By: Zinnia Healing Editorial Staff | Edited By: Rebecca Hill
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Mixing Alcohol With Oxycodone: What Are the Dangers?
Many people struggling with substance abuse mix alcohol with their drugs of choice to enhance the experience or make the high last longer. However, this practice can be hazardous and even deadly. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the dangers of mixing alcohol with the opiate oxycodone and the long-term effects of this dangerous combination.
Mixing alcohol and oxycodone is extremely dangerous and can cause serious health complications, including life-threatening conditions like an overdose. If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, don’t wait to get help. Zinnia Healing can provide the treatment and support you need to recover.
Call us at (855) 430-9439.
What is Oxycodone?
Oxycodone is a powerful opioid pain medication often prescribed for moderate to severe pain. It works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, changing how the brain perceives pain. Oxycodone is commonly known by the brand name OxyContin. Another brand name is Percocet, which combines acetaminophen and oxycodone.
While oxycodone and similar prescription medications are effective painkillers, they also come with a risk of abuse and addiction. Oxycodone is a Schedule II drug, which means it has a high potential for abuse and dependence. When abused, oxycodone can create a feeling of intense euphoria. People who abuse oxycodone may take it in ways other than prescribed, such as crushing the pills, snorting them, or mixing them with alcohol.
Can Oxycodone Affect Decision-Making?
One of the most well-known side effects of oxycodone is its effect on cognitive function. Oxycodone can cause drowsiness and impair judgment, making it more difficult to make safe and effective decisions. These effects can make driving or operating machinery dangerous while taking oxycodone. In addition, oxycodone can interact with other medications, which can further impair cognition. As a result, it is crucial to be aware of the potential risks before taking oxycodone. If you are prescribed oxycodone or a similar prescription opioid, follow medical advice and monitor your reaction to the medication.
Mixing Alcohol and Oxycodone: The Dangers
Mixing alcohol and oxycodone is extremely dangerous because both substances are central nervous system depressants. This means they slow down brain activity and can cause drowsiness, slurred speech, impaired judgment, and slowed reflexes. When taken together, these effects are increased and can lead to serious injury, alcohol or opioid overdose, and even death.
Is It Safe to Drink Alcohol While Taking Oxycodone?
It is generally not safe to drink alcohol while taking oxycodone. Oxycodone is a powerful pain medication that can cause drowsiness and slowed breathing. Alcohol can also cause drowsiness and slowed breathing or respiratory depression. When the two are combined, the effects can be dangerous or even fatal. In addition, oxycodone can make alcohol more potent, increasing the risk of drunkenness and accidents. If you must drink alcohol while taking oxycodone, be sure to do so in moderation and only with the guidance of your doctor.
Long-Term Effects of Mixing Oxycodone and Alcohol
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), chronic abuse of oxycodone by itself can lead to liver damage, kidney failure, and respiratory problems. When alcohol is added to the mix, these risks are significantly increased. Chronic abuse of both substances can lead to death.
Long-term effects of mixing oxycodone and alcohol include:
- Liver damage
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Kidney damage
- Cardiovascular problems
- Neurological problems
- Increased risk of cancer
Quitting oxycodone can be difficult because it is such a powerful drug. Oxycodone is an opioid, which means it binds to the body’s opioid receptors. These receptors are located in the brain and spinal cord, and they are responsible for pain relief and feelings of pleasure. When someone takes oxycodone, it activates these receptors, leading to a sense of euphoria. This feeling is short-lived, however, and it is followed by feelings of drowsiness and relaxation.
As the person continues to take oxycodone, they will develop tolerance to the drug, meaning they will need to take higher and higher doses to get the same effect. This can quickly lead to addiction. When someone tries to quit oxycodone, they experience withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, muscle aches, and insomnia. These symptoms can be challenging to manage and often lead people to relapse. That’s why it’s so important to get help from a medical professional when quitting oxycodone. With appropriate treatment options, it is possible to overcome addiction and live a healthy life.
Zinnia Healing can help. Call (855) 430-9439 for addiction treatment assistance.
How Long Does It Take for Oxycodone to Work?
When taking oxycodone, patients often wonder how long it will take for the medication to work. The answer can vary depending on many factors, including the patient’s physiology and the dosage taken. In general, however, oxycodone begins to take effect within 15 to 60 minutes. The peak effects of the drug usually occur within two to three hours. The duration of oxycodone’s effects can also vary depending on the individual. However, most people will experience relief from pain for four to six hours after taking a single dose. For some people, the effects of oxycodone may last even longer.
How Long Does Oxycodone Stay in Your System?
After taking oxycodone, the drug will begin to be metabolized by the liver and eventually excreted in the urine. The half-life of oxycodone is around four hours, which means it takes about four hours for the body to remove half of the drug from the system. This means that it can take up to 24 hours for the body to eliminate oxycodone completely. However, this does not mean that the effects of the drug will last for 24 hours. Oxycodone can stay in your system for up to three days if you have taken a high dose or have been taking the medication for an extended period of time. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are concerned about how long oxycodone will stay in your system. They can help you understand how long the drug will remain in your body and if there are any risks associated with taking oxycodone.
Zinnia Healing Can Help
Oxycodone is a powerful opioid pain medication. It is usually only prescribed for short-term use, as it can be very addictive. However, some people end up taking it for longer than intended due to the intensity of the pain relief it provides. Unfortunately, this can lead to some serious long-term effects. Oxycodone use can cause damage to the liver, kidney, and lungs. It can also lead to problems with mental function and judgment. In addition, oxycodone addiction can be challenging to overcome.
When it comes to alcohol abuse and drug addiction, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. However, some general trends can help explain why certain drugs are so difficult to quit. For example, oxycodone and alcohol are highly addictive substances that produce pleasurable feelings in users. Over time, users develop tolerance to these drugs, requiring larger and more frequent doses to achieve the same effect. This increased use can lead to physical dependence, which can cause withdrawal symptoms when use is reduced or stopped. Withdrawal symptoms can be highly unpleasant, making it difficult for users to quit. In addition, both oxycodone and alcohol are readily available and relatively affordable, making it easy to relapse. These factors make it clear why quitting oxycodone and alcohol is such a challenge for many people.
However, if you or someone you know is struggling with an oxycodone addiction or alcohol use disorder, there is help available. There are many inpatient detox and outpatient treatment centers that specialize in treating opioid addiction and alcohol addiction. With the right treatment for drug abuse, it is possible to overcome alcohol and oxycodone addiction and return to a healthy and fulfilling life.
For substance use disorder support, contact Zinnia Healing today.