Before we get into what to do, it’s helpful to understand why alcohol and Suboxone don’t mix well. If you’re taking Suboxone and accidentally mix it with alcohol, it’s completely normal to feel worried. Drug dependence also complicates the recovery process, as quitting “cold turkey” can lead to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. As tolerance develops and a person begins taking more Suboxone and/or alcohol, it’s only a matter of time before dependence forms. Mixing alcohol with Suboxone can result in long-term and permanent side effects.
- If you have a loved one who is struggling with mixing Suboxone and alcohol, it can be challenging to know how to help.
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- In terms of treatment, the first step is a thorough assessment by a healthcare professional or addiction specialist.
- Entering OUD recovery isn’t easy, and many people struggle with emotions they’ve long numbed with drugs.
- It’s essential to monitor these symptoms and seek medical attention if they persist.
Respiratory depression
Combining these substances can lead to unpredictable psychological effects, potentially worsening mental health conditions and hindering recovery efforts. When mixing alcohol with Suboxone, these symptoms are only worsened, which can put an individual at greater risk of bodily injury. The combination of any two substances is known as “polydrug use,” and it’s hard on the body.
When used as directed, Suboxone is a very safe and effective way to treat an opioid use disorder (OUD). This is especially true for those taking prescription medications with sedative effects like Suboxone. No amount of alcohol is considered entirely “safe,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. You should never mix alcohol and Suboxone, under any circumstances. Suboxone and alcohol are both central nervous system (CNS) depressants, which means they slow breathing and heart rates. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
Effects of Combining Alcohol and Suboxone
- No amount of alcohol is considered entirely “safe,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- The risk of making poor decisions while under the influence of both substances is also heightened, which can lead to dangerous situations.
- Moreover, they can help you develop a treatment plan that will minimize the temptation to drink and help you avoid any potential dangers.
- These effects can be intensified when alcohol is consumed in large quantities or when Suboxone is taken in higher doses than prescribed.
While anyone who uses Suboxone or alcohol can be at risk, certain demographics and factors may make individuals more susceptible to this dangerous behavior. Book a consultation now to learn more about how you can overcome the dangers of mixing Suboxone and alcohol. Some of the symptoms of addiction include compulsive drug seeking, loss of interest in activities, and continued use despite adverse consequences.
Impact on opioid recovery
The effects of Suboxone can be reversed with naloxone, but it will not counter the effects of alcohol. An overdose is a medical emergency. This excessive intake significantly increases the chances of overdose or other harmful effects. The naloxone in Suboxone blunts the pleasurable effects of alcohol. A unique consequence of Suboxone is that is may cause people to drink more alcohol unintentionally. Buprenorphine, one of the active ingredients in Suboxone, is an opioid so it has CNS depressant effects.
Since Suboxone is not very strong compared to true opioid agonists like morphine or heroin, a person may combine it with alcohol in order to intensify its effects and get high. While not as strong as other opioids, Suboxone can have addictive qualities, especially when combined with another substance like alcohol. Like other narcotics, mixing Suboxone with alcohol can be dangerous.
Signs of Respiratory Depression
This can have serious long-term consequences for a person’s overall health. The liver plays a vital role in metabolizing both Suboxone and alcohol. Mixing Suboxone and alcohol can also lead to respiratory depression, which can be life-threatening. In some cases, this can lead to dehydration, which can further exacerbate the symptoms. When Suboxone and alcohol are mixed, it can cause nausea and vomiting in some individuals. However, when Suboxone is mixed with alcohol, it can have serious consequences.
Effects of Mixing Suboxone and Alcohol
Suboxone, a brand of buprenorphine, is a prescription painkiller frequently used to ease the withdrawal symptoms of people recovering from opioid addiction and dependence. With proper medical supervision and a commitment to avoiding dangerous substance combinations like Suboxone and alcohol, long-term recovery is within reach. The combination of Suboxone and alcohol poses serious risks to both physical health and recovery progress.
