Mixing Heroin and Alcohol – Is it safe or deadly?

Heroin use brings feelings of euphoria; when alcohol is added to the mix, it has an additive effect on the body, increasing the impact of both substances.

Heroinis one of the deadliest street drugs available today. But when mixed withalcohol— a substance whose legal status causes many to dismiss it as safe — heroin becomes even more lethal. Abusing these drugs together puts users at great risk of injury and even death because of the compounding, depressing effects on the body’s central nervous system.

Heroin Use Self-Assessment

Are you addicted to heroin?

This self-guided assessment is designed to help you evaluate your level of heroin use — it is not intended to replace a proper, clinical diagnosis of heroin addiction. You can use the results of this assessment as a guide to help you:

• Determine if your heroin use is problematic
• Recognize the signs and symptoms of heroin use disorder
• Seek treatment for heroin addiction if necessary

Are you addicted to Heroin?

Choose all that apply to you:

I have used more heroin than I intended

I've experienced a heroin overdose and needed to be revived with Narcan

I've used several drugs at once, including heroin

I've spent a significant amount of time obtaining heroin, using it or recovering from its effects

I've exchanged sex, money or other drugs for heroin

I've felt overwhelming urges to use heroin

I've attempted to control or stop my heroin use but was unsuccessful

I've faced legal troubles (arrest, possession charges, incarceration, etc.) because of my heroin use

I've continued to use heroin even when it was physically or psychologically harmful

I've needed to take more heroin each time I use it to feel the same effects (i.e., developed a tolerance to heroin)

I've experienced withdrawal symptoms when I stopped using heroin

I've been unable to maintain work, social or familial responsibilities because of my heroin use

Your assessment results are confidential.

Enter your information below to proceed to your results.

By filling out this contact form, you agree to opt into communications from The Recovery Village. Message frequency may vary. Standard message and data rates may apply.

 

First Name

Last Name

Email

Phone Number

I am interested in getting help from a Recovery Advocate.

Time's up

What Is Heroin?

Heroin is a drug derived from opium poppy plant seed pods, making it part of a class of highly addictive substances called opiates. When ingested, heroin produces a dream-like euphoria that elicits a rush of happiness