23rd April, 2021 — Drugs
The risks of mixing medicine and alcohol
Alcohol, strong painkillers and relaxant-type medications are all legal and all work in a similar way, including benzodiazepines and opioids. They slow down the part of the body that controls our breathing. When they are combined the result can be fatal.
Sadly, the risky relationship between alcohol and medication is not well known by many Australians. Most overdoses from pharmaceuticals are accidents. People can die from mixing alcohol with medication or taking multiple medications at once. This is also called ‘polydrug use’.
Remember, it’s dangerous to underestimate the strength of some medications. Everyone’s body is different and changes over time.
Be safe and never mix painkillers or relaxant-type medications with alcohol.