The Risks of Combining Oxycodone and Alcohol
When alcohol and opioids such as the oxycodone drinks are consumed, this could produce devastating results. Drinking alcohol while using opioids poses a danger in many ways, including slowing of breathing as well as impaired judgment and possibly overdose or death.
Based on CDC The CDC declares that alcohol is the main cause of 22% of deaths caused from prescription opioids. This also contributed to 18 percent of the visits in emergency departments owing to the prescription of opioids by physicians in the United States in 2010.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Screening for alcohol, and a brief intervention for those who drink alcohol as well as use opioids.
The risk of harm increases according to the quantity of alcohol consumed however, for those dependent on opioids, there is no safe amount of alcohol to consume.
What Is Oxycodone?
Oxycodone also known in the form of “oxy”– is an opioid drug belonging to the family of opioids. It is a painkiller that can only be prescribed made by the plant poppy. The drug that slows down the action releases into the bloodstream gradually and is able to deal with moderate and severe pain.
Oxycodone acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain. Since buying oxycontin online stimulates of the pleasure areas in the brain, it is the ideal drug for abuse and dependence.
Oxycodone, as well as other opioids, connect to the receptors for opioids in the brain. They can either totally or in part, ease pain and trigger feelings of joy and euphoria in the users. This is the reason for the classification for oxycodone in the United States is that it is classified as a Schedule II drug. This means it can result in dependence and severe psychological or physical dependence.
The amount of oxycodone needed to reduce pain differs based on the degree of pain in the patient and body. Your doctor will likely start you on a dose, and then gradually increase the dose until pain is reduced.
Oxycodone is a drug that can be consumed by oral consumption (by through the mouth). Many people experience its effects as a result of the immediate-release formulations of Oxycodone after 20-30 minutes after the consumption. The drug may be peach-like in the body just one hour after consumption. Extended-release oxycodone formulations can last up to 4 hours to reach maximal levels within the body.
It is vital to stick to the prescriptions of your physician regarding dosage and timeframe to avoid overdose, misuse or death. Overdoses involving opioids killed nearly 47,000 people during the year 2018. Among them, 32% the deaths were due to prescription opioids.
Common Brands/Names
Oxycodone is an essential ingredient in a variety of opioid painkillers. They are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and dosages based on the brand. Oxycodone can be found in pill or liquid form. It is available in its own right (OxyContin, Roxicodone, Oxaydo, Xtampza ER) or alongside other analgesics that aren’t narcotic like Aspirin (Percodan) and Acetaminophen (Percocet).
How Alcohol Affects Your Nervous System
Alcohol is an inhibitor of the nervous system. That means it reduces the neuron within the brain which communicate with the nerves of other parts of the nervous system. In the short term, it could cause a decline in judgement and vision and also a decrease in coordination and reaction.
This is the reason why those who consume alcohol regularly tend to talk in a slow, rambling manner and stumble about. The effects usually last for a short time and do not cause long-lasting harm.
The abuse of alcohol and drinking in excess can lead to serious health issues which affect cognition and memory. Alcohol can affect nerve cells’ communication in the body. This could cause an irreparable injury to your nerve system. It could lead to an imbalance in the body.
Furthermore, drinking alcohol can have a profound impact on how you feel, how you behave and neuropsychological functioning. While many drink to relax but it is often an opposite effect and may result in anxiety and stress to increase. If a person drinks excessive amounts of alcohol over an insignificant amount of time, it could cause a depressing effect on your central nervous system the point that it may cause the respiratory system to being compromised, coma-like or even dying.
Is Alcohol a Drug?
Alcohol is a drug. The classification is central nerve system depressant. It may affect the brain’s function and neuron activity. It can reduce the effectiveness of the various organs in the body.
Risks of Combining Oxycodone and Alcohol
Combining oxycodone with alcohol can result in unpredictably unwanted, unpleasant, or even harmful effects. Both substances can make you feel dizzy, lightheaded, and impair your judgment. Alcohol consumption while taking the drug can intensify the effects. Even small amounts of alcohol when using the drug may cause harm.
