Some people who drink alcohol and take opiates combine the drugs to enhance the high from opiates. Because their inhibitions are so low, they often overlook the consequences of abusing other drugs.
Regardless of the reasons for combining opiates and alcohol, the effects of doing so can cause serious and permanent damage.
Types of Opiates
Opiates are painkillers that have legal and illegal forms.
- Opium: Healthcare professionals often prescribed this drug before the 20th century
- Morphine: This opiate is the primary drug for people in hospitals with severe pain
- Codeine: This drug is similar to morphine, but milder
- Heroin: This opiate is illegal in the US as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, which means it is extremely dangerous
- Methadone: Healthcare professionals prescribe methadone to address opiate withdrawal symptoms, because it is slow-acting and can satisfy cravings
Opiate Side Effects
Opiates can cause the following side effects:
- Decreased heart rate and blood pressure
- Digestive problems, such as constipation, nausea and vomiting
- Euphoria
- Extreme drowsiness
- Lower body temperature
- Respiratory failure
These drugs are extremely powerful on their own, and much more so when combined with alcohol.
Side Effects of Alcohol
Alcohol is a depressant that slows down the body, but it can also lead to the following side effects:
- Blackouts
- Drowsiness
- Digestive problems, such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
- Headaches
- Decreased coordination
- Loss of consciousness
Seek professional help if your loved one abuses either of these drugs, but especially if they abuse them at the same time.
Effects of Combining Opiates and Alcohol
These two substances can each damage the body, but exponentially so when combined. As a report from the National Criminal Justice Reference Service explains, opiates both intensify the sedative effects of alcohol while making unconsciousness and respiratory failure more likely. This report also explains that mixing the two substances significantly increases a person’s likelihood of overdose.
A 2010 report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration found that nearly 19,000 people who entered alcohol rehab also abused opiates. This report further states that nearly 28,000 people in opiate rehab also abused alcohol. These numbers suggest that a significant portion of the US population struggles with opiate and alcohol abuse.
Find Treatment for Opiate and Alcohol Abuse
Abusing either opiates or alcohol is dangerous, but using these two substances together is even riskier and potentially life-threatening. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can cause fever, nausea, diarrhea and delirium tremens, while opiate withdrawals can similarly cause serious side effects. If someone you care about combines these drugs and is looking for treatment, give us a call at 760.548.4032.
