By binding to the receptors, opioids block pain signals to the brain and produce an analgesic or pain-relieving effect. Individuals may double Does Animal-Assisted Therapy Work The Pet-Human Bond up on various substances as a way to augment the experience of each. At least initially, the separate highs or euphoric effects of both substances serve to supplement the other, resulting in a synergized reward that the brain quickly takes note of. Both alcohol and hydrocodone are relatively safe when used appropriately and in moderation. When used excessively or when combined, these substances can create volatile and unpredictable outcomes. This CME/CE credit opportunity is jointly provided by the Postgraduate Institute for Medicine and NIAAA.

What are the Dangers of Hydrocodone and Alcohol

1. Prolonged misuse can quickly spiral into addiction, causing opioid misuse to become the central focus of a person’s life.
2. In addition to the physical, flu-like symptoms someone experiences during the withdrawal period, there are other warning signs that indicate a dependence on prescription painkillers or other drugs.
3. Continued use will also cause reoccurring stress to the lungs and long-term damage.
4. Naloxone is used to reverse the life-threatening effects of an overdose.
5. Acetaminophen and NSAIDs are available individually and in combination with other cough, cold and allergy products.
6. There are many brand-name medications that contain hydrocodone, but this chemical itself is an opioid painkiller.

Opioid users might also engage in something known as doctor shopping, where they bounce from doctor to doctor to ensure an ongoing prescription to the medication of their choosing. Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. To prevent this, your doctor may direct you to take laxatives, drink a lot of fluids, or increase the amount of fiber in your diet. Be sure to follow the directions carefully, because continuing constipation can lead to more serious problems.

There are reasons why medical professionals prescribing hydrocodonecaution againstdrinking while taking these highly addictive opioid pills. Mixing hydrocodone (an opioid painkiller) with alcohol can lead to a host of severe health problems ranging from lack of motor control to heart failure and coma. Combining these substances is a gamble that could cost you your life.

Aging slows the body’s ability to break down alcohol, so alcohol remains in a person’s system longer. Older people also are more likely to take a medication that interacts with alcohol—in fact, they often need to take more than one of these medications. Tell your healthcare providers about all the medications you use, including prescription, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements and herbal products.

Hydrocodone (oral route)

If a person takes alcohol in combination with opioid medications, their breathing rate may become so depressed that their brain does not receive enough oxygen. If this happens, organs may begin to shut down, and the person may eventually experience brain complications, coma, or death. This substance is only available with a prescription and can aid in the management of moderate to severe pain. Like alcohol, hydrocodone can produce feelings of euphoria that may lead to the development of physical dependency and, eventually, substance addiction. Hydrocodone is a highly addictive opioid drug that has earned the reputation of the most prescribed opioid painkiller in America. By any name —Vicodin, Lorcet orLortab— you may receive hydrocodone for chronic pain, unmanageable coughing or after major surgery.

It may also involve receiving treatment at an inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation facility and attending counseling or behavioral therapy sessions. There are also many other approaches that may be included in treatment. Your doctor can explain the consequences of mixing painkillers and alcohol. Then you can present this information to your teens so they might be less likely to simultaneously use these substances. Researchers in the Postgraduate Medicine study examined the prevalence and consequences of alcohol use among opioid users.

What other drugs will affect hydrocodone?

When a person combines alcohol with hydrocodone — whether purposely or unintentionally — they may be putting themselves in danger. There is no specific limit to how much this could be because it depends on how large the dose is per pill or how the drug is consumed. If a person overdoses on hydrocodone, it is extremely important to call 911. The person needs emergency medical attention to survive and mitigate long-term damage. The CDC and many other science organizations believe that the steep rise of prescription narcotics fed the epidemic of addiction and overdose.

Addiction Treatment

Mixing norco and alcohol can result in a number of side effects that can be dangerous to the user. Norco (also known as hydrocodone and acetaminophen), is a prescription opioid analgesic medication that is primarily used in the treatment of pain. As the body acclimates to these consistently elevated levels of substance use, physiological dependence can develop. Dependence results when the body is so accustomed to substances being available that it may begin to essentially malfunction without them. Should this occur, without alcohol and hydrocodone in the body, the user may experience high levels of discomfort and sometimes dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Upon mixing hydrocodone and alcohol, a person may feel peaceful or relaxed.

Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. This monograph only includes information about the use of hydrocodone alone. These may be symptoms of a serious condition called serotonin syndrome. Your risk may be higher if you also take certain other medicines that affect serotonin levels in your body. This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.