In both alcohol and opioid detox centers, individual or group therapy is also recommended in conjunction with medications. The half-life of buprenorphine (Suboxone®) is 36 hours, and it takes around 8 days for a person’s body to be completely free of the medication. That means that buprenorphine (Suboxone®) is still in your body for over a week, and you’re still at risk for complications when you mix it with alcohol.
Buprenorphine (Suboxone®) has been tested on AUD in the past, but it wasn’t as effective as other medications. If you’re living with AUD and you’re wondering what medications are typically prescribed, buprenorphine (Suboxone®) doesn’t make the list. People in AUD detox are usually prescribed benzodiazepines, Acamprosate, or disulfiram.
What’s included
- Seeking treatment for mixing Suboxone and alcohol is crucial for several reasons.
- Always ask your healthcare provider what not to take with Benadryl before taking this medicine.
- Some people will go so far as to mix alcohol and Suboxone for long periods of time.
- The helpline at AddictionResource.net is available 24/7 to discuss the treatment needs of yourself or a loved one.
Both methadone and buprenorphine bind to and activate the same mu-opioid receptors in the brain as do other opioid drugs. So, some people may think they are just substituting one drug for another. When taken as prescribed, buprenorphine (Suboxone®) can decrease opioid withdrawals, prevent opioid-related overdose, and even curb cravings.
The Risks of Mixing Alcohol and Buprenorphine
Compared to actual opioids, there’s an upper limit to the pleasant effects a user can get from using buprenorphine. At CCIWA, we understand the challenge of overcoming opioid addiction, and we are here to help you from the start to the end. Our experienced Suboxone doctors will assess your condition and create a personalized treatment plan that suits your individual needs. Avoid using Suboxone with other opioids completely because it will only counter the entire purpose of the treatment plan. Furthermore, the naloxone in Suboxone may lead to severe withdrawal symptoms.
Suboxone and Alcohol: Final Thoughts
Mixing alcohol with Suboxone increases the risk of accidental opioid overdose due to its complementary effects on the central nervous system. While Suboxone doesn’t directly treat alcohol use disorder, it may lend itself to preventing individuals from being in situations where they are drinking or consuming other substances. If you keep drinking, you could return to opioids to ease your distress. Whether in a large or small quantity, consuming an alcoholic drink while taking an antihistamine should be avoided whenever possible. The side effects can even be life-threatening, especially in older adults, as it can increase the risk of falls. Benadryl is a potent first-generation antihistamine that crosses the blood-brain barrier, a protective filter that helps keep harmful substances from reaching the brain.
Seeking treatment for mixing Suboxone and alcohol is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it can prevent serious health problems such as respiratory depression, liver damage, and overdose. Secondly, treatment can help individuals overcome addiction and regain control of their lives. If you or someone you know is struggling with the dangerous and potentially life-threatening effects of mixing Suboxone and alcohol, it’s buprenorphine with alcohol important to seek treatment immediately.
It is important to take proactive steps to prevent the risk of mixing Suboxone and alcohol. This may include avoiding social situations that involve alcohol or having a support system that understands and respects that need for sobriety. Other measures that can help prevent mixing include setting clear boundaries, having a plan in place for managing cravings or triggers, and seeking professional help if needed. Treatment for mixing Suboxone and alcohol is essential for preventing serious health risks and achieving long-term recovery. It is important to note that anyone who mixes Suboxone and alcohol is at risk of serious health complications, regardless of their demographics or addiction/mental health factors. Therefore, it is crucial to seek help and support for substance abuse and addiction.
Taking alcohol with Benadryl can increase the sedating effect and drowsiness and even lead to the danger of overdosing. In its final days under the Biden administration, the DEA released the long-sought special registration process for telehealth prescribing of controlled substances. That regulation is still pending review as part of the larger Trump halt on pending regulations. The DEA has been on a saga since emerging from the pandemic and the telehealth experiment that it and the government’s reaction to it caused. It has launched several proposed rules related to developing a new telehealth regulatory framework. It has largely opted to give itself more time to develop regulations and delay implementation of final rules.