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Since many individuals with opioid use disorder may already have compromised liver function, this additional stress can accelerate liver damage. The combination of Suboxone and alcohol places tremendous strain on multiple body systems. Both alcohol and Suboxone depress the central nervous system, slowing breathing, heart rate, and brain function. Naloxone, the second component, is included to deter misuse—it remains inactive when Suboxone is taken as prescribed but can cause withdrawal symptoms if the medication is misused. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, meaning it activates the same receptors as opioids but produces a much milder effect.
Treatment for Alcohol and Suboxone Addiction
Our staff are experts at dealing with polysubstance abuse and will stop at nothing to provide you with the help you need. It’s essential to seek professional help when dealing with co-occurring substance use disorders. Individual therapy can help individuals identify triggers for substance use and develop effective coping mechanisms.
Importance of Seeking Treatment
While Suboxone is a well-established treatment for opioid use disorder, using suboxone for alcoholism treatment is not approved. Suboxone, while helpful in managing opioid addiction, can also have side effects on mental health, including mood swings and depression. The risk of making poor decisions while under the influence of both substances is also heightened, which can lead to dangerous situations. If you’re taking Suboxone, it’s important to avoid drinking alcohol altogether and keep your doctor in the loop about your treatment plan. In order to avoid these dangers, it’s essential to abstain from drinking alcohol altogether if you’re taking Suboxone. Anyone who takes Suboxone and drinks alcohol is at risk for these potential dangers.
It is important to take proactive steps to prevent the risk of mixing Suboxone and alcohol. It is also important to inform medical professionals of any alcohol use and to be honest about any substance abuse issues. Several treatment options are available for individuals who are struggling with mixing Suboxone and alcohol.
Another significant risk of mixing Suboxone and alcohol is the impact on cognitive and motor functions. Respiratory depression is one of the most serious risks of combining Suboxone and alcohol. Mixing alcohol with Suboxone can amplify these effects, leading to dangerous outcomes. Drinking alcohol on Suboxone can lead to severe health consequences, making it critical for patients and their caregivers to be well-informed about these dangers. These groups can provide much-needed social support and accountability to help you stay on track with your treatment. In addition, there are a number of support groups available for those who are taking Suboxone and struggling with addiction.
In this context, MAT may include transitioning from Suboxone to a different medication to manage opioid dependence while addressing alcohol addiction. If the individual is physically dependent on alcohol and Suboxone, a medical detoxification would then be necessary to manage withdrawal symptoms safely. This evaluation will help determine the extent and severity of the alcohol and Suboxone addiction, as well as any other underlying physical or mental health issues. In terms of treatment, the first step is a thorough assessment by a healthcare professional or addiction specialist. Treatment for this co-occurring alcohol and Suboxone addiction typically requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both substance use issues simultaneously. Misuse of alcohol together with Suboxone, or taking one drug while still under the influence of another, is what is known as polysubstance abuse.
Therefore, mixing Suboxone and alcohol is considered drug abuse because there is no medical situation where doing is appropriate. Access convenient, effective virtual mental health support, including addiction treatment. 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. It is important to note that anyone who mixes Suboxone and alcohol is at risk of serious health complications, regardless of their demographics or addiction/mental health factors.
Our science-backed approach mixing suboxone and alcohol boasts 95% of patients reporting no withdrawal symptoms at 7 days. Extreme sedation is a common symptom people who drink and use Suboxone experience. Without prompt treatment, you can die during these episodes. Bicycle Health’s support group for patients is a good place to start. Many individuals tend to use multiple drugs at the same time.
Furthermore, alcohol can trigger cravings and weaken resolve, making relapse more likely. Alcohol lowers inhibitions and impairs judgment, potentially leading to poor decisions, including a return to opioid use. The profound sedation and impaired coordination resulting from this combination also significantly increases the risk of accidents, falls, and injuries. The combination can cause dangerous drops in blood pressure and heart rate, potentially leading to fainting, cardiac events, or even heart failure in severe cases.