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Mixing Fentanyl and Alcohol

The dangers of mixing alcohol and drugs are well known. The consequences can be devastating and even deadly in certain circumstances, as some illicit substances have a potential overdose interaction with alcohol. Fentanyl and alcohol are one such combination that could have dire consequences for users.

4 Minute Read | Published Sep 07 2023 | Updated Jan 24 2024

But what are the specific dangers associated with fentanyl and alcohol abuse occurring at the same time? And what are some symptoms that you should keep an eye out for? This is especially important if you are currently a user of fentanyl who is drinking or know someone who has taken this action while you are together.

Better Addiction Care is a team of resource providers that share insights into the world of drug abuse. In this article, we explain everything you’ll need to know about using this dangerous combination of substances. If you are worried for yourself or someone close to you, this guide is for you to better understand the situation and hopefully act accordingly. 

The Dangers of Mixing Alcohol and Fentanyl

Alcohol and drug interactions can vary quite a bit. Each substance comes with its own dangers and level at which you will experience the effects being present in the body. When it comes to fentanyl and alcohol being mixed, you should be aware of the following potential dangers occurring. They could prove very serious or even life-threatening.

  • Difficulty breathing – This could even be in the form of respiratory arrest or depression, which can be seriously harmful.
  • Chest pains – These will be painful and are often a sign that the alcohol and drug interactions are currently affecting your body negatively. 
  • Vomiting – This could be in the form of violent and continuous vomiting, which is a common sign of alcohol or drug abuse. 
  • Irregular heartbeat – Whether your heart is beating faster or slower than it should, either can cause you to be in potentially dangerous positions.

In many cases, these fentanyl and alcohol combinations are difficult to catch if someone doesn’t voice their concerns over their well-being immediately. Often, this is because they are falling deeper into dangerous situations. If you are on the outside looking in, what are some things you should keep an eye out for? How do you determine if someone is going through an alcohol and fentanyl interaction and may need help?

Symptoms of Fentanyl Abuse While Drinking

If you or someone you know is experiencing a drug and alcohol interaction that may be linked to fentanyl, but you aren’t sure if this is an emergency or not, then some signs can be a great indicator of the need for it. Some such interactions side effects include:

  • Unconsciousness
  • Nausea
  • Constricted pupils
  • Decreased coordination and slurred speech
  • Blush lips and complexion
  • Seizure

Some of these effects can be extremely worrying, and others are even linked to causing a coma or even death if they are not attended to immediately. The best thing to do if you are experiencing these symptoms or are seeing someone go through them is to find help immediately by getting in contact with emergency services.

Once the immediate dangers of mixing fentanyl and alcohol have been dealt with, it is important to take the proper steps to ensure that these issues are never a problem again. The way this can be done is by getting in touch with a team of professionals in your area that specialize in substance abuse treatment and can get you or your loved one onto the path to recovery.

But how can you connect with these facilities and programs that can get you the professional attention and the help you need to make these changes stick? 

Finding Drug and Alcoholism Treatment Centers 

Are you in need of help with any issues relating to mixing fentanyl and alcohol or an issue with any other form of substance abuse? If so, be sure to use Better Addiction Care’s free online national directory of drug and alcohol abuse treatment facilities. With it, you can see what all the different programs and centers in your city, county, and state can offer in terms of care.

Our team is proud to provide this resource to communities across the country. We are also proud to present our professional insights in their addiction treatment blog. This blog covers everything from sober living to managing insurance for addiction treatment.

Feel free to call our team today to learn more about our drug rehab directory or any of the other resources our team can offer to people in need.

Related Readings

Resources

bullet National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021).
"Fentanyl."
Retrieved on January 26, 2023
bullet Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021).
"Fentanyl and Other Synthetic Opioids Drug Facts."
Retrieved on January 26, 2023
bullet Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020).
"Synthetic Opioid Overdose Data."
Retrieved on January 26, 2023
bullet American Addiction Centers. (n.d.).
"Fentanyl and Alcohol: A Deadly Combination."
Retrieved on January 26, 2023
bullet National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020).
"Overdose Death Rates."
Retrieved on January 26, 2023
bullet Verywell Mind. (2021).
"The Dangers of Mixing Fentanyl and Alcohol."
Retrieved on January 26, 2023
bullet U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2020).
"Warning about Illicit Opioid Products That Can Cause Serious Harm."
Retrieved on January 26, 2023
bullet Drug Enforcement Administration. (2021).
"Fentanyl."
Retrieved on January 26, 2023
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