Alcohol & Health
Treatment
Helping Alcoholics
Medically Reviewed by Annamarie Coy, BA, ICPR, MATS
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Categorized as an opioid analgesic, Hydrocodone is a potent prescription pain medication prescribed to manage severe pain. It helps people who require continuous, long-term pain relief and don’t have permanent solutions for their medical illnesses.
Hydrocodone is available under various brand names:
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Opioid painkillers like hydrocodone work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and Central Nervous System (CNS), altering the perception of pain. It primarily activates the mu-opioid receptors, providing analgesic and antitussive effects while also causing euphoria.
Hydrocodone can cause respiratory depression, especially at higher doses or when combined with other central nervous system depressants, such as alcohol or sedatives. This is why hydrocodone must be prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Hydrocodone is safe and effective when used as directed by medical professionals. However, misusing it can lead to serious consequences and even fatal overdose. The likelihood of these side effects increases when you use hydrocodone with other drugs and alcohol.
It’s a powerful semi-synthetic opioid and can lead to dependency in as little as a week. Development of opioid dependency is influenced by, but not limited to:
Hydrocodone addiction usually starts by misusing a prescription. Due to increased drug tolerance in the body, people must take more than their required dosage to achieve its numbing effects.
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Besides taking it orally, some people crush or snort hydrocodone pills to experience amplified effects. This can be especially dangerous when taken with other substances.
Misuse of hydrocodone and alcohol can lead to various psychiatric issues. These include:
These effects can also be signs of a developing Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Aside from the psychological side effects, misusing hydrocodone and alcohol can lead to various physical side effects.
Both alcohol and hydrocodone are CNS depressants. Because of this, they can increase the potency of each other’s numbing effects, such as extreme drowsiness and anxiety.
Several other side effects include:
If these side effects continue or worsen, speak to your doctor.
Some side effects of hydrocodone can be severe and demand immediate medical attention. These include:
If you experience severe side effects, contact your doctor or seek emergency medical treatment.
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Alcohol and hydrocodone have similar effects on the brain, and mixing them can compound each other’s intoxication effect. Although it leads to more potent numbing effects, it can also increase the risk of long-term health problems. These include:
You should wait at least 24 hours after your last dose of hydrocodone before drinking alcohol. This gives your body sufficient time to remove the drug from your system and reduce the risk of adverse interactions.
It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider or pharmacist regarding your painkiller medication. Some brands of painkillers may have different recommendations regarding alcohol consumption.
Besides hydrocodone, alcohol can negatively interact with various substances once ingested. These include over-the-counter or prescription medications like:
Mixing alcohol with these medications can lead to the following:
The intensity of a person’s SUD will range from mild to severe, depending on the number of symptoms present. If a person exhibits at least two of the criteria below within the same one-year timespan, they may be addicted to hydrocodone and alcohol:
Drinking alcohol while taking hydrocodone can increase the risk of a fatal opioid overdose. There is no specific limit to how much hydrocodone and alcohol would cause an opioid overdose. It will depend on how large the dose is or how the substances are consumed.
Signs of an opioid overdose on hydrocodone and alcohol include:
If a person overdoses on alcohol and hydrocodone, it’s essential to call 911 immediately. The person requires emergency medical attention to survive and mitigate long-term damage.
People who have been dependent on drugs and alcohol must require assistance to go sober safely. This is because both substances put the body at risk of painful withdrawal symptoms.
Symptoms of hydrocodone withdrawal include:
Experiencing these withdrawal symptoms can cause people to relapse. If you want to detox from hydrocodone successfully, seek professional medical attention.
People who suffer from chronic pain may find it challenging to balance the need for pain medication and the risk of addiction. If you mix alcohol and hydrocodone for their numbing effects, it’s important to seek professional help to overcome your drug dependence.
Fortunately, various treatment options are available for you or your loved one. Talk to your healthcare provider to find the right treatment plan for you.
Available treatment options for alcohol and hydrocodone abuse include:
Hydrocodone is a potent opioid painkiller used to manage severe pain. It binds to the opioid receptors in the brain, altering your perception of pain.
Mixing hydrocodone with alcohol can be dangerous as both substances act as CNS depressants. This can result in extreme drowsiness, impaired coordination, respiratory depression, and other detrimental effects on the body.
Mixing these substances can also lead to a potentially fatal overdose. Consider seeking treatment if you’re struggling with hydrocodone and alcohol abuse.
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