Is It Safe to Mix Hydrocodone & Alcohol Together?

Mixing hydrocodone and alcohol is not safe due to the risks associated with both substances. 

Hydrocodone is an opioid pain medication that can cause respiratory depression and central nervous system depression, while alcohol is a central nervous system depressant as well. Combining the two can lead to severe drowsiness, impaired motor skills, increased risk of accidents, respiratory problems and overdose, which can be fatal.

How Many People Struggle With Opioid & Alcohol Misuse?

Alcohol is the fourth leading cause of preventable death in the U.S.[1] 

Despite efforts to promote Alcohol Screening and Brief Intervention implementation, a recent study found that only one out of six adults in the U.S., including those who binge drink, talked about their alcohol consumption with a healthcare professional. 

This lack of communication makes it difficult to assess how many people are really struggling with the problem at any given time. This may hinder the effectiveness of public health initiatives in addressing alcohol-related issues.

In 2018, according to a survey conducted by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), hydrocodone products were identified as the most commonly misused subtype of prescription pain relievers. Approximately 5.5 million individuals aged 12 or older, constituting 2% of the population, were estimated to have misused these products that year. [2]

In one analysis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that focused on opioids, including hydrocodone, it was found that alcohol was involved in 18.5% or 81,365 emergency room admissions caused by opioids and 22.1% or 860 opioid-related overdose deaths.[3] 

Why Is Mixing Substances Dangerous?

Drug and medication interactions with alcohol can be extremely risky. When two illicit substances interact, they often create an effect that is far stronger than either could produce alone. The result is usually extreme adverse effects that can be life-threatening, including overdose. 

These are some of the risks associated with mixing substances:

Interactions

Illicit substances can interact in various ways, but the interaction of alcohol or hydrocodone with other non-illicit medications and supplements can be dangerous as well.[4] For some medications, interactions with alcohol or hydrocodone could reduce the effectiveness of treatment or cause treatment failure.

Potentiation

Certain combinations of illicit substances can trigger a synergistic effect, meaning that the effect of both together is far greater than simply adding the effects of the two individual substances on their own. 

For instance, mixing alcohol with hydrocodone doesn’t necessarily result in twice the impact on the central nervous depressant. It can mean an exponentially stronger depressant effect that overwhelms the system.[5] 

Increased Toxicity

Some substances, when combined, can produce toxic byproducts that are just as dangerous as the substances themselves. This can lead to organ damage or failure and create potentially life-threatening outcomes.

Mental Health Risks

Mixing substances can exacerbate mental health conditions, induce psychosis or trigger severe mood swings, which can be particularly dangerous for individuals with preexisting mental health conditions.

Dependency & SUD 

Certain combinations can increase the risk of a substance use disorder (SUD) or dependence on one or both substances. This makes it more complicated to break free from substance misuse during detox and treatment.

Risks of Alcohol Misuse

Alcohol consumption poses a number of potential risks that vary based on factors like the quantity consumed, frequency of use and individual tolerance levels. Here are some key risks associated with drinking alcohol:[6]

• Impaired judgment
• Physical health issues
• Alcohol use disorder 
• Mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety
• Accidents and injuries
• Increased violence and risky behavior
• Weakened immune system
• Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs)[6]
• Legal and social consequences
• Financial difficulties

Risks of Hydrocodone Misuse

Hydrocodone poses several risks when taken improperly, misused, or used with alcohol or other illicit substances. Some of the key risks associated with hydrocodone misuse include the following:

• Respiratory depression
• Tolerance
• Opioid use disorder
• Withdrawal symptoms
• Cognitive impairment
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Interactions with other medications
• Liver toxicity
• Increased sensitivity to pain
• Pregnancy risks

Risks of Mixing Alcohol & Hydrocodone

Mixing alcohol and hydrocodone is extremely dangerous and can have severe consequences for both physical and mental health. Both substances are central nervous system depressants, and their combined effects can be life-threatening. 

Here are the risks associated with mixing alcohol and hydrocodone:

• Mixing them can slow down breathing and even cause breathing to stop, which can be fatal if not noticed and treated in time.[7]
• Together, these substances can severely affect memory, attention and decision-making abilities.[8]
• Their combined effects increase the risk of an overdose, which can be life-threatening.
• Both substances can cause nausea, vomiting and constipation. Mixing them can worsen these problems.
• Using them together puts extra strain on the liver, increasing the risk of damage or failure.
• Alcohol and hydrocodone impair motor skills, leading to an increased risk of falls and accidents.
• The mixture can worsen mental health conditions or lead to mood disorders, anxiety or depression.
• The combination of opioids and alcohol can cause blackouts and memory gaps.
• Combining alcohol and hydrocodone can lead to loss of consciousness, coma or death.

Is There a Safe Way to Consume Alcohol & Painkillers at the Same Time? 

Combining alcohol with the use of any painkillers is not recommended in any circumstance. Painkillers (like opioids and some over-the-counter medications) and alcohol both affect the nervous system, and together, they can trigger a host of medical complications. 

Follow these tips to stay safe: 

• Stick to prescriptions exactly. Don’t take more than the doctors prescribe, and avoid all alcohol use while taking hydrocodone.
• Watch for over-the-counter medications and supplements. Some over-the-counter options, like acetaminophen, are also dangerous to combine with alcohol. Similarly, negative interactions between otherwise benign supplements and alcohol can trigger a medical emergency.
• Ask your doctor. If you’re not sure when it is safe to drink alcohol if you’ve been taking any pain medication, talk to your doctor. 

Help With Alcohol & Hydrocodone Misuse

It’s common for people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) or opioid use disorder (OUD) to combine substances like alcohol and hydrocodone. If you’ve been misusing either substance, it’s likely that you need help to stop. 

At Bicycle Health, we recognize the challenges that come with trying to break free of substance misuse. We offer a personalized treatment program that can help you to stop misusing opioids like hydrocodone immediately and start working toward a better life in recovery.  

To learn more about our unique treatment program and find out if it’s a good fit for you, contact us today. You can access our telehealth treatment services from anywhere, and we can often provide you with a same-day prescription for Suboxone if it’s the right fit for your situation.