Many people who use codeine enjoy mixing it with alcohol to prolong or enhance the effects of codeine on the brain and body. However, doing so is very dangerous and can lead to potentially fatal effects.
As a rule, it’s wise to follow the instructions on the packet of the medication that you are taking, to ensure you remain safe. Any medication that contains codeine will specify on the packaging that it should not be taken with alcohol. It is advised not to drink any alcohol for 15 hours after the last dose of codeine.
This article will outline the natures of both codeine and alcohol, why it’s so dangerous to mix codeine with alcohol, the effects of codeine mixed with alcohol, and what you can do once you’ve ingested the two together. 
How Much Codeine Can You Take With Alcohol?
The short answer is that you should not mix codeine and alcohol at all. According to the UK NHS website, it’s best to stop drinking alcohol completely when starting to take codeine to see how the drug affects you. If you notice that you feel sleepy while taking codeine, avoid all forms of alcohol until you stop taking the drug.
What is Codeine?
Codeine is classed as a narcotic, or an opioid drug. It is sold over the counter to treat mild to moderate pain, and is safe to use when following the instructions on the packet, or guidelines from a doctor. Some forms of codeine are more potent, and can only be obtained with a prescription from a doctor.
Codeine has the potential to become addictive. This means that because it is so effective in making people feel better, people may be tempted to play around with the drug, taking higher dosages or more frequent dosages than is safe and recommended.
Some of the adverse short and long term effects of codeine misuse include: nausea, vomiting, dizziness, seizures, fever, slowed heart rate, sweating, muscle pain, confusion, and even hallucinations.
What is Alcohol?
Alcohol is an addictive beverage that contains ethanol- the substance responsible for its psychoactive effect on drinkers. After consuming alcohol, users feel uninhibited, euphoric, drowsy, and overall numb from daily stresses and unpleasant emotions.
Because alcohol is widely misused, its sale is restricted to people over 18 years old in many states. Some of the adverse side effects of excessive alcohol include: mood swings, slurred speech, sweating, rapid heartbeat, nausea and vomiting, tremors, sleeping issues, hallucinations, and anxiety.
Why Do People Mix Codeine and Alcohol?
There are many reasons why people mix codeine and alcohol:
- Enhanced effects- The pleasurable effects of taking codeine can be enhanced by alcohol. The temptation to enjoy more pleasurable effects- or the desperation to numb difficult emotions- drive some people to mix the two substances.
- Tolerance- Many people who use codeine regularly develop some tolerance to the drug, and require a higher dosage, or a different substance simultaneously, to enable them to experience the same effects as previously.
- Self-medication- Individuals in pain who are using codeine may find that combining the medication with alcohol achieves more effective results. When in great pain, they may decide to mix the two substances to relieve themselves.
- Social- At parties, weddings, clubhouses, and other social venues, many young teens- and adults- use drugs and alcohol to enhance their social enjoyment, relax their inhibitions, and allow themselves to be more friendly and have a good time.
- Ignorance- Many people are simply unaware of the dangers. Alternatively, they may know that it’s dangerous but minimize it, assuming that ‘just a bit’ can cause no harm.
What Are The Effects of Mixing Alcohol and Codeine?
Alcohol and codeine are both depressants, so the effects of mixing the two are enhanced depressant side effects. Both drugs produce sedation – a slowing of the central nervous system - making the user feel relaxed.
When the two substances are mixed together, the effects are extreme lightheadedness, drowsiness, and a very relaxed state of being. The mind is altered and respiratory depression can occur, with fatal results. So, to answer ‘can you drink on codeine’- drinking on codeine can be very dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.
Dangers of Mixing Codeine and Alcohol
There are many possible side effects users experience when mixing alcohol with codeine. Which side effects different people feel, and the extent of the effects on the brain and body, are dependent on many factors, including duration and dosage of substance abuse, age, weight, metabolism, physical health of user, and other factors, including:
- Low blood pressure
- Inability to concentrate
- Lightheadedness
- Drowsiness
- Slowed breathing
- Dizziness
- Respiratory distress
- Memory loss
- Cognitive impairment
- Fainting
- Coma
- Death
The Impact of Codeine and Alcohol on Mental Health
Since both codeine and alcohol are central nervous system depressants and cause the user to experience euphoria, exhilaration, lowered inhibitions, and a sense of calm and belonging, many people become dependent on these substances. With time, the body develops tolerance to both codeine and alcohol, requiring the user to increase the dosage to experience the same effects as previously, leading to an addiction.
Additionally, codeine and alcohol combined can have devastating effects on the brain and mental health, such as cognitive impairment, loss of motor skills, and trouble thinking, concentrating, and making decisions. It is imperative that you are fully aware of the risks and dangers of codeine and alcohol addiction, especially if you are struggling with another addiction.
Signs and Symptoms of Codeine and Alcohol Misuse
If you suspect a loved one may be experimenting with codeine and alcohol, it’s important to know the common signs so you can make an informed decision to help your loved one.
People who drink alcohol in intoxicating amounts typically can’t ‘walk a straight line’ because the alcohol affects their balance. They often have slurred speech, lowered inhibitions, say and do things they would normally be embarrassed of, and cannot make responsible decisions. Prolonged alcohol misuse can permanently damage the kidney and liver.
Conversely, when using codeine, users experience dizziness, lightheadedness, slowed breathing, a decrease in heart rate, cognitive impairment, memory loss, and even hallucinations. Of course, users are also less inhibited, more relaxed, and higher dosages or more frequent misuse can cause more severe symptoms like fainting, coma, and even death.
What To Do If You Drank Alcohol After Using Codeine
If you took a codeine-based medication and alcohol shortly after, monitor yourself. If you are feeling okay and are not experiencing any of the above symptoms, it’s possible that the amounts were very small, and therefore not dangerous.
Needless to say, do not consume any more alcohol that day. Stay awake and remain aware of any physical or mental changes you might feel, as outlined above. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, reach out to your doctor or go to your local ER for medical attention.
Can You Overdose From Codeine and Alcohol?
Yes, people who mix codeine and alcohol can mistakenly consume lethal amounts that can cause an overdose. If you suspect someone has overdosed from mixing codeine and alcohol, reach out for help right away. Dial 911 and stay with the person until help arrives.
Narcan is critical in saving people who have had an opioid overdose, and should therefore be administered right away if possible. However, Narcan does not reverse the effects of alcohol poisoning, so it’s vital that the person still receives additional medical assistance right away.
Treatment for Codeine and Alcohol Abuse
People who are struggling with a simultaneous codeine and alcohol addiction require specialized treatment. Called a co-occurring disorder or cross addiction, the addict requires professional medical detox, as well as case-by-case assessment for the most effective interventions for recovery.
At Avenues Recovery Center, we have experience helping countless individuals nationwide find recovery from codeine and alcohol addiction at our various rehab facilities. With warm, well-trained professionals, 5-star accommodations, people on the same journey to recovery, and various therapeutic modalities, you can start your journey to long-lasting recovery. Reach out today to find support, freedom, and serenity.