Mixing Hydrocodone With Alcohol: How Dangerous Is It?

Hydrocodone is a commonly prescribed pain reliever in the United States, with millions of prescriptions dispensed annually. Unfortunately, one of the more dangerous aspects of this drug is its ability to interact negatively with alcohol. Mixing hydrocodone with alcohol can have serious consequences, including respiratory depression and even death.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the dangers of mixing hydrocodone with alcohol. We'll check the common side effects that medical professionals warn about. We’ll also touch on addiction treatment in relation to substance abuse and alcoholism.

What Is Hydrocodone?

Hydrocodone is a type of opioid medication used to reduce moderate to severe pain. It is the generic version of Vicodin, a brand-name drug that contains hydrocodone and acetaminophen (Tylenol). The drug works by activating certain receptors in your brain and spinal cord that are responsible for pain relief.

Medical professionals typically advise against mixing prescription painkillers like hydrocodone with alcohol due to their combined effects on the body. Read on to learn more about why this combination can be so dangerous.

What Happens When You Mix Hydrocodone with Alcohol?

Firstly, it's important to understand that the effects of alcohol and hydrocodone can be severe on their own. These substances both have sedating effects on the central nervous system, which can make it harder to breathe, slow down the heart rate, and cause confusion.

When they are consumed together, the effects can be amplified. This means that if you're drinking alcohol and taking hydrocodone, you're significantly increasing the risk of significant side effects.

Common side effects of mixing hydrocodone and alcohol include drowsiness, dizziness, difficulty breathing, and liver damage. These symptoms can be short-term, but they can also be long-term or life-threatening.

For example, if someone consumes a large amount of alcohol and hydrocodone, they may experience respiratory depression. This can be fatal if not quickly addressed.

Another significant danger of mixing hydrocodone with alcohol is addiction. Both substances are highly addictive on their own, and mixing them together can significantly increase the risk of addiction. If you're struggling with alcoholism or alcohol abuse and you're taking hydrocodone, you're at a much higher risk of developing an addiction.

It's also essential to note that while hydrocodone is a commonly prescribed medication, it's still a highly addictive narcotic. If you're prescribed hydrocodone, it's essential to follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Drinking alcohol while on this medication should be avoided entirely. If you're struggling with an addiction, it's vital to seek addiction treatment as soon as possible.

Can You Overdose from Hydrocodone with Alcohol?

Yes, taking any medication with alcohol can be incredibly dangerous and even sometimes life-threatening. This is especially true when it comes to taking hydrocodone and mixing it with alcohol. Hydrocodone is a powerful opioid drug. When you mix it with alcohol, you drastically increase your risk of overdosing on the combination of substances.

When two substances interact together in the body, they can cause adverse side effects and impair motor functions, judgment, coordination, and perception. All of these effects are heightened if you take too much of these substances together.

Mixing them together can easily lead to an overdose due to respiratory depression or heart problems. In some cases, if not treated immediately a person may end up in critical care or die due to the effects of such a mixture.

It’s important to understand that mixing drugs and alcohol can have serious negative effects on one's health even if taken as prescribed.

Therefore it's imperative that those who are prescribed medications like hydrocodone follow their doctor's instructions closely. Never take more than the prescribed dosage and steer clear of taking them in conjunction with any type of alcoholic beverage at all times for safe measure.

Get Help for Hydrocodone Abuse in Anaheim, California

The dangers of mixing hydrocodone with alcohol can't be overstated. Not only can it cause significant short-term side effects, but it can also lead to addiction and long-term health consequences.  If you're on hydrocodone or any other prescription medication, it's crucial to avoid drinking alcohol entirely.

If you're struggling with addiction, there are addiction treatment options available that can help you get your life back on track. Contact Anaheim Lighthouse, one of the leading addiction treatment centers in Anaheim, California, and get help today.

Our experienced team is here to provide you with the support and resources you need for a successful recovery.  We offer individualized treatment plans for those struggling with hydrocodone abuse or addiction.