Mixing Hydrocodone & Alcohol | Effects & Health Risks

Hydrocodone, sold under the brand name Zohydro ER, is a prescription opioid pain reliever. Sometimes hydrocodone is sold as a combination medication with acetaminophen (Tylenol), known by the brand names Norco or Vicodin. 

Opioids should never be mixed with alcohol. Mixing alcohol with hydrocodone can magnify the effects of both substances, especially drowsiness. Mixing these two substances can also slow breathing and heart rate, which can be life-threatening. 

Effects Of Hydrocodone & Alcohol

Alcohol and opioids share similar effects because both substances suppress the central nervous system (CNS). In moderate doses, CNS depressants can make you feel sleepy and relaxed. 

However, mixing CNS depressants or taking large amounts can significantly slow breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. 

Opioids are a class of drugs that include prescription drugs and illicit drug heroin. Prescription painkillers are usually used to treat severe pain, post-operative pain, and cough. 

Along with hydrocodone, other opioid pain medications include:

• oxycodone
• codeine
• morphine
• fentanyl

Rush Of Dopamine

Opioids work by attaching to opioid receptors in the brain, blocking pain, and triggering the release of dopamine. Dopamine is a brain chemical that produces the feeling of euphoria associated with many opioids. 

This rush of dopamine can feel rewarding and may reinforce increased use of the drug. In addition, some people may drink alcohol to enhance the euphoric effects of hydrocodone. However, drinking alcohol may worsen adverse side effects of both substances.

Enhanced Side Effects

Side-effects of hydrocodone may include:

• constipation
• nausea 
• vomiting
• drowsiness
• headache
• dizziness

Side effects of alcohol may include:

• drowsiness
• dizziness
• nausea/vomiting
• impaired coordination
• decreased alertness
• impaired judgment
• slurred speech

Health Risks Associated With Mixing Hydrocodone & Alcohol

Overdose is one of the most serious health risks associated with combining alcohol and opioids. However, mixing alcohol and opioids also increases the risk of dependence, addiction, and other serious health complications. 

Overdose

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns against mixing CNS depressants because of the risk of serious side effects. When taken together, alcohol and hydrocodone may cause extreme drowsiness and respiratory depression.

Respiratory depression is one of the major causes of overdose and may result in slowed or stopped breathing and loss of consciousness.  

Other signs of overdose include:

• confusion
• bluish skin tone
• low blood pressure
• slowed heart rate
• coma

If left untreated, an overdose can result in death or serious brain damage. If you recognize signs of overdose, seek emergency medical attention immediately. 

Liver Damage

Hydrocodone is sometimes combined with acetaminophen, which is an over-the-counter pain reliever. Hydrocodone and acetaminophen treat pain differently and may be effective when combined for certain types of severe pain. 

However, acetaminophen can lead to liver damage or liver failure when taken in large amounts. Heavy alcohol use is also associated with liver problems, including liver disease, cancer, and cirrhosis. 

Combining alcohol and drugs with acetaminophen increases the risk of liver-related issues. Signs of liver damage include:

• jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
• abdominal pain
• nausea/vomiting
• decreased appetite
• fatigue

Dependence & Withdrawal

If taken frequently enough, your body may become dependent on both alcohol and opioids. When you become dependent, you may experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking or taking your prescription. 

Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening and may cause dangerous symptoms like delirium tremens (DTs) and seizures. Opioid withdrawal symptoms are not usually life-threatening but can be uncomfortable. 

When you stop drinking or taking opioids, your body may experience severe cravings. It can be dangerous to stop any substance on your own because of the risk of relapse and overdose. In a detox program, trained professionals can monitor you and may also provide medications. 

Alcohol & Opioid Addiction

Alcohol and drug abuse increase the risk of becoming dependent and developing a substance use disorder (SUD). This can include both opioid addiction and alcohol addiction, which can both result in uncontrollable drinking/drug use regardless of the consequences. 

Outpatient and inpatient treatment programs have a wide range of services that can be tailored to fit your needs. You may be offered a variety of mental health therapies, including behavioral, family, group, and individual therapies. 

In addition, you may have access to holistic activities like yoga and meditation. 

If you or a loved one would like more information about alcohol or opioid addiction treatment, please contact Ark Behavioral Health today.

FAQ

What Happens When You Drink Alcohol On Norco?

Norco contains the opioid medication hydrocodone as well as the anti-inflammatory drug acetaminophen. 

If you drink alcohol while on Norco, the alcohol and opioid drug will work together to strongly reduce CNS activity, leading to increased sedation at best and severe respiratory depression (which can be fatal) at worst. 

Learn more about Mixing Norco And Alcohol

What Happens When You Mix Vicodin & Alcohol? 

Mixing Vicodin and alcohol can cause severe respiratory depression, slowed breathing, coma, and even death. Not all of Vicodin’s interactions with alcohol are known, but health experts and official labels warn against mixing the two.

Learn more about Mixing Alcohol With Vicodin

What Happens When You Drink Alcohol On Lortab?

When drinking alcohol on Lortab, you may experience serious side effects like respiratory depression, severe drowsiness, increased risk for overdose, and memory loss.

Learn more about Mixing Lortab And Alcohol