A recent study by researchers from the American College of Cardiology noted that 1 in 10 Americans engage in Aspirin misuse. While an alarming rise in aspirin and alcohol misuse occurs, it's best to understand why and how this happens. Transcend Recovery Community is here to shed light more on this with our curated information on everything you need to know.
Is It Safe to Take Aspirin with Alcohol?
No. Mixing aspirin and alcohol is not advised at all. Apart from developing mild indigestion, mixing alcohol with aspirin or with any prescription puts you at risk of having debilitating health conditions.
Additionally, having a drink of alcohol may also worsen the side effects of aspirin that may affect a person's overall bodily function. Even at a low dose, this may lead to bad interactions that may lead to an unwanted medical emergency.
If you drink alcohol, you also put yourself at risk of developing other gastrointestinal issues, such as gastrointestinal bleeding or stomach bleeding, heartburn, and other adverse digestion issues. When these symptoms worsen, this may eventually progress into irreparable damages.
A drink of alcohol can also cause overdose, where death may occur.
What is Aspirin?
Aspirin, known as acetylsalicylic acid, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). The medication is used for the treatment of many symptoms and has the following effects on the body, such as:
- relieving pain
- decreasing fever
- reducing inflammation (for higher doses)
It was also found to be effective an effective treatment for the following:
- headaches
- sprains and muscle aches
- menstrual cramps
- arthritis
- migraine
When taken daily, it is also said to be effective in lowering the risk of heart attack, stroke, and blood clots.
However, it also has side effects. Some of these side effects include:
- stomach issues
- gastrointestinal bleeding
- vomiting
- liver problems
It can also have adverse side effects that could induce the risk of:
- brain bleeding
- kidney failure
- hemorrhagic stroke (in rare cases)
What Are the Risks of Drinking while on Aspirin?
There are many risks involved with taking aspirin and alcohol consumption. Firstly, drug-alcohol interactions can be worse with the elderly, as the body becomes weaker in terms of metabolizing these substances.
In some cases, drinking alcohol may also hamper the effects of aspirin in the body which can slow down treatment. Most often, the more you consume alcoholic drinks while on aspirin, it may render aspirin useless.
Chronic alcohol consumption with aspirin may also put you at greater risk to develop life-threatening illnesses and conditions. You may experience organ failure long-term, such as liver damage and heart problems.
People taking aspirin and alcohol altogether in large amounts may also experience gastrointestinal bleeding. In some studies, researchers noted that an individual's increased risk of gastric bleeding went up to 6.3 times when they consumed 35 and more alcoholic beverages.
Mixing aspirin/alcohol can also lead to addiction. There are rare cases when people develop abuse of alcohol/aspirin which can also be a gateway to trying other drugs.
It's best to always consult your doctor about the many side effects of aspirin when drinking alcohol and how it will impact your body and overall health.
Side Effects of Mixing Aspirin and Alcohol
Similar to Lisinopril & alcohol, mixing alcohol with Aspirin can also lead to the following side effects:
- developed risks of bleeding issues (ulcers or holes)
- liver damage
- induced blood alcohol concentrations
- stomach issues
- dizziness
- tarry stools
- breathing difficulties
- death
- nausea
Always consult your healthcare provider and doctor to learn more about the many side effects and the actual risk of taking alcohol while on aspirin, whether as a painkiller or blood thinner.
Does The Aspirin Dose Matter?
Yes, for heart issues, "baby aspirin" or the smallest dosage (at 81 milligrams) will be prescribed or given by a healthcare provider. Meanwhile, a normal dose of aspirin (325 milligrams) is given for pain relief and inflammation.
It's best to always refer to the drug information to know more about its possible interactions to avoid any medical-induced accidents.
How Long After I Drink Alcohol Can I Take Aspirin?
The half-life of a standard-sized alcohol drink is one hour referring to the duration your body can rid half of the substance. It's best to check pharmaceutical information to give you a better idea of what to expect before treatment.
Is There Aspirin Abuse?
As medical professionals advise, aspirin abuse happens when you take the prescription medication in a much higher dose than the recommended dose. As with any prescription medication, It should only be taken when needed and according to the doctor's orders to avoid incurring several side effects that may bring more pain or worsen your health conditions.
Aspirin abuse also occurs when an individual takes it with other substances to achieve a "feel-good high." It's not uncommon to find other people drink alcohol while taking aspirin, or other medications.
Part of abuse may also come in the form of drug misuse. It simply refers to an individual taking aspirin differently than what it was intended for.
When aspirin abuse occurs, an individual must first understand that what they are doing is not normal, and must full-heartedly accept that they have an addiction problem. In most cases, part of a successful rehabilitation involves incorporating mental health treatment options with transitional housing.
In these cases, the patient is ensured that they receive the utmost guidance and support from licensed and trained mental health professionals alongside key people with them to check their progress and keep them motivated on their recovery journey. They may come in the form of a mental health companion.
Can Transcend Recovery Help with Aspirin and Alcohol Abuse?
Transcend Recovery provides supplemental mental health support for people in recovery through its sober living options. It partners with many mental health programs to help people process their addiction in a more positive light.
It empowers individuals and gives them the chance to live as they live in a halfway house with trained staff and supportive residents on their side during their stay.
You can contact us to find out more about how we can help. Getting better always starts with one huge step.
