Suboxone And Alcohol: Risks Of Polysubstance Abuse

To find another treatment program, browse the top-rated addiction treatment facilities in each state by visiting our homepage, or by viewing the SAMHSA Treatment Services Locator. Millions of people have changed their relationship with substances, cut back on how much they’re using, or stopped using altogether. This website will help you find the resources, support, and community to create your own path. You may face challenges along the way, but combining the power of hope with practical guidance and tools, you’ll be taking steps towards better health.

Men’s Detox & Residential Treatment Centers

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. 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. Suboxone abuse, though less common than with other MAT drugs, is still possible.

While buprenorphine reduces craving and soothes withdrawal symptoms, naloxone prevents drug abuse at high dosages. Suboxone is a commonly used medication in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction, as it combines buprenorphine with naloxone. Buprenorphine helps alleviate cravings and withdrawal symptoms, while naloxone is an opioid antagonist that promotes treatment adherence. Suboxone’s formula is designed with safety features to support successful recovery. Suboxone is abused by people outside of opioid treatment programs who may try to mix Suboxone with alcohol thinking it will enhance the effects of the substances. The presence of naloxone will make drinking alcohol uncomfortable and dangerous.

Future Tech Podcast: Reducing the Stigma of Addiction and Dramatically Increasing the Success Rate of Treatment

Furthermore, the naloxone in Suboxone may lead to severe withdrawal symptoms. Several mixing suboxone and alcohol studies have linked it to a wide range of heart-related problems, including stroke, irregular heartbeat, and high blood pressure. Heavy drinkers place their pancreas and liver at risk for inflammation and degradation that is irreversible. In fact, of all the drug substances that are dangerous to use with Suboxone, alcohol is the most harmful.

Dangers Of Mixing Suboxone And Alcohol

In fact, almost all opioid addiction treatment centers discourage the use of alcohol while on Suboxone. Individuals addicted to a particular drug substance are usually at risk of replacing the original substance of abuse with another one when there is withdrawal. However, the danger is beyond mere replacement when it comes to Suboxone. Suboxone and alcohol are both central nervous system (CNS) depressants, which means they slow breathing and heart rates.

Because of the alcohol, the person may require supportive care in the hospital for several days. Therefore, mixing Suboxone and alcohol is considered drug abuse because there is no medical situation where doing is appropriate. At CCIWA, we understand the challenge of overcoming opioid addiction, and we are here to help you from the start to the end. Our experienced Suboxone doctors will assess your condition and create a personalized treatment plan that suits your individual needs. If you ever mix Suboxone with alcohol, the first thing you need to do is call 911.

• This mechanism helps alleviate withdrawal symptoms, lower cravings, and prevent other potent opioids from interacting with opioid receptors in the brain.
• Things you would never do while sober (like having sex with strangers or fighting with your spouse) can seem like good ideas when you’re intoxicated.
• Learn about naloxone, its usage, storage, and community training in New York state.
• Slow breathing is a clear sign that you are in real danger, and you need to act quickly.
• The two drugs work by satiating the brain’s craving for opioids without accelerating the withdrawal symptoms.
• These risks extend to those who abuse Suboxone together witph other CNS depressants and medications that cause sedation.
• When mixed with the common pain reliever aspirin, alcohol can increase irritation in the GI tract.

Suboxone® and Alcohol Interactions and Risks

• Having some food in the way can slow absorption and help prevent feelings of drunkenness.
• These are all also side effects of alcohol, especially when taken in excess.
• Although the drug has assisted a significant number of individuals struggling with opioid overuse disorder, the drug isn’t 100% risk-free.
• According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association, there are approximately 30,000 suboxone-related emergency room visits every year.
• Mixing Suboxone and alcohol is a dangerous practice that poses serious health risks.

While less common with suboxone, combining the two can lead to severely slowed breathing. Both substances are also processed by the liver, and both have sedative effects, which can impair coordination and judgment. For instance, suboxone can cause nausea, drowsiness, insomnia, and low blood pressure. These are all also side effects of alcohol, especially when taken in excess. The effects of suboxone and alcohol thus can aggravate each other when taken together.

That means it’s more likely that someone can choke to death on their own vomit. Many people know about the long-term negative consequences of heavy alcohol use. Long-term alcohol use can lead to issues like hepatitis, liver fibrosis, and even cirrhosis. However, alcohol can also negatively impact other systems in the body. High blood pressure and strokes can be consequences of heavy drinking. The biggest risk from drinking alcohol when on Suboxone® is clearly stated in the drug’s literature.

For this reason, treatment may be needed for anyone who is mixing Suboxone and alcohol. Any person who takes Suboxone should provide a list of all products and medications they use and share it with their pharmacist and physician. Medications that decrease activity in the brain and spinal cord may lead to the development of dangerous medical conditions when combined. The use of Suboxone with other CNS depressants and alcohol should always be avoided.

When mixed with Suboxone, the effects of both substances are intensified, leading to a dangerous combination that can cause serious harm. If you or someone you love has a Suboxone or alcohol addiction, or if you have any questions about substance abuse treatment, connect with our treatment center through our helpline today. Suboxone can be addictive and produce similar withdrawal symptoms caused by other opioid drugs. Further, mixing Suboxone with alcohol can increase risks of tolerance and chemical dependency. Suboxone is especially dangerous when a person takes the medication with other substances that cause central nervous system depression, such as alcohol.

In extreme cases, breathing can stop completely and even result in death. Suboxone is prescribed to treat opioid dependence, acute or chronic pain. In most cases, the drug helps to overcome addiction and avoid relapse after treatment.