Alcohol And Heroin

Mixing Alcohol And Heroin

Mixing heroin with alcohol is often done to increase or decrease certain effects of either substance or simply to experiment with the combined effects. Sometimes, the interaction between heroin and alcohol can cause an enhanced rush, producing a more pleasing experience than taking either substance by itself. Others may unknowingly ingest both substances due to a loss of awareness under the influence of either or from being misled as to what they are taking. Mixing the two substances is never safe, whether intentional or not.

Dangers Of Mixing Alcohol And Heroin

Combining alcohol and heroin presents a danger to an individual by amplifying the effects on their respiratory system and slowing down their metabolism of heroin. This leads to a greater risk of life-threatening respiratory depression and overdose.

Because of the way alcohol and opioids interact with the body and brain, taking them together may increase the chances of experiencing the following adverse effects:

Several of the adverse effects listed can become life-threatening if severe, possibly leading to overdose.

What To Do If You Suspect A Heroin Overdose

If you think that you or someone around you may have overdosed on heroin and alcohol, it is important to call 911 immediately.

Other helpful steps to take in the event of an overdose include the following:

• Administer naloxone if it is available.
• Attempt to keep the person awake and breathing.
• Lay the person on their side, with an ear to the ground, to prevent the risk of choking.
• Stay with the person until emergency medical help arrives.

Many states have laws that provide legal protection for people who are overdosing or calling for help in the case of an overdose. So, even if you have taken heroin or another illegal substance, you may be legally protected if you call 911 to get help for someone who has overdosed.

Detoxing From Both Alcohol And Heroin

During detoxification and withdrawal from both alcohol and heroin, a person may experience symptoms from either withdrawal syndrome. If untreated, alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening, leading to seizures, delirium, and dangerous swings in heart rate and blood pressure. To avoid life-threatening symptoms, a person is often prescribed benzodiazepines, fluid and nutrition supplementation, and sometimes anticonvulsants.

Opioids, like heroin, are not usually a part of alcohol withdrawal treatment, so opioid detoxification may be able to be accomplished at the same time. Treatment for mild opioid withdrawal may only involve periodic, symptomatic treatment because opioid withdrawal symptoms are not typically life-threatening. Or, if a person has moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms, they may benefit from opioid medications to provide relief and aid in successful withdrawal.

Management of benzodiazepine doses for alcohol withdrawal and opioid replacement for heroin withdrawal must be managed carefully. Though it can be helpful, it should only be administered under the supervision of a physician to ensure that benzodiazepine and opioid interactions do not compound in dangerous ways. The best way to ensure safety during heroin and alcohol withdrawal is to be completely honest with your treatment team about your substance use, all your symptoms, and whether you are self-medicating with anything to manage your symptoms. Taking benzodiazepines with opioids can result in life-threatening symptoms or death in the case of overdose.

Finding the right level of care and treatment program is essential at the start of your recovery journey. Some people may begin with an inpatient program and then transition to outpatient care as they improve. Addiction treatment is fluid, with constant reassessments to ensure that each person receives the most appropriate care.

Treatment For Alcohol And Heroin Addiction

Addiction to alcohol and heroin may quickly develop when they are used together, but treatment is available. Each person’s path to recovery and treatment needs may look different. However, the following aspects are commonly experienced throughout addiction treatment programs:

• Medical Detox: Detoxification is the process by which your body clears itself of a substance. Enrolling in a detox program may help with life-threatening symptoms during withdrawal, minimize symptoms that can lead to relapse, and provide ongoing support to sustain your recovery journey.
• Inpatient treatment: Inpatient programs provide 24/7 care and a structured, often rigorous, treatment schedule. They may be residential or hospital-based and may vary greatly in the amenities each program offers.
• Outpatient treatment: Outpatient programs range from once-a-week appointments to schedules that rival inpatient treatment throughout the weekdays. However, they all allow a person to live at home during recovery. The type of outpatient program that a person needs can be determined by assessment with a substance use disorder professional.
• Aftercare: Aftercare, or continuing care, may include any involvement with recovery support services after completing a formal treatment program. Recovery support groups are often free, community-run services such as Alcoholics or Narcotics Anonymous. Other options may involve meeting with licensed professionals via telehealth check-ins or by hiring recovery coaches.

Find A Rehab For Substance Misuse

Mixing alcohol and heroin is always dangerous, and the risk of overdose is present every time a person partakes. If you or a loved one are struggling with heroin and alcohol misuse, effective treatment is available. Don’t wait to get help. Contact a treatment provider today to explore your rehab options.