed substance abuse issues revolving around prescription opioids, you can take comfort in the fact that the addiction treatment team at Resurgence will always go the extra mile to ensure that you have the tools that you need to overcome your substance abuse problems once and for all. For more information about why we are one of the leading treatment centers or for our addiction treatment programs, please get in touch with us at (855) 458-0050. 

Learn about the dangers of mixing alcohol with opioids and get help today at Resurgence Behavioral Health! #opioidsandalcohol #alcoholanddrugs #rehab https://t.co/jofoT8gNwz

— Resurgence Behavioral Health (@RBHRecovery) April 13, 2022

Josh Chandler
After growing up in Chicago and North Carolina, Josh chose to get help with substance use disorder and mental health in California because of the state's reputation for top-tier treatment. There, he found the treatment he needed to achieve more than five years of recovery. He's been in the drug and alcohol addiction rehab industry for four years and now serves as the Director of Admissions for Resurgence Behavioral Health. Josh remains passionate about the field because he understands that one phone call can alter the course of a person's life.

Research | Editorial