It is common knowledge that the use of drugs alongside alcohol is harmful. But the extent of the harm is unknown by many. The labels on the drugs always warn us against consuming alcohol while on medication. These warnings are ignored almost always. It would be suggested, at least now, to take these warnings seriously. >
Most drugs react with alcohol and can be easily bought ‘over-the-counter’. By using the term ‘drugs’ we mean both legal and illegal drugs. They also include prescription and non-prescription medication. The basic medications we take normally for cold, pains etc all tend to have reactions we may not be aware of. These reactions may be of an insignificant nature, but the risk is not worth taking. Some drugs may have reactions that are even fatal to one’s health. It is stated, by the National Institutes of Health, that at least 25 percent of all emergency room situations arise due to the interaction of alcohol and drugs. One should also realize that the drugs affect different people differently. Hence, the consumption of alcohol along with the drugs will also display dissimilar reactions from person to person. >
The most common problem of mixing drugs and alcohol is reduction in the drugs effectiveness or complete ineffectiveness. If the doctor or the user does not detect this habit at an early stage they will be led to believe that the drug is ineffective, which in turn increases the dosage of medication. This proves to be more harmful than favorable. Many medications when taken make you sleepy, drowsy or dizzy. These medications react with alcohol and increase their side effects leading to more sleepiness etc. this will have a direct impact on your performance at work and even the simplest jobs may feel like a mammoth task. >Another important reason to avoid consumption of alcohol and drugs is the capacity of alcohol to convert certain drugs to toxins, which cause harm to the liver and/or other organs. This interaction also leads to increase intoxicated action in the brain. It may work in the opposite direction by affecting the metabolism of alcohol, which may cause to a raise in its consumption.
The reason this mixture is harmful is because both the drugs and the alcohol move along the same blood stream and fight for the metabolizing enzymes. The drugs and alcohol function in a similar manner where first they need to be absorbed and metabolized and then discarded from the body. When they are consumed simultaneously or in close proximity with each other their presence in the body surpasses the actual time. During this time they continually compete for the required enzymes. The risk of experiencing the side effects of the drug increases with its duration in the body. This also increases the quantity of medication required especially if the person is a chronic drinker. A combination of alcohol with illegal drugs like heroin can double the effect of the drug and is a cause in overdose deaths.
Certain drugs when combined with alcohol can cause more injuries when used by women and older people. It is always best to check the composition of the medicine, as sometimes more than one component may react with alcohol. These reactions take place even if they are not consumed at the same time. The safest option being to avoid alcohol while on medication of any drugs be it ‘over the counter’, prescribed or otherwise. The issues related to the consumption of drugs and alcohol needs to be addressed and dealt with, under monitored and professional supervision. There are a number of forums that enable victims to interact with each other and educate others.
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Information on this page last updated on 06/10/2007