Mixing opioids and alcohol

The combination of opioids and alcohol is a dangerous cocktail that can lead to devastating consequences. As both substances are central nervous system depressants, their combined effects amplify sedation, increasing the risk of critical health crises.

Understanding the complexities surrounding opioid use and the risks of mixing them with alcohol is vital for informed choices regarding personal health.

Opioids, including commonly prescribed medications such as oxycodone and morphine, play a significant role in pain management, yet they carry a high risk of dependency. In the UK, statistics reveal alarming trends in opioid usage and the associated dangers of misuse, emphasising the need for public awareness and education around these substances. At Delamere we’ve seen a significant increase in the number of admissions relating to opioids and alcohol over the last twelve months. Recognising the potential for addiction is crucial as individuals may be unaware of how their use of both opioids and alcohol can exacerbate existing health issues.

This article explores the gravity of mixing opioids and alcohol by outlining the risks and dangers, from heightened overdose potential to severe side effects. Additionally, we will discuss recognition of overdose symptoms and available treatment options, including the importance of private rehab facilities and community support groups. Furthermore, we will highlight how Delamere can provide the necessary resources to support those affected by addiction.

Overview of Opioids

Opioids are a class of drugs that interact with the nervous system to relieve pain. These substances work by binding to specific receptors in the brain called endogenous opioid receptors, which helps to dull the perception of pain. Opioid drugs are widely prescribed to manage severe or chronic pain, often when other pain relief methods prove ineffective. However, they also carry a significant risk of addiction and adverse effects, making their use a critical public health concern.

Opioids can be classified into three main categories: natural, semi-synthetic, and synthetic. Natural opioids are derived from the opium poppy, while semi-synthetic opioids are altered derivatives of these natural compounds. Synthetic opioids, like fentanyl, are entirely man-made and can be significantly more potent.

In recent years, the opioid epidemic has garnered substantial attention due to the sharp increase in opioid-related deaths and opioid overdoses. Both prescription and illicit drugs play a role in this crisis. Clinical studies have shown that prescription opioid misuse can lead to fatal overdose, especially when combined with substances like alcohol, which exacerbate the risk of respiratory depression.

Commonly Used Opioids

Several opioids are commonly used in medical and illicit contexts. Below is a list of some of the most recognisable types of opioid medications:

Natural Opioids
Morphine: Used for severe pain management, often in hospital settings.
Codeine: Prescribed for mild to moderate pain and cough suppression.

Semi-Synthetic Opioids
Oxycodone: Commonly prescribed for chronic pain management; known by brand names such as OxyContin.
Hydrocodone: Utilised for moderate to severe pain relief; often paired with acetaminophen in prescription drugs like Vicodin.

Synthetic Opioids
Fentanyl: Highly potent and primarily used in surgery or for severe pain. It is also a significant factor in many opioid-related deaths.
Methadone: Used for pain relief and as part of medication-assisted therapy in addiction treatment.

Synthetic opioids, due to their potency, are particularly concerning. Even small amounts can drastically affect heart rate and respiratory functions, increasing the risk of fatal consequences. The long-term effects on brain activity and overall mental health can be severe, underscoring the importance of carefully monitored prescription opioid medications.

The interplay between alcohol consumption patterns and opioid use also merits attention. Hazardous drinking paired with opioids can dramatically amplify the detrimental effects of both substances, leading to an increased chance of a fatal overdose.

Understanding the types and effects of opioids is crucial in addressing the ongoing opioid epidemic, emphasising the need for public awareness and effective policy measures to prevent prescription opioid misuse and the proliferation of illicit drugs.

Risks of Mixing Opioids and Alcohol

Combining opioids and alcohol is a perilous decision that significantly increases the risk of health complications. Both substances depress the central nervous system, which can drastically impact body functions such as heart rate and breathing. Understanding the risks associated with mixing these substances is critical in preventing hazardous outcomes.

Dangerous Interactions

Opioids and alcohol, when taken together, interact in ways that amplify the effects of each other. Opioid medications and alcohol both slow down brain activity, leading to enhanced sedation and potentially diminishing cognitive functions. This interaction can severely impair judgment, coordination, and motor skills, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. Additionally, the additive effect can exacerbate the risk of respiratory depression, a condition where breathing becomes dangerously slow or stops, potentially resulting in brain damage or death.

Heightened Risk of Overdose

The likelihood of an overdose increases significantly when opioids and alcohol are consumed simultaneously. The combined effects can quickly overwhelm the body’s ability to cope, leading to a fatal overdose. Clinical studies indicate that the majority of opioid-related deaths involve more than one substance, often including alcohol. This is particularly true in cases of prescription opioid misuse and illicit drug use, where monitoring of intake might not be as stringent. Binge drinking further escalates the risk as it raises ethanol levels in the blood, underscoring the need for awareness of alcohol consumption patterns alongside opioid use.

