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Alcohol and opioids are two of the most commonly misused substances in the U.S., and one in five prescription opioid deaths nationwide also involves alcohol. Carelessly combining alcohol and opioids in hopes of intensifying the effects is extremely risky behavior and could cost you your life. What makes it so dangerous to abuse multiple substances at once?
Alcohol use sharply increases the chances that a drug user will accidentally overdose and die. Often, people with a daily drinking habit who get a doctor’s prescription for an opioid like codeine don’t realize they are jeopardizing their lives if they continue to drink while taking their medication as prescribed.
According to statistics from the Department of Health and Human Services, opioid overdoses accounted for more than 42,000 deaths in 2016. How many of these tragedies could we have prevented if there were more widespread awareness of the dangers of combining alcohol and opioids?
Alcohol and opioids are both depressants that act on the brain and central nervous system. Because both alcohol and opioids are highly addictive, mixing substances increases the risk that users will develop a cross-addiction, or dual addiction.
Using drugs like Vicodin and OxyContin while drinking can multiply the dangers of these substances, including:
The tragically high fatality rate associated with mixing opioids and alcohol results from depressed breathing. When you lack an adequate supply of oxygen, it can lead to brain damage, organ failure, coma and death.
If you use opioids and are worried you might become one of the hundreds of Americans who fatally overdose on these drugs every day, an FDA-approved medication called naloxone can help reverse the effects of an overdose. Getting naloxone and making sure at least one person in your household knows where it is and how to administer it can save your life.
Signs of an overdose include:
If you have been habitually risking your life by combining alcohol and opioids, you might be wondering whether your problem is severe enough to merit entering a comprehensive addiction treatment program. Here are some signs that typically indicate the need to seek professional help.
If you have decided to pursue help for your substance misuse, what can you expect? In most cases, your treatment program will begin with medical detox, where addiction professionals will monitor your withdrawal symptoms and administer medications such as buprenorphine, as necessary, to help you safely taper off opioids and alcohol.
After your initial detoxification period concludes and you are medically stable, you will begin working with a therapist to address the underlying causes of your addiction, both one on one and in a group setting. You’ll also learn life skills and healthy coping mechanisms that will help contribute to your sober lifestyle once you get discharged from treatment and are pursuing recovery on your own.
If you have determined you want to turn your life around, don’t try to take on this challenge all by yourself. The professionals at Beach House are here to provide confidential help, 24/7. Contact us to learn more about enrolling in our Florida drug and alcohol treatment retreat.
Whether you’re researching for yourself or a loved one, Beach House can help. We understand that this is a serious time in your life and that the treatment center you choose matters. We want you to feel comfortable and empowered to make the right decision for yourself, a friend, or a family member. This is why a counselor is waiting and available to answer your questions and help put your mind at ease regarding the next steps. Many of the staff at Beach House have walked in your shoes. If you feel you’re ready or want more information about how to help a loved one, we can help today. You can also learn why we are voted the #1 rehab for addiction treatment in Florida.
