The Dangers of Mixing Hydrocodone and Alcohol

Mixing Alcohol and Hydrocodone

When taking prescription medications, most of these will warn against drinking alcohol or using other drugs at the same time. Unfortunately, in wake of the opioid epidemic currently wreaking havoc across the nation, combining alcohol with opioid painkillers has become more common –  including the medication Hydrocodone.

Both Hydrocodone and alcohol can have depressant effects on the body. This means that mixing Hydrocodone with alcohol can be extremely dangerous, and may even cause life-threatening adverse effects.

Keep reading to learn more about the dangers of mixing Hydrocodone and alcohol, and how the Find Addiction Rehabs team can help you find rehab programs nationwide to treat your substance abuse today!

The Spread of Opioid Addiction

Opioid addiction has become a national crisis in the United States, with an estimated 2.1 million Americans suffering from opioid use disorders. An opioid is a type of narcotic pain medication, such as OxyContin, Percocet, and, of course, Hydrocodone.

When taken in large doses for a long period of time, opioids can become highly addictive and lead to physical and psychological dependence. Opioid addiction is a complex condition that affects many aspects of an individual’s life.

Hydrocodone addiction and chronic opioid abuse can lead to serious health problems, including an increased risk of overdose, organ damage, and death. Additionally, addiction can cause financial strain, relationship problems, and legal issues.

The consequences of opioid addiction are far-reaching, affecting not only the addicted individuals, but their families, and even entire communities as well. This is why treatment services for opioid abuse and addiction have become more widely accessible across the US.

Combining Hydrocodone and Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, slowing down the system and reducing the user’s judgment-making abilities, and causing cognitive impairment. Alcohol intoxication on its own can have adverse physical and behavioral effects when used in excessive amounts.

Prescribed painkillers like Hydrocodone can also act as central nervous system depressants, acting on opioid receptors in the brain to help reduce severe pain. This is why it is dangerous to drink alcohol while taking pain medicine, particularly opioids like Hydrocodone.

However, some people may want to combine these two substances because both Hydrocodone and alcohol increase dopamine production, which can create a euphoric high. When this alcohol-hydrocodone abuse continues over a long period of time, this can lead to addiction and several other negative consequences.

The Side Effects of Mixing Hydrocodone and Alcohol

When Hydrocodone is combined with alcohol, the side effects can be devastating, especially if hydrocodone is snorted alongside consuming alcohol. The fallout may include irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, severe falls, nausea, and vomiting. Furthermore, alcohol use can lead to impaired judgment and may cause the individual to take too many pills at once.

Furthermore, when using both alcohol and Hydrocodone over a long period of time, this can cause the user to suffer liver damage and complications with their respiratory system, amongst several other adverse health effects.

Of course, the most severe side effect experienced by those who mix Hydrocodone and alcohol, or otherwise take too many drugs, is an increased risk of overdose.

Drug and alcohol overdose can be a potentially life-threatening condition, and will require the attention of medical emergency responders to be properly treated. Common symptoms of this condition include:

• Respiratory depression
• Confusion and disorientation
• Low body temperature
• Depressed breathing
• Blue-tinted skin and lips

 

An overdose can also cause the suffering individual to lose consciousness, experience seizures, and suffer brain damage due to the body’s inability to get enough oxygen. If you recognize any of these symptoms after mixing hydrocodone and alcohol, it is important to seek emergency medical attention immediately.

While a drug called Narcan (naloxone) can be administered to help reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, alcohol overdose symptoms will require more extensive care from medical professionals to be properly treated.

Recognizing the Signs of a Substance Use Disorder

Drug and alcohol addiction can have a devastating impact on an individual’s life, and it is important to be aware of the signs that indicate that someone may be struggling with this condition. Learning to recognize the signs of addiction can help you identify when it may be time to get help for you or a loved one’s substance abuse, whether it is Hydrocodone, Vicodin abuse, or any other opiate.

Those with substance use disorders will often show behavioral signs of this condition early on. Their unusual behavior may include becoming increasingly secretive and lying to cover up their substance abuse. They may also neglect responsibilities and relationships in favor of their drug or alcohol use.

Painkiller Abuse and Symptoms that Mimic Mental Illness

Sudden mood changes can also indicate a substance addiction. When someone has become dependent on drugs or alcohol, they will typically become agitated, anxious, restless, or irritable when they are unable to access an abused substance.

There are also several physical signs of addiction that can be looked out for. This may include sudden or extreme weight loss, poor personal hygiene, and disrupted sleeping patterns. A person suffering from this form of substance use disorder may experience Hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug.

It is important to remember that addiction affects everyone differently. If you recognize any of these signs, whether in yourself or a loved one, it may be time to seek out professional help. The Find Addiction Rehabs team can help you get started on your recovery journey today!

The Addiction Treatment Process

There are multiple steps in the addiction treatment process, each of which can help individuals recover from the destructive impacts of their substance abuse. This may include medical detox, therapeutic interventions, support groups, inpatient and outpatient treatment, and long-term follow-up care.

Because those recovering from Hydrocodone and alcohol abuse often experience intense withdrawal symptoms after stopping their substance use, detoxing from these substances under constant medical supervision will be necessary for a safe and successful recovery.

During this time, recovering individuals will be gradually weaned off an abused substance with regular support from a licensed medical professional and care team, which can help to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

Once detox has been completed, most individuals will be encouraged to seek out further care through inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, or therapy services. Overall, there is no one-size fits all approach to the addiction recovery process.

The Find Addiction rehabs team can help walk you through all of your treatment options and find rehab services nationwide that can meet all of your care needs. Call now!

Find Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Today!

If you or a loved one has become addicted to mixing alcohol and Hydrocodone or is struggling with any other type of substance abuse, the Find Addiction Rehabs team can help. We are an industry leader in providing placement to accredited facilities across the United States.

Our hotline is available 24/7 to answer all of your treatment questions, verify your health insurance, and connect you with recovery resources, anytime!

Give yourself the chance at recovery you deserve, and call now to speak with an addiction specialist about getting started on your journey to sobriety today.

FAQs on Hydrocodone and Alcohol

What is Hydrocodone Used For?

Hydrocodone is a powerful opioid medication used to treat moderate-to-severe and chronic pain. It is usually prescribed to patients who need long-term pain relief. It is usually taken with other medications to reduce the risk of side effects.

However, when someone is constantly in as much pain, they may be tempted to take more Hydrocodone or for longer than originally intended. Because its pain-relieving effects make Hydrocodone addictive, using this drug outside of one’s prescribed guidelines can become habit-forming.

Is There a Safe Way to Drink While Taking Hydrocodone?

No, there is no safe way to drink while taking Hydrocodone. The effects of alcohol can be unpredictable, especially when combined with other drugs. In order to avoid experiencing adverse side effects, it is strongly recommended to avoid alcohol while using Hydrocodone.

How Long After Taking Painkillers Can I Drink?

There is no definitive timeline for when it is safe to drink alcohol after taking painkillers. The amount of time that should be allowed in between use of these substances can vary based on the specific medication.

When taking Hydrocodone, this medication can take up to a full day to clear from the system. It is recommended that individuals wait a minimum of 24 hours after using Hydrocodone to drink. However, the only way to be sure of what will be safe for you is to talk to your doctor.

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