By: Zinnia Healing Editorial Staff | Edited By: Rebecca Hill
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Mixing Alcohol With Prednisone: What Are the Dangers?
It can be difficult to avoid drinking alcohol when taking prednisone, as it is found in many over-the-counter cold remedies and prescription drugs. However, it is essential to be aware of the risks of mixing alcohol and prednisone. While prednisone is considered relatively safe, some risks are associated with it, especially when considering alcohol interaction.
Alcohol and drug abuse can have many devastating effects on the body. In the short term, alcohol and drugs can impair judgment, coordination, and balance, making it difficult to perform even simple tasks. In the long term, alcohol and drug abuse can damage vital organs such as the liver, heart, and lungs. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or drug abuse, it is essential to get help as soon as possible.
Call Zinnia Healing at (855) 430-9439.
Prednisone: What Is It?
Prednisone is an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid used to treat various conditions, including allergies, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and asthma. It is also prescribed to people who have undergone organ transplants to help them prevent rejection of the transplant. Prednisone can be taken orally, injected, or through topical application.
Is It Safe to Mix Alcohol With Prednisone?
In most cases, it’s okay to drink alcohol in moderation while taking prednisone. That being said, you should be aware that mixing prednisone treatment with heavy drinking, binge drinking, or alcohol addiction may increase the risk of health problems. The higher your alcohol intake, the more likely you are to experience adverse side effects of alcohol, and many of those side effects coincide with the potential side effects of taking prednisone.
If you choose to mix prednisone with alcohol consumption, it’s important to do so in moderation and ensure that you are fully aware of the risks involved.
Take note of the side effects of prednisone and alcohol below, and if you experience any of them, seek medical advice from your primary healthcare provider right away:
- Gastrointestinal problems: Prednisone use can cause indigestion, heartburn, peptic ulcers, and nausea. Drinking alcohol can also irritate the stomach lining and intestines, and when the two are combined, the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and other problems increases.
- Liver damage: Prednisone can cause liver damage, and alcohol consumption can also strain the liver. When the two are mixed, the risk of liver problems increases.
- Impaired healing: Mixing alcohol and prednisone can interfere with the body’s ability to heal itself. If you have a wound or are recovering from surgery, it’s essential to avoid drinking alcohol while taking prednisone.
- Weakened immune system: Prednisone can weaken the immune system, and alcohol consumption can also suppress the immune system. When the two are mixed, the risk of infection increases.
Side Effects of Prednisone
Some of the most common side effects of prednisone include:
- Weight gain
- Increased appetite
- Trouble sleeping
- Anxiety, depression, and mood changes
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Increased blood sugar levels
- Problems with the adrenal glands
Short- and Long-Term Risks of Alcohol Abuse
The short-term risks of excessive alcohol use are numerous, including injuries, violence, and alcohol poisoning. It can also make you more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, leading to unintended pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. And for pregnant women, excessive drinking creates a higher risk of miscarriage or stillbirth.
Over time, drinking too much alcohol can lead to health risks like high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and liver disease. It can also increase the risk of certain types of cancer, weaken the immune system, and cause learning and memory problems. In addition, excessive alcohol use can lead to mental health problems like depression and anxiety, as well as social problems like family strife or unemployment.
Alcohol and drug abuse can have a devastating impact on your life. It can ruin your health, your relationships, and your career. However, there is help available, and many people have been able to turn their lives around after struggling with addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or drug abuse, don’t hesitate to seek help.
For support, call Zinnia Healing at (855) 430-9439.
Long-Term Effects of Mixing Prednisone and Alcohol
Two of the most distressing side effects of prednisone are osteoporosis and osteonecrosis, which result in the loss of bone tissue. These diseases can occur even at low doses of prednisone and are more likely to occur in people taking the medication for an extended period. Osteonecrosis can lead to pain, stiffness, and deformity, and it can eventually lead to fractures. Osteonecrosis can also occur with alcoholism, so mixing prednisone and alcohol in the long term could likely lead to an increased risk of developing this condition.
Another long-term effect of mixing steroid medication and alcohol is liver damage. Long-term use of both prednisone and alcohol can cause liver damage, and the two substances can interact to cause even more damage. Liver damage from prednisone and alcohol can lead to many problems, including jaundice, ascites, and encephalopathy. In severe cases, liver damage can be fatal.
Why Do People Mix Alcohol and Prednisone?
There are several reasons why people mix alcohol and prednisone:
- They may not be aware of the risks associated with doing so.
- They may think drinking alcohol will help them cope with the side effects of prednisone, such as weight gain or mood swings.
- They may drink alcohol while taking prednisone because they are struggling with an addiction to alcohol.
Zinnia Healing Can Help
Alcohol and substance abuse can be difficult to defeat on your own for a number of reasons. For one thing, these substances can cause changes in the brain that make it difficult to break the habit. Additionally, withdrawal symptoms can be excruciating and may lead to relapse.
Finally, many people with drug or alcohol use disorders also suffer from mental health issues, making recovery even more difficult. Fortunately, many treatment options can help people overcome addiction and live healthy, productive lives. However, it is essential to remember that recovery is a journey, and there will be setbacks along the way. With perseverance and support, overcoming addiction and building a better future is possible.
At Zinnia Healing, we offer a variety of addiction treatment options that can help you recover from your addiction and live a healthier, happier life. Contact us today or call (855) 430-9439.