We all have heard about the dangers of mixing alcohol with other drugs. If you seem somewhat unsure of these dangerous interactions, I urge you to take an alcohol awareness class immediately.
Despite warning labels on prescription pill bottles and frequent news reports of celebrity overdoses, people are not taking the risks of fatal drug combinations seriously. The real danger is people think because both alcohol and prescription medication are legal there is no harm in combing the two. You know that both their doctor and pharmacist warned them, yet still they practice their own form of mixology.
While alcohol and prescription drugs are among the most common and dangerous, other types of interactions also can be life-threatening, including interactions between herbal or dietary supplements, illegal drugs, over-the-counter medications, and even some foods.
According to pychcentral.com, ollowing are some of the most common and dangerous combinations.
NEVER mix benzodiazepines and alcohol!
It is not uncommon for a person drinking alcohol for a variety of reasons, including depression, and then take their prescribed medication (maybe Xanax, Ativan or Valium). These are benzodiazepines and the combination with booze could kill you!
Alcohol can also kill a benzo user by making them forgetful of how much medication they already have taken.
The danger here is that both alcohol and benzodiazepines work as depressants in the body’s central nervous system and increase sedation. This can lead to dizziness, confusion, impaired memory, increased irritability and aggression, loss of consciousness and coma.
Pain Meds and Booze are a No Go Too!
Heroin, morphine, codeine, OxyContin and Vicodin all are opiates and used for pain relief. None of these meds should be used if alcohol is involved! Combining these drugs enhances the sedative effects of both substances, increasing the risk of respiratory depression and overdose.
Depressed and on Meds – No Booze for You!
Combining alcohol with anti-depressant medication can cause impaired thinking, dangerously high blood pressure, intensified depression symptoms and death.
Stimulants Can Cause You to Drink Way Too Much
Stimulants such as mask the effects of alcohol, which can cause users to drink more than they intended. This can lead to increased blood pressure and tension as well as overdose when alcohol and cocaine are mixed. Stimulants include Ritalin, Adderall, meth, speed and cocaine.
Because alcohol is a poison, it is best never to drink. If you would like to learn more I welcome you to take an alcohol class. There are also 20 hour online alcohol classes.