Like any other drug, especially any narcotic, methadone can be purposefully or unintentionally abused and present serious health risks when taken with other drugs. When an individual takes methadone and alcohol together, he or she can experience a wide range of physical and emotional problems. Common physical side effects include minor symptoms such as headache, dizziness or faintness, shortness of breath, anxiety, and minor body aches, as well as more severe symptoms such as respiratory and heart problems, hallucinations, and unconsciousness. Alcohol can also speed up the methadone withdrawal process, which can cause the individual severe physical pain and mental stress that may lead them back to using more dangerous opiates. At worst, mixing methadone and alcohol can lead to death.
Taking methadone and alcohol is dangerous because of the way these substances affect a person’s body. methadone and alcohol are both classified as depressants, which can hinder reflexes, slow heart rate, lower blood pressure, and restrict breathing. When the two substances are taken together, the effects are amplified.
For example, a person who begins a methadone treatment program may start with a high daily dosage. He or she may already experience some of the common symptoms of nervous system depressants. If the person adds alcohol to the mix, the two substances increase the symptoms. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing would be intensified. A person with other medical conditions such as asthma could risk unconsciousness.
A person taking methadone and alcohol simultaneously is likely to experience dizziness. In addition to respiratory problems, the person may experience cardiac problems. As the methadone and alcohol react, the person’s blood pressure and heart rate may decrease sharply. This combination poses a great risk for a heart attack, and as blood pressure decreases, less oxygen is sent to the brain, causing dizziness.
In addition to experiencing dizziness, the person may hallucinate due to lack of oxygen to the brain and other neurological reactions. Reflex actions, which include breathing, are also affected. As breathing becomes more difficult and heart rate weakens, the person may experience chest pains. The person is likely to feel more and more intoxicated as the symptoms progress.
There are also some psychological effects of taking methadone and alcohol. Both substances are known to impair one’s ability to think clearly. Loss of judgment is a common side effect. Other effects include short-term memory loss, amnesia, and loss of inhibition or feelings of despair.
