If you have ever been involved in an accident and experienced severe chronic pain, your doctor may have prescribed opioids to alleviate the discomfort and advised you to avoid drinking alcohol while on the medication. Despite the warnings, some people combine opioids and alcohol, either because they do not realize the potential consequences or because they participate in polysubstance abuse for recreational purposes. Regardless of the reason, this is dangerous, and it’s important to understand why these substances shouldn’t be combined, and what to do if you’re unable to quit drinking while on medication.
Mixing opioids and alcohol can increase the chances of developing an addiction to either substance. If you need help to quit opioids or alcohol, you can count on the compassionate team at My 5 Palms. Give us a call at 1.844.675.1022 to schedule an intake assessment at our opioid rehab in Florida.
What Is Polysubstance Abuse?
Polysubstance abuse is the term used to describe using two or more substances at the same time. This can involve a variety of combinations, like:
- Drinking alcohol while on prescription painkillers
- Smoking marijuana and consuming alcohol at a party
- Having a drink alongside benzodiazepines to calm your nerves
Some people knowingly engage in polysubstance abuse to enhance the effects of the substances used, but others consume alcohol either without realizing they should not drink while on their prescription medication.
What Happens When You Mix Opioids and Alcohol?
Opioids and alcohol are both central nervous system (CNS) depressants, meaning they slow down your body’s functions. When you combine the two, you amplify the depressant effects, which can:
- Slow your breathing to dangerously low levels, resulting in respiratory depression
- Lower your heart rate
- Impair cognitive function, making it difficult to think clearly
- Severely impact coordination, putting you at risk of accidents, falls, and injuries
- Induce memory loss and blackouts
- Trigger or exacerbate mental health conditions like anxiety or depression
- Impair decision-making and judgment, making you more likely to engage in risky behaviors like driving under the influence
Mixing opioids and alcohol can also make you more susceptible to overdose since you cannot predict how your body will respond to this dangerous cocktail. Polysubstance abuse can lead to coma and even death in some situations, in large part because people underestimate the risk associated with combining multiple substances.
Treatment for Polysubstance Abuse
Addictions caused by polysubstance abuse can be more challenging to address than addiction to a single substance. However, with the right treatment, you can overcome addiction and any co-occurring disorders. This typically requires a multifaceted approach involving:
Medication
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is often used to help in situations where a person is dependent on opioids or alcohol. Certain medications like buprenorphine and naltrexone can help minimize withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Behavioral Therapies
Behavioral therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can zero in on the root of polysubstance abuse. Many people engage in this practice as a means of self-medication for stress or mental health conditions. Behavioral therapies will help you explore unhealthy thought patterns and implement healthier thoughts and behaviors so that you no longer feel tempted to use substances as a coping mechanism.
Holistic Therapies
Polysubstance abuse affects your mind, body, and spirit, so for the most thorough recovery, it is beneficial to incorporate holistic therapies into your treatment plan. There is a wide range to choose from, including yoga, meditation, acupuncture, art therapy, music therapy, nature therapy, and nutrition therapy.
Schedule an Appointment for Opioid Rehab in Florida at My 5 Palms
Needing help for pain management can further complicate addiction because treatment for moderate to severe chronic pain often involves prescription opioids. If you are struggling with addiction and chronic pain, My 5 Palms can help you heal through a comprehensive approach comprised of behavioral and holistic therapies with carefully selected medications. For more information, fill out our online form or reach out at 1.844.675.1022.
