Suboxone is a medication used in the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) and the management of opioid dependence. It is a brand-name drug that is made up of two active ingredients: Buprenorphine and Naloxone.
What Is Buprenorphine?
Buprenorphine is a derivative of Thebaine, which is an extract of opium. It is a partial opioid agonist, which means it stimulates the same brain receptors as full opiate agonists such as heroin but does so with a “ceiling effect.” This means that it produces a lesser degree of sedation and respiratory depression than full opiate antagonists and causes no significant impairment of cognitive or motor skills. In addition, its effects reach a set peak and do not continue to increase with higher doses. Buprenorphine helps to reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms and the euphoric effects of other opioids, allowing individuals to stabilize their lives and participate in addiction treatment.
What is Naloxone?
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, which means it blocks the effects of opioids. It is included in Suboxone to deter misuse. If someone attempts to inject or misuse Suboxone, the naloxone component can bring about opioid withdrawal symptoms, making the misuse less rewarding.
Mixing Suboxone and Alcohol
Suboxone is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant (albeit its depressive effects on the CNS are generally milder compared to full opioid agonists like heroin.) Alcohol is also a CNS depressant that slows down parts of the brain. One of the main appeals of alcohol is that it makes it easier for us to feel more relaxed and less inhibited.
Many people wonder ‘can you drink on suboxone?’. The answer is that mixing Suboxone and alcohol can be extremely dangerous and is strongly discouraged. This is because depressant drugs and alcohol work synergistically together, meaning that they act on many of the same areas of the brain, with alcohol greatly compounding the effects of these drugs.
Risks and Dangers of Mixing Suboxone and Alcohol
There are several significant risks and dangers associated with combining Suboxone and alcohol:
- Increased Cravings for Opioids: For individuals using Suboxone as part of medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction, alcohol use can trigger cravings for opioids. This is because when someone consumes alcohol, it can enhance the effects of opioids, leading to increased sedation and a stronger feeling of euphoria. The interaction between alcohol and opioids can create a reinforcing effect, making the combination more appealing to individuals seeking an intensified high. This increased craving can potentially lead to relapse.
- Increased Respiratory Depression: Both Suboxone and alcohol can depress the central nervous system, slowing down breathing. When taken together, the combined effect can lead to severe respiratory depression, which can be life-threatening. Breathing difficulties can result in oxygen deprivation, unconsciousness, or even coma.
- Impaired Cognitive and Motor Function: Suboxone and alcohol can impair cognitive function and motor skills. Combining them can intensify these effects, causing extreme drowsiness and dizziness. This can lead to poor decision-making, impaired coordination, and a higher risk of accidents, including falls or automobile accidents.
- Increased Risk of Overdose: The combination of Suboxone and alcohol increases the risk of overdose. Both substances can affect the brain and body in different ways, and when combined, their effects can be unpredictable, making it difficult to gauge the appropriate dosage. In extreme cases, overdose can result in death.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Suboxone often causes nausea and vomiting as side effects. Alcohol can exacerbate these symptoms and lead to severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
- Mood and Mental Health Effects: Both substances can affect mood and mental health. Combining Suboxone and alcohol can lead to mood swings, increased anxiety, and exacerbated mental health conditions.
- Potential for Relapse: Suboxone is often used in the treatment of opioid addiction, and alcohol use can jeopardize the effectiveness of addiction treatment. Additionally, alcohol can trigger cravings for opioids in individuals recovering from opioid addiction.
- Risk of Substance Abuse: Mixing Suboxone with alcohol can contribute to a pattern of substance abuse and addiction, potentially leading to further health and social problems.
How Long After Taking Suboxone Can One Drink Alcohol
Alcohol can interact with Suboxone in complex ways, and the timing of when it might be considered safe to consume alcohol after taking Suboxone can vary depending on factors such as a person’s metabolism and overall health. However, it is important to understand that even if a person were to wait a certain amount of time after taking Suboxone, it does not eliminate the potential risks associated with the combination of these substances. The safest course of action is to avoid alcohol entirely while on Suboxone to protect one’s health and well-being.
Treatment for Alcohol and Suboxone Addiction
Misuse of alcohol together with Suboxone, or taking one drug while still under the influence of another, is what is known as polysubstance abuse. Treatment for this co-occurring alcohol and Suboxone addiction typically requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both substance use issues simultaneously.
In terms of treatment, the first step is a thorough assessment by a healthcare professional or addiction specialist. This evaluation will help determine the extent and severity of the alcohol and Suboxone addiction, as well as any other underlying physical or mental health issues.
If the individual is physically dependent on alcohol and Suboxone, a medical detoxification would then be necessary to manage withdrawal symptoms safely. Detox should be conducted under medical supervision to ensure safety and comfort. Depending on the individual’s specific needs, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) may be considered – which is when medications are used alongside therapies and counseling to help patients recover from addiction. In this context, MAT may include transitioning from Suboxone to a different medication to manage opioid dependence while addressing alcohol addiction.
From there, the individual would start one-on-one therapy and/or group therapy. Individual therapy can help individuals identify triggers for substance use and develop effective coping mechanisms, while group therapy offers valuable peer support and fosters a sense of community that is beneficial for the recovery process.
Start Treatment for Alcohol And Suboxone Abuse at Avenues Recovery
It’s essential to seek professional help when dealing with co-occurring substance use disorders. A qualified addiction specialist or healthcare provider can tailor a treatment plan to an individual’s unique needs and circumstances. If you are experiencing alcohol and Suboxone addiction or know someone who is, don’t hesitate to reach out to Avenues Recovery today, where we can talk you through the various recovery options available to you. Our staff are experts at dealing with polysubstance abuse, and will stop at nothing to provide you with the help you need. We have helped thousands of people break free of their addictions and we can help you too. Contact Avenues today to discover a supportive and caring community, and the professional help you need to reach sobriety.