Drug and Alcohol Interactions What Should You Avoid?

Combining it with alcohol can cause extreme drowsiness, slowed breathing, impaired motor function and memory problems. That means mixing DayQuil and alcohol can cause liver damage, drowsiness and dizziness. Substance abuse When it’s taken with other substances, it can cause serious side effects or death. At Greater Boston Addiction Centers, we offer compassionate, evidence-based treatment tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re seeking alcohol rehab, drug treatment in Boston, or comprehensive substance abuse treatment, we’re here to support your journey to recovery.

Find a Supportive Drug Rehab Program

Research conducted among people with polysubstance abuse found that using meth with alcohol increased their heart rates and blood pressures. Using both substances at the same time also made individuals feel less drunk or sedated and reduced their chances of experiencing upset stomachs. The most common illegal drugs that are mixed with alcohol are marijuana, cocaine, and opioids. Mixing two depressants (such as alcohol and heroin) greatly increases the effect of both intoxicants. In fact, alcohol can even be lethal when mixed with certain amounts of opioids.

  • Polydrug use is common in people attempting to self-medicate, and therefore, some may even mix previously prescribed drugs (often opioids) from their doctor, known as prescription polydrug use.
  • Because alcohol and opioids are both depressants, using them together may also create other adverse effects, such as comas, dehydration, irregular heart rates, and cardiovascular instability.
  • Alcohol and medication side effects may be especially prevalent in women.
  • Cocaine is a stimulant that produces symptoms of rapid heartbeat, paranoia, and several other negative side effects.

Other Substances

  • The National Institutes of Health (NIH) notes that aging alters drug metabolism.
  • We’ll explore the specific dangers of mixing alcohol with different types of drugs, such as opioids, stimulants, depressants, cannabis, hallucinogens, and more.
  • To more closely review specific interactions, visit the Drugs.com Interaction Checker and speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

They can guide you toward the most suitable treatment options and support resources. https://bozidesign.co.uk/2025/07/03/why-does-tequila-make-me-sick/ Additionally, moderation and responsible consumption can be effective personal harm reduction strategies for individuals who engage in activities like drinking alcohol or gambling. Individuals can minimize potential harm and negative consequences by setting limits and monitoring their behaviors.

mixing alcohol and drugs causes an effect called

Social Consequences

Generic drugs the same active ingredients as brand-name versions but are typically much cheaper. The FDA generics to meet the same quality standards, making them a dependable Mixing Alcohol And Drugs Causes An Effect Called solution for many patients. Cough mixing alcohol and drugs causes an effect called syrup and laxatives may have some of the highest alcohol concentrations.

Whether you are accused of mixing drugs, drug abuse, or alcohol-related impairment, we work to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome. Contact our office today to speak with a skilled attorney and start building your defense. Did you know that even if you blow below the legal limit, you can still be arrested for DUI?

When consumed together, drugs and alcohol interact within the body in ways that magnify their effects, often overwhelming the liver, central nervous system, and brain. These interactions depend on the substances involved but generally result in compounded toxicity, leading to severe health risks. From intensifying side effects to increasing the risk of overdose, these combinations are far more dangerous than many people realize. Understanding the risks and recognizing the signs of harmful interactions can prevent serious complications and even save lives.

mixing alcohol and drugs causes an effect called

Cocaethylene Withdrawal

Along with the temporary side effects of alcohol and drug abuse, there are complications that can be long-lasting. Some of these conditions can put you at a greater risk of developing additional health issues later on in life. Ecstasy is a stimulant that can cause severe adverse reactions when consumed with other substances, including alcohol. The powerful high experienced while taking ecstasy influences you to drink large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time.