In our society, alcohol use is legal and widely accepted. In moderation, many adults consume alcohol responsibly, but used in access, alcohol can create a litany of problems. One of the ways that alcohol use can escalate to becoming extremely problematic is when alcohol is mixed with prescription drugs. Though these medications are often prescribed by a doctor, there is a high risk associated with using them while drinking alcohol. Both of these substances can lead to addiction, and combining them comes with an even higher risk.
If you or someone you love is mixing alcohol and prescription drugs, and it’s negatively affecting your life, or you’re finding it hard to stop, it might be time to seek help. Thankfully, BoardPrep Recovery offers many treatment options, including substance abuse treatment for professionals.
Dangers of Mixing Drugs and Alcohol
Mixing alcohol and prescription drugs can be extremely dangerous and even life-threatening. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, and when it is combined with certain prescription drugs, it can increase the sedative effects and potentially lead to respiratory failure and death. Consequently, one of the most significant dangers of mixing alcohol and prescription drugs is the risk of overdose. Alcohol can interfere with the way the body metabolizes medication, causing higher levels of the drug to remain in the body for longer periods of time. This can lead to an accidental overdose, particularly if the individual is unaware of the potential interactions between alcohol and the prescription drug.
In addition to the risk of overdose, mixing alcohol and prescription drugs can also impair cognitive and motor function, making it difficult to think clearly and increasing the risk of accidents. For example, combining alcohol with prescription sedatives or painkillers can cause drowsiness and impaired judgment. As a result, this can potentially lead to car accidents or other types of accidents. Some other risks involved are:
- Blood pressure changes or heart damage
- Liver damage or failure
- Internal bleeding
- Brain damage
- Severe mood or emotional damage
Furthermore, mixing alcohol and prescription drugs can also have negative long-term effects on physical and mental health. Chronic alcohol use can exacerbate the negative side effects of certain prescription drugs, such as stomach ulcers and mental health issues.
Risk Prevention
It’s important to always follow the instructions provided by a healthcare professional when taking prescription drugs and to avoid mixing alcohol with these medications. If you are taking prescription drugs and are unsure about whether it is safe to drink alcohol, it is best to consult with your healthcare provider. They can provide you with the necessary information and guidance to help you make an informed decision. If you are taking medications that should not be mixed with alcohol, it is important to understand the risks. Even mixing a small amount of medication that should not be taken with alcohol can lead to very serious consequences.
In short, it is impossible to overstate the dangers of mixing alcohol and prescription drugs. Therefore, it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks and to take appropriate precautions to ensure your safety.
Are Alcohol and Prescription Drugs a Problem? BoardPrep Recovery Can Help
Substance use disorders can happen to anyone. It’s important to understand that even though struggling with one can feel lonely and insurmountable, recovery is possible. The professionals at BoardPrep are trained in many treatments that serve a broad range of individuals and are dedicated to helping find the right ones to serve each of our patients. If you or someone you know is mixing alcohol with drugs, it’s important to find the right help as soon as possible. Contact us at 866.796.4720 to learn more today.
