What Are The Dangers of Mixing Alcohol With Percocet?
Mixing Percocet and alcohol can suppress the central nervous system, leading to changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and slow breathing. It can also cause life-threatening side effects, such as sedation, loss of consciousness, liver failure, overdose, and drug addiction.
If you are struggling with an addiction to Percocet, help is available. Contact a treatment center like Zinnia Health today at (855) 430-9439 to learn more about our programs and how we can help you recover.
Can You Drink on Percocet?
You should not drink while taking Percocet. Percocet is a prescription drug used to treat moderate to severe pain. It contains a combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen, which are both prescription opioid painkillers.
The NIH warns that combining opioids with alcohol can lead to severe interactions and a higher potential for toxicity.
How Long After Taking Percocet Can You Drink Alcohol?
Percocet is a prescription medication used to treat moderate to severe pain. It contains a combination of acetaminophen and oxycodone, neither of which are safe to combine with alcohol. If you have taken Percocet, wait at least 24 hours before consuming alcohol to ensure that the drug has time to leave your bloodstream.
If you’re having trouble managing your alcohol use while on a prescription painkiller like Percocet, it might be time to speak with your doctor about alcohol abuse and addiction.
Why Do People Mix Alcohol With Percocet?
People may mix alcohol with Percocet in order to:
- Intensify the effects of the opioid drugs contained in Percocet
- Intensify the effects of alcohol, leading to a feeling of heavy intoxication
- Numb themselves of chronic pain, both mentally and physically
- Soothe drug cravings, especially if they have a history of substance abuse
Why Is It Dangerous to Mix Percocet with Alcohol?
Acetaminophen is a common ingredient in over-the-counter pain medications, such as Tylenol, and it helps to reduce pain. Oxycodone is a more potent opioid pain medication similar to morphine, and it works by blocking the signals of pain in the brain.
Intentionally combining either of these substances with alcohol is a sign of substance abuse.
Alcohol can interact with the ingredients in Percocet and increase the risk of overdose. Mixing Percocet with alcohol can increase your risk of liver damage when the alcohol is combined with acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is metabolized in the liver, and when too much is taken, it can overwhelm the liver and cause damage.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please reach out for help. At Zinnia Health, we provide various treatment options for those struggling with addiction. Our team of experts will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs. Just dial (855) 430-9439.
What Can Happen if You Drink on Percocet?
Some side effects of mixing alcohol with opioids like Percocet include:
- Drowsiness
- Narrowed or constricted pupils
- Slow heart rate
- Respiratory depression
- Weakened or absent reflexes
- Coma
Because mixing opioids and alcohol can increase the risk of toxicity (also known as poisoning or overdose), you should be mindful of the symptoms associated with alcohol and opioid overdose.
These symptoms include:
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Loss of coordination
- Slowing of a person’s breathing
Mixing Percocet and alcohol can suppress the central nervous system, leading to changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and slow breathing. It can also cause life-threatening side effects, such as sedation, loss of consciousness, liver failure, overdose, and drug addiction.
What Are the Symptoms From Drinking Alcohol with Percocet?
Percocet addiction and alcohol addiction can develop quickly, even if a person only takes the medication prescribed by their doctor.
Family members or friends who may suspect that someone is suffering from alcohol or drug addiction should look for the following signs:
- Isolating from friends and family: Addicts may start to separate themselves from loved ones as they become more involved in their addiction.
- Loss of interest in hobbies: A person suffering from Percocet abuse may lose interest in activities they used to enjoy.
- Neglecting responsibilities: An addict may start to neglect their duties at home, work, or school.
- Mood changes: An addict may experience mood and mental health changes, such as irritability or anxiety.
- Changes in appearance: An alcoholic may start to look unkempt, and their clothes may be stained with alcohol.
- Changes in behavior: An alcoholic may become more irritable or aggressive. They may also start to neglect their responsibilities.
- Memory problems: An alcoholic may have difficulty remembering things that have happened recently.
- Medical problems: An alcoholic may experience health problems, such as liver damage or pancreatitis.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please reach out for help. There are many resources available to those who need assistance. Treatment centers like Zinnia Health can help you find the treatment options you need to get on the road to recovery.
How to Get Help For a Percocet Addiction
The best way to avoid the dangers of mixing alcohol with Percocet is to stop drinking altogether. While this may seem like a difficult task, there are some lifestyle changes that you can make to help you stop drinking.
- Talk to your doctor: If you are struggling with alcoholism, talking to your doctor is an excellent first step. They can provide you with information and resources to help you quit drinking.
- Attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings: Many Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings are held across the country. You will meet other people struggling with alcoholism at these meetings and learn from their experiences.
- Get involved in activities: Getting involved in activities that do not include alcohol can help take your mind off drinking. Doing things you enjoy, such as going for walks or playing sports, can help you stay sober.
- Avoid triggering situations: Certain situations may trigger your urge to drink. It is essential to avoid these situations if possible. If you cannot prevent them, try to have a plan to help you stay sober. For example, if you are going to a party where there will be alcohol, bring a non-alcoholic drink and leave early.
- Talk to someone: If you are feeling tempted to drink, talking to someone who can help talk you through it can be helpful. This could be a friend, family member, therapist, or counselor.
Various treatment options are available for Percocet addiction, and the best course of action will vary depending on the individual’s needs. Addiction treatment options can include:
- Inpatient or outpatient rehab programs: These programs can provide detoxification services, individual and group therapy, and other resources to help people recover from addiction.
- Medication-assisted treatment: This approach combines behavioral therapy with medical treatment. Medications used in this treatment include buprenorphine and naltrexone, which can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- Sober living homes: Sober living homes provide a structured environment for people in recovery, with rules and guidelines that promote sobriety. Residents typically have to follow curfew, attend weekly meetings, and perform chores.
- Aftercare: Aftercare refers to the continued support people receive after completing a treatment program. This can include individual therapy, 12-step meetings, or other support groups.
- Alternative therapies: Alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, meditation, massage, and yoga can help people cope with the stress of recovery and promote wellness.
You are not alone in this fight. Alcoholism is a severe disease, and it requires professional treatment. If you are struggling with alcoholism or Percocet addiction, please call Zinnia Health at (855) 430-9439 or visit our site to speak with a treatment specialist who can help you find a treatment program that fits your needs.
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