Side Effects of Combination Use

When opioids and alcohol are used together, the side effects can be severe and wide-ranging. Some of the commonly reported side effects include:

• Dizziness and confusion
• Nausea and vomiting
• Impaired cognitive function and memory
• Severe drowsiness
• Decreased heart rate

Long-term effects of this combination can lead to chronic health issues, exacerbated by the unpredictability of opioid medications, which sometimes include synthetic opioids with varying potencies. Awareness and education are necessary to mitigate the long-term effects and prevent the development of dependency, further fuelling the opioid epidemic.

Statistics around opioid use in the UK

Opioid use in the UK presents a notable concern within the healthcare system. Prescription opioids remain the primary method for managing chronic pain. However, their misuse contributes to significant health issues, including increased opioid-related deaths.
According to recent data, approximately 13% of individuals in the UK have used prescription opioid medications at least once in their lifetime. Synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, are becoming more prevalent, compounding the complexity of the opioid epidemic.

Opioid overdoses have become a critical public health concern, with fatal overdoses accounting for a significant proportion of drug-related fatalities. Efforts to mitigate these challenges include increasing access to Mental Health Services and reducing prescription opioid misuse through better regulation and patient education.

Research indicates that addressing opioid-related harms requires a multidisciplinary approach, focusing on prevention, treatment, and recovery services to stem the tide of the opioid epidemic in the UK.

Treatment Options for Addiction

Addressing addiction to substances such as alcohol and opioids requires a comprehensive approach that combines medical, therapeutic, and community interventions. Treatment options vary depending on the individual’s needs and the severity of the addiction.

Customised Therapy Programs: One-on-one counselling sessions and group therapy are integral to addressing the psychological aspects of addiction. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) can be a particularly effective for managing hazardous drinking and prescription opioid misuse.

Holistic Treatments: Many facilities incorporate holistic approaches, such as yoga and meditation, to enhance mental and physical well-being and help those in recovery acquire techniques and tools to help them regulate.

Aftercare Planning: Ensures long-term recovery success by preparing a strategic plan for reintegration into daily life while maintaining sobriety.

Private rehab facilities often demonstrate higher success rates due to their ability to offer individualised attention and a supportive environment.

How Delamere can help

At Delamere we offer comprehensive support for individuals struggling with addiction, including alcohol and opioids. We provide a range of personalised treatments that address the complex nature of substance misuse, focusing on both physical and mental health. Our team at Delamere includes a 24/7 on site medical team and as such we offer very tailored, medically managed detoxification to ensure each guest a safe and comfortable withdrawal from substances.

At Delamere, our person-centred and holistic approach recognises that each individual’s journey is unique. The Delamere treatment model comprises four phases which we call Stop, Start, Grow, and Bloom. Alongside a high quota of 1-1 counselling and mentoring, our programme supports guests in not only overcoming addiction. Our approach provides a structured yet flexible framework for individuals seeking to reclaim their lives.

Stop

The first phase, “Stop,” is about recognising the need for change. This initial step encourages guests to press pause, take a break from their daily routines, and reflect on their current situation. It’s a critical time to acknowledge the impact of addiction and to understand that healing is possible. During this initial phase clinical detox is facilitated by Delamere’s Doctor and nursing team. The emphasis is on helping guests to break the cycle of active opioid and alcohol dependency and to settle into the environment here.

Start

Once individuals have taken the time to stop and reflect, we move into the “Start” phase. Here, we focus on structured therapy sessions that help guests identify the underlying triggers of their addiction. This phase is crucial for learning coping strategies and developing a deeper understanding of the relationship between trauma and addictive behaviours. Our holistic approach includes wellness therapies such as yoga and breathwork, fostering not just mental but also physical and emotional well-being.

Grow

The final phase of the residential programme at Delamere, “Grow,” prepares individuals for life after treatment. This stage emphasises the application of newly learned coping strategies in real-life situations. Guests engage in practical exercises that empower them to face challenges with confidence. We also provide continuous support through aftercare services which are included and available to all guests.

Bloom and Aftercare

The fourth phase of the Delamere programme, “Bloom” runs for a further 12 weeks and invites guests to return in person or remotely to Delamere to take part in our intermediate care programme. This supports guests in blending back every day life, practising using the tools of recovery and staying anchored to support.

Alongside Bloom, we provide twice weekly aftercare sessions that guests can attend for up to 15 months following their return home.

At Delamere our evidence-based approach ensures effective interventions for those battling addiction. If you or someone you love is mixing alcohol and opioids please reach out to our admissions team for a confidential assessment.