Alcohol in itself is a substance that can create a multitude of health problems. When mixed with other substances, you are putting yourself in further danger. Alcohol is a highly reactive substance and can amplify, negate, or change the function of a drug when combined. It is important to understand the effects of mixing drugs and alcohol to prevent damage to your health.
Mixing Alcohol and Prescription or Over-The-Counter Drugs
Some people wonder if beer is better for your liver or if hard alcohol is worse for you when mixed with prescribed medication. The truth of the matter is, that any type of alcohol can be detrimental and is advised against. Justifying if one type of alcohol is better than another is not the right answer. Any mixing of alcohol and medication can result in possible health complications. Some people are likely mixing drugs and alcohol either by accident or on purpose.
Common medications combined with alcohol:
- Anesthetics
- Antibiotics
- Antihistamines
- Antipsychotics
- Anti-seizure medications
- Anticoagulants
- Antidepressants
- Benzodiazepines
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Stimulants
To avoid accidental drug mixes, it is crucial to ask your doctor or pharmacist about potential drug interactions and whether you can drink while on the medication. To be safe it is always best to not drink while taking medication.
Mixing Illicit Drugs and Alcohol
Some people mix alcohol and illicit drugs on purpose to increase the effect of a high or decrease negative symptoms of the drug. Either way, you are putting your body in a potential life or death situation. For example, when you combine alcohol and cannabis, you can get acute cannabis intoxication. Acute cannabis intoxication creates further intoxication and causes the body to feel dizzy, paranoid, and even have difficulty concentrating.
Combining alcohol and cannabis can also impair a person’s judgment. This doubles the chances of a person harming themselves. Drunk driving is already a major issue, but when combined with cannabis the problem is heightened. Other drugs such as cocaine, hallucinogens, and opioids can also create deadly impacts on the body when combined with alcohol. If you or a loved one is using any of the substances discussed, it is best to reach out and get support from a substance abuse treatment center.
Find Drug & Alcohol Treatment Today at American Treatment Center in Havertown, PA
American Treatment Network is committed to caring for you or your loved ones. We can provide immediate access to care and help patients overcome opioid and alcohol addiction. American Treatment Network has a variety of different treatments in order to help our patients in the best way possible. Once you become a patient with us, you are a lifetime member. We will always be here for you when you are in need of help. American Treatment Center has a treatment center in Havertown, PA, and two other locations in Dover, DE, and Newark, DE. Contact us today to take your first step on the road to recovery.
