Both Suboxone and alcohol are metabolized by the liver, and their combined use can increase the strain on this vital organ. Chronic alcohol consumption is known to cause liver damage, and when combined with Suboxone, the risk is further elevated. Taking alcohol and Suboxone® together may increase the risk of addiction to one or both substances. With Suboxone and alcohol both taking effect on the central nervous system, they only heighten how the body responds to these drugs when mixed together.
Methadone Withdrawal Symptoms
Combining these substances can lead to unpredictable psychological effects, potentially worsening mental health conditions and hindering recovery efforts. Combining Suboxone® and alcohol can have dangerous effects on the respiratory system, resulting in respiratory depression, which can lead to unconsciousness and death if not treated promptly. This risk is even higher for individuals with a history of respiratory problems or COPD. The combination may also cause more severe depression of the respiratory centers in the brainstem, further increasing the risk of respiratory failure and death.
At MedMark, we use evidence-based MAT programs that allow patients to learn coping and recovery skills. With a combination of medicine, therapy and social support, we assist patients as they work toward opioid-free lives. You can contact us online at any time to schedule your first appointment. Some people will go so far as to mix alcohol and Suboxone for long periods of time. For example, both alcohol and Suboxone depress the respiratory system. Long-term use of these drugs together can cause tissue damage, respiratory infections, and even brain damage.
In some cases, people may become dependent on Suboxone in a way that isn’t healthy. It may become a part of the opioid use disorder instead of a treatment for it. That’s part of the reason people who use this medication are monitored closely and why they’re advised to participate in one-on-one therapy and in support groups. Acting similarly to antidepressants, such as Xanax and Klonopin or sedative-hypnotics like Ambien and Lunesta, buprenorphine slows down the nervous system. When it’s mixed with alcohol, which also depresses the nervous system, dangerous relaxation effects breathing and heartbeat rates.
Risks of Mixing Suboxone and Alcohol
The helpline at AddictionResource.net is available 24/7 to discuss the treatment needs of yourself or a loved one. This helpline is answered by Treatment X LLC, an addiction treatment provider with treatment facilities in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and California. If you are taking a medication that contains alcohol, it’s important to tell your prescribing physician about all other medications you are taking while using Suboxone.
Therefore, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential dangers of combining Suboxone and alcohol and take necessary precautions to stay safe. Buprenorphine engages with the same receptors as opioids, but it doesn’t produce the same high. People who take buprenorphine don’t get the same euphoric feeling that comes from opioids like heroin or oxycodone. It binds to opioid receptors, preventing opioids from attaching to them. More than that, it can force opioids from receptors they’re already attached to. Because buprenorphine is an opioid agonist, weaker then opioids such as oxycodone and heroin, it can still cause and euphoria, especially when mixed with alcohol.
Safe Practices and Precautions
- However, this information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
- Even over-the-counter allergy medications like Benadryl and Claritin are a bad mix with alcohol.
- Alcohol can also have serious interactions with a number of substances.
- The effects of Suboxone can be reversed with naloxone, but it will not counter the effects of alcohol.
- Everyone reacts differently, so it’s important to watch for signs of a negative interaction.
Physicians should make this very clear to their patients when prescribing Suboxone to their patients. Beyond clinical practice, he’s an advocate for community awareness and early intervention in addiction prevention. Outside work, Trent values family time, personal growth, travel, and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
What is a Methadone Clinic & How does it Works
This can be done by seeking professional help, avoiding triggers that lead to drug and alcohol use, and being mindful of the medications and substances they consume. Seeking treatment for mixing Suboxone and alcohol is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it can prevent serious health problems such as respiratory depression, liver damage, and overdose. Secondly, treatment can help individuals overcome addiction and regain control of their lives. If you or someone you know is struggling with the dangerous and potentially life-threatening effects of mixing Suboxone and alcohol, it’s important to seek treatment immediately.
Addiction can have a significant impact on an individual’s physical and mental health, as well as their relationships, work, mixing suboxone and alcohol and finances. Seeking treatment can help individuals break free from addiction and achieve long-term recovery. Take the first step towards a healthier life and get help for your addiction today. Book a consultation now to learn more about how you can overcome the dangers of mixing Suboxone and alcohol.
Most opioid dependence programs will have people sign a contract indicating they will not use intoxicating substances like alcohol and other drugs when using Suboxone. Beyond the mentioned risks, drinking alcohol while taking Suboxone is likely to contribute to a setback in sobriety. Mixing drugs and alcohol is never a good idea because the combination can affect people in unexpected ways. Suboxone and alcohol abuse is uncommon because an ingredient in Suboxone, naloxone, blunts the pleasurable effects of alcohol. Additionally, people in opioid dependence programs usually sign an agreement forbidding them from using alcohol and other addictive substances.
Symptoms to Watch For:
- Treatment options for this type of substance abuse can vary depending on individual needs and circumstances, but it’s crucial to understand the importance of getting help as soon as possible.
- We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals.
- Educational campaigns, informational materials, and training programs can help spread awareness and reduce the incidence of adverse interactions.
- Buprenorphine in large doses, or enhanced with another CNS depressant like alcohol, will have similar overdose symptoms as full opioid agonists.
Avenues Recovery is a community-based drug and alcohol rehabilitation center with locations across the United States. Another serious long-term health issue from using both Suboxone and alcohol is the increased chance of relapse. As mentioned above, alcohol and Suboxone are both central nervous system depressants. This means they will slow down the activity of the central nervous system, which results in sedative or calming effects.
When taken together, Suboxone®’s ability to suppress withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and the euphoric effects of opioids may also be compromised. Suboxone®, a medication used for opioid dependence, can cause adverse effects on the respiratory and central nervous systems when combined with alcohol. To make informed decisions about your health, it is crucial to understand the potential dangers of taking Suboxone and alcohol together.
We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Attempting to rid your system of these substances on your own can be calamitous and will only decrease your chances of success.