Respiratory Depression
According to the Department of Health and Human Services In the United States, combining oxycodone with alcohol can result in breath depression (slowed breathing or a cessation breath). A lack of or complete loss of oxygen can result in kidney failure or paralysis nerve damage or accumulation within the lung and even death.
Heart Rate
Because oxycontin and alcohol are both depressants to the central nervous system, having both result in a slower heart rate as well as a decrease in blood pressure. If an overdose occurs and both substances could lead to heart failure, and possibly death.
Long-Term Risks
Long-term (long-term) drinking of oxycodone or alcohol may cause harm to health over the long run and may result in:
Damage to the kidneys or the liver
Memory loss
Heart failure
Cancer risk is greater
Do Not Mix Alcohol and Opioids
Do not mix alcohol with prescription medications, especially opioids since it could cause a slow breathing rate and impaired judgement as and overdose.
Signs of Intoxication/Overdose
Consuming oxycodone when paired with alcohol may have serious effects and increase the chance of overdose. Overdose symptoms include:
Loss of consciousness/fainting
Confusion/disorientation
Poor motor control
Cold or clammy when it is touched
Fingernails and lips are blue/purple hues.
Vomiting
Breathing and heartbeat rate slow
Naloxone is a drug treatment for addiction that is required in the case of an overdose to avoid the possibility of dying.
Call 911 If…
If you suspect that someone is suffering from an opioid overdose (e.g. breathing that is slow or nonresponsive or disorientation, blue lips or blue eyes) dial 911 immediately.
Treatment
If you or your loved one is experiencing addiction issues with alcohol or oxycodone it is vital to seek out treatment. There are numerous treatment options that can be adapted to the circumstances and needs.7
Signs of Addiction
It’s sometimes difficult to identify an addiction issue within someone you know. The most frequent indicators of dependence on alcohol or oxycodone are:
Control issues: Aren’t in a position to stay clear of alcohol and/or the use of oxycodone.
Life-threatening consequences Life, work family life, leisure activities are directly affected through the use of harmful substances.
Distraction: Unable to focus on anything other than an intense craving to use substances
Physical effects: requires a higher dose of the drug to get desired effects or suffer withdrawal symptoms when not taking the drug.
Emergency Treatment
If there is a possibility of an overdose from drugs is suspect, then naloxone can have to be administered in order to reverse effects of accidental overdose. Narcan (naloxone)–either injectable into muscles or spraying through the nose, it reaches opioid receptors inside the brain. It assists in stopping any overdoses for a specified period of time.
In March 2023. In March 2023, March 2023 in March 2023, in March 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) buy oxycontin online Narcan Nasal Spray as an over-the-counter (OTC) emergency treatment for an overdose of opioids.
Make sure that the person is alert, whenever you can and ensure their vicinity until EMS is in the process. Medical attention should be sought in the aftermath of using Naloxone.
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient care is provided in hospitals that are specifically designed to provide it as well as medical centers. It offers medical detoxification (to assist the patient in overcoming withdrawal-related physical symptoms) and detoxification and rehabilitation services. Inpatient patients usually stay in the center for between a month and a year.
Inpatient treatment facilities typically offer distinct phases of treatment, each with specific expectations and activities to each one. These programs are perfect for people who have severe addiction issues and need assistance to get and stay sober.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment is offered in health clinics, as in local mental health clinics, counseling offices, hospitals clinics, and residential programs. The outpatient programs differ. Some require regular attendance on a daily basis, whereas other programs have a set number of times per week.
Most outpatient programs run between two months to a whole year. The individuals who are the most satisfied in an outpatient treatment program generally have the ability to attend counseling as well as having an effective network of support, a home and a reliable vehicle to go to the sessions.
A Word From Verywell
Mixing alcohol and oxycodone can result in serious and potentially dangerous effects. Discuss with your doctor if you have any concerns or questions regarding drinking alcohol when use Oxycodone.
If you or one of your family members suffers from an addiction problem, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services of America (SAMHSA) offers an online helpline that provides 24/7 confidential, no-cost all year round treatment information and referrals for families as well as people suffering from addiction or mental illness.
Contact the Helpline toll-free at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for assistance in finding local treatment centers or support groups, as well as community-based organizations. For more resources regarding mental