Subutex vs Suboxone: A Comprehensive Guide for Treating Opioid Addiction
Since Suboxone is not very strong compared to true opioid agonists like morphine or heroin, a person may combine it with alcohol in order to intensify its effects and get high. If you are taking Suboxone for any other reason, you should wait at least 24 hours after your last dose before drinking alcohol. This is to give your body time to clear the drug out of your bloodstream before you add alcohol to the mix.
Read more about medications for opioid use disorders
Typically, any drug that affects your breathing system can be quite dangerous. These types of drugs shouldn’t be taken in any amount with Suboxone without discussing everything with your doctor. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association, there are approximately 30,000 suboxone-related emergency room visits every year. At least 50% of these hospitalizations involved mixing Suboxone and alcohol. The most common way someone dies from an overdose is if they stop breathing. These effects can be intensified when alcohol is consumed in large quantities or when Suboxone is taken in higher doses than prescribed.
That’s part of the reason people who use this medication are monitored closely and why they’re advised to participate in one-on-one therapy and in support groups. If you are abusing any of these substances, it is clear that you need urgent treatment, especially if you were using Suboxone to treat opioid overuse disorder. If you have been combining these substances behind your doctor’s back, then it is time to take action and reassess your treatment program.
That being said, alcohol shouldn’t be used as a substitute for buprenorphine (Suboxone®) because it doesn’t treat opioid withdrawal or cravings. The combination of any two substances is known as “polydrug use,” and it’s hard on the body. If you’re unsure about how alcohol interacts with Suboxone or have questions about your treatment plan, schedule a conversation with your healthcare provider. They can give you personalized advice and help you feel more confident about staying safe.
You may experience very strong intoxication signs, including dizziness, lack of coordination and nausea. Benadryl is a commonly used medicine for allergies that is available over the counter and with a prescription. It is a potent first-generation antihistamine that can cause drowsiness.
Changes to heart rate can eventually produce chronic problems, too. These are related to decreased blood flow over a long period of time. The lack of blood supply essentially starves tissues of nutrients and oxygen. Jessica Plonchak serves as Executive Clinical Director at ChoicePoint.
When combined, Suboxone and alcohol can accelerate the side effects of each substance on your respiratory system. However, that is only the beginning because things can accelerate and run out of control pretty fast. Several studies have linked it to a wide range of heart-related problems, including stroke, irregular heartbeat, and high blood pressure. Heavy drinkers place their pancreas and liver at risk for inflammation and degradation that is irreversible. Combining Suboxone and alcohol can significantly affect your breathing rate leading to an increased risk of suffering a cardiac arrest.
While not as strong as other opioids, Suboxone can have addictive qualities, especially when combined with another substance like alcohol. Share this article with your friends, family, or anyone you know who might be taking Suboxone. Together, we can help prevent accidental alcohol use and promote a safer recovery. Even a tiny amount of alcohol can amplify these effects, so avoiding alcohol while taking Suboxone is always the safest choice. But if you accidentally drink, don’t worry—there are ways to assess your situation and respond appropriately. Maybe you took a drink without thinking or didn’t realize the cocktail your friend handed you contained alcohol.
Bicycle Health’s support group for patients is a good place to start. Yes, it can be dangerous to drink alcohol while taking Suboxone for OUD. Methadone and the effect of interventions on OUD outcomes were only assessed in a small percentage of studies. Millions of people have changed their relationship with substances, cut back on how much they’re using, or stopped using altogether. This website will help you find the resources, support, and community to create your own path.
However, Suboxone can also be abused, and it has the potential to cause addiction and dependence. If you’re taking buprenorphine (either as part of a recovery program or illicitly), it’s important to avoid consuming alcohol. Alcohol can compound the effects of buprenorphine on the central nervous system, increasing the risk of adverse reactions and even death.