Dangers of Mixing Codeine and Alcohol

Reports from the NHS show that in recent years, more than a million people in England have been prescribed painkillers like codeine for over three months. If you or a loved one has been given codeine for pain relief, you have had moments where you’ve wondered if drinking was safe while taking it.

Unfortunately, there are more risks and complications in mixing the two than most of us are aware of. At higher levels, risks can even become life-threatening, making it imperative for us to better understand how the two interact.

What is codeine, and why is it prescribed?

Codeine is one kind of medication in the family of opioids. It is commonly prescribed for someone who needs relief for mild to moderate pain and is sometimes used for ongoing pain, when painkillers like paracetamol, aspirin and ibuprofen aren’t working. In England, it is most often prescribed as co-codamol, a pain relief mixture of codeine with paracetamol.

Codeine works by acting on the body’s central nervous system (CNS), dulling the pain signals sent between the brain and the body. Codeine can create a sense of calm or mild euphoria when taken as directed.

While codeine isn’t as strong as some other opioids like morphine, that does not make it a safe or riskless medicine. It still carries the same dangers of tolerance, dependence and withdrawal seen in other opioids, especially if it’s taken over longer periods of time.

Why might codeine and alcohol be mixed?

It is always medically advised to avoid alcohol while codeine is in your body. However, mixing the two can and does happen quite regularly, sometimes by mistake and sometimes intentionally.

For those who mistakenly mix, they may not realise how long codeine stays in their bloodstream. Research shows that it can be detected in a urine sample for 2 to 10 days, depending on the dose level and liver function. A person might feel as though taking codeine yesterday means alcohol is fine to consume today, without full recognition of the risks.

For intentional mixing, both substances will slow down the nervous system and have sedative effects that overlap. This might lead a person to deliberately mix the two, chasing deeper sedation or an intensified effect. However, these perceived benefits are far outweighed by the risks to your physical and mental health, especially in the long term.

What are the risks of taking codeine and drinking alcohol?

Whether accidental or deliberate, the use of more than one substance in a short time is called “polysubstance use,” which has very real dangers and potentially fatal outcomes. Some people feel that polysubstance use helps them avoid withdrawal or replace a preferred drug when they can’t access it.

Unfortunately, polysubstance use is more common than many of us realise. In the UK, research states that males and younger people are more inclined to polysubstance use, and those who drink hazardously are up to ten times more likely to engage in wider-ranging polydrug use.

Below are the short-term and long-term effects of alcohol and codeine polysubstance use:

Is there a risk of overdose when combining alcohol and opioids?

Generally speaking, yes, the risk of overdose rises sharply when codeine and alcohol are taken together. When consumed in combination, their effects compound and the risk of respiratory failure and overdose increases.

Warning signs of a codeine-alcohol overdose can include:

• Shallow or irregular breathing
• Severe drowsiness or confusion
• Loss of consciousness
• Cold, clammy or blue-tinted skin
• Slowed heartbeat and unresponsiveness

In such situations, every minute counts. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek emergency help by calling 999, as emergency treatment can save a life.

How can I stop mixing codeine and alcohol safely?

If you have been regularly taking codeine and alcohol together, stopping suddenly might be riskier than you think. Both substances can lead to physical dependence, wherein your body feels like it needs the substance to function normally. When they’re removed too quickly, uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous withdrawal symptoms may happen.

To stop safely, keep the following steps in mind:

• Speak with a medical professional: Your GP or addiction specialist can assess the danger you are in and give you the next step towards detoxing and recovery.
• Be aware of the risks in going “cold turkey”: Sudden withdrawal may lead to severe cravings or agitation. In some cases of alcohol withdrawal, seizures may become more likely. A gradual reduction with the support of a specialist will be a lot safer.
• Research medical detox and therapy: Rehab may provide the safest and most effective environment for withdrawal management. For those with severe addiction, rehab’s therapy programmes are in place to help you recognise and reframe the drivers of addictive behaviours.
• Build a supportive network: Make sure you’re leaning on the support of loved ones, family, or support groups. Even a small source of accountability in your life can help you make the right decision and step towards recovery.

Recovery from polysubstance use might feel challenging, but it may restore balance and health before the consequences become too severe. With professional support, your lasting recovery is within reach.

Where can I get help for an addiction in my life?

The risks of mixing codeine and alcohol are severe. Having an addiction to one or both substances can become a dark and lonely place. Please remember that help is out there.

At Liberty House Clinic, we specialise in addiction treatment tailored to you. Our programmes for both alcohol rehab and codeine rehab use evidence-based therapies to help you come to terms with the drivers of addiction and make the changes you need for a sober future.

Contact Liberty House today to begin your path towards safety and healing, free from the confines of addiction.