Research confirms a staggering two-thirds of people over the age of 18 consume alcohol on a regular or random basis in our country. Within this sub-population, select individuals are drinking while they are taking regular prescription medications for common ailments like high blood pressure or poor cholesterol. Health experts warn that mixing alcohol with drugs can result produce disastrous (or sometimes lethal to near-fatal) side effects. Furthermore, if these individuals are also suffering from an alcohol use disorder (AUD), their situation can become even more serious.
Alcohol Use Disorder
First, let’s take a look at another underlying problem in this equation.
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a collective of issues that include habitual binge drinking to severe alcoholism. People who suffer from a variation of AUD can experience a variety of symptoms including a compulsion to drink (despite receiving previous health warnings), the development of alcohol dependency (drinking more to achieve satisfaction), or experiencing chemical withdrawal after attempting to quit.
Mixing Meds
Due to the abundance of medications consumed by Americans, the list of substances that are commonly combined with alcohol is lengthy. Individuals who consume allergy medications or alleviants for muscle cramps and subsequently consume alcohol are placing their lives at as equally high a risk as a patient who combines alcohol with seizure meds. In certain cases, alcohol can intensify symptoms of an underlying health problem or can render a medication null and completely useless. Thus, individuals suffering from habitual drinking or abuse could be placing their lives at a higher risk than casual drinkers.
Mixing medications with alcohol can result in the following symptoms:
- Headaches, vertigo
- Feeling faint or dizzy
- Drastic changes in behavior
- Exhaustion
- Nausea and vomiting
Individuals who suffer from AUD and mix medications are also putting themselves at a greater risk for severe medical complications. Mixing drugs and alcohol can result in liver and heart damage, instigate bouts of depression, and cause internal bleeding. Always consult your doctor about the nature of your prescriptions and discuss the potential dangers of introducing alcohol into the picture.
Alcohol does not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance abuse disorder or do you suffer from addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from an AUD? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery. Counselors and healthcare experts can walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and help guide you to a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While it might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your alcohol addiction troubles today.
