Combining substances that affect the CNS (central nervous system) can lead to dangerous and potentially life-threatening consequences. Mixing Suboxone and alcohol is one such hazardous combination. This page explores the interaction between these two substances, including the potential risks, side effects, and treatment options for those who may be struggling with mixing alcohol abuse and opioid addiction. We’ll examine why this combination is particularly dangerous, what physical and psychological effects can occur, and what resources are available for those seeking help with substance use disorders involving Suboxone and alcohol.

What Is Suboxone?

Suboxone is a prescription medication used for relapse prevention that contains buprenorphine and naloxone as active ingredients [1]. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, meaning it stimulates the brain’s opioid receptors, but with less intensity than full opioids like heroin or prescription painkillers [2]. This helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms in people with opioid use disorder. Naloxone, the second component, is an opioid antagonist that blocks opioid effects and helps prevent misuse of the medication [3]. Healthcare providers mainly prescribe Suboxone as part of MAT (medication-assisted treatment) for opioid dependence. The medication comes in film or tablet form that dissolves under the tongue or inside the cheek. When used correctly under medical supervision, Suboxone can effectively support recovery from opioid addiction while minimizing withdrawal symptoms. While Suboxone itself carries a lower risk of respiratory depression than full opioids, this safety profile changes dramatically when combined with other CNS depressants like alcohol.

What Are the Side Effects of Suboxone and Alcohol?

Both Suboxone and alcohol independently trigger pronounced effects on the body and brain. When used together, these effects can intensify unpredictably.  Suboxone alone may cause side effects including: 

• Headache and dizziness.
• Numbness or tingling.
• Sleep difficulties.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Constipation.
• Excessive sweating.

 Alcohol consumption typically results in: 

• Impaired coordination and judgment.
• Slowed reaction time.
• Decreased inhibition.
• Memory problems.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Dehydration.

When someone combines Suboxone and alcohol, these side effects multiply. The interaction creates a dangerous synergistic effect where both substances enhance each other’s depressant properties. Mixing alcohol with Suboxone increases the risk of: 

• Profound sedation and unconsciousness.
• Dangerously slowed breathing.
• Severely impaired cognitive function.
• Increased risk of accidents or injuries.
• Potential heart problems.
• Memory blackouts.

Drinking even small amounts of alcohol while on Suboxone can produce unexpectedly intense effects, making this combination particularly unpredictable and dangerous.

Dangers of Mixing Suboxone and Alcohol

The combination of taking Suboxone and drinking alcohol creates several potentially life-threatening health risks. The most severe danger involves respiratory depression, when breathing becomes dangerously slow or shallow [4]. Both substances independently suppress the respiratory system, and together, they can amplify this effect to potentially fatal levels. The liver metabolizes Suboxone and alcohol, creating additional strain on this vital organ. Chronic alcohol use often compromises liver function, which can lead to higher-than-expected blood levels of Suboxone as the liver struggles to process both substances. This increases the risk of overdose, even with a normal Suboxone dose. Mental health concerns also emerge with this combination. Both substances affect mood regulation, and together they can worsen depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. The severe cognitive impairment from mixing Suboxone and alcohol leads to poor decision-making that may result in accidents, injuries, or other dangerous situations. For those in recovery from opioid use disorder, mixing alcohol consumption with Suboxone treatment can provoke a relapse. Alcohol lowers inhibitions and may lead to poor choices regarding medication adherence or return to opioid use. Beyond this, drinking alcohol on Suboxone can interfere with the effectiveness of addiction treatment. Alcohol consumption undermines the stability that Suboxone therapy aims to provide, potentially counteracting its therapeutic benefits.

Treatment for Suboxone and Alcohol

Addressing a dependence issue with mixing alcohol with Suboxone requires a comprehensive approach tailored to individual needs. The first step usually involves medical detoxification to safely manage withdrawal symptoms from both substances [5]. This process should always occur under professional supervision, as withdrawal from either substance can produce significant discomfort and, in the case of alcohol, potentially dangerous symptoms.  Following detoxification, integrated treatment plans typically include: 

• Medication management to address both opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder.
• Individual and group therapy sessions that employ evidence-based approaches like CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy).
• Treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions that may contribute to substance use.
• Family therapy to repair relationships and build a supportive recovery environment.
• Participation in recovery support groups like NA (Narcotics Anonymous), AA (Alcoholics Anonymous), or SMART Recovery.

For individuals with alcohol use disorder who are using Suboxone for opioid dependence, healthcare providers might consider Suboxone for alcohol use disorder as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. While not FDA-approved specifically for this purpose, some research suggests that Suboxone components may help reduce alcohol cravings [6].  Long-term recovery generally involves ongoing support and monitoring, including:

• Regular medical check-ups to monitor health status.
• Continued therapy to address underlying issues.
• Development of healthy coping mechanisms.
• Lifestyle changes that support sobriety.
• Relapse prevention planning and skills.

FAQs

How long after taking Suboxone can you drink alcohol?

Medical professionals typically recommend avoiding alcohol entirely while on Suboxone therapy due to dangerous interactions, regardless of the timing between doses.

Does Suboxone treatment help with alcohol withdrawal symptoms?

Suboxone is not FDA-approved for treating alcohol use disorder, although some research suggests its components may help reduce alcohol cravings in some people as an off-label use.

What can you not do while on Suboxone?

While taking Suboxone, individuals should avoid alcohol, benzodiazepines, and other central nervous system depressants, as well as driving or operating machinery until they know how the medication affects them.

Does Naloxone block alcohol effects?

No, naloxone specifically blocks opioid receptors and does not directly block alcohol’s effects on the brain or body. 

Why is it dangerous to drink alcohol during Suboxone treatment?

Mixing alcohol and Suboxone is dangerous because both are central nervous system depressants. This means they both work together to depress the nervous system and can result in respiratory suppression, impaired judgment, severe drowsiness, liver distress, and more.

Get Treatment for Opioid and Alcohol Addiction at California Detox

If you have been struggling with dependence on alcohol or opioids, we can help you recalibrate your life at California Detox in Laguna Beach, CA. Effective addiction treatment begins with supervised medical detox. Our program helps you withdraw from alcohol or opioids under controlled conditions with access to medication and continuous care. After a week of detoxification, you can move into ongoing treatment at our rehab by the beach. We offer world-class inpatient treatment programs that incorporate MAT (medication-assisted treatment) and other evidence-based treatments for a successful recovery journey. We also provide integrated dual diagnosis treatment for those battling addictions with co-occurring mental health conditions.  Since every addiction presents differently, all our treatment plans are personalized. Therapies include:

• Medication-assisted treatment
• Counseling
• Motivational therapies
• Talk therapies
• Family therapy
• Group therapy
• Holistic therapies
• Aftercare

Get effective and compassionate addiction treatment by calling 888-995-4208.   Sources [1] https://www.goodrx.com/buprenorphine-naloxone/what-is [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459126/ [3] https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/naloxone [4] https://www.pediatrics.wisc.edu/education/sedation-program/sedation-education/sedation-respiratory-depression/ [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64119 [6] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3035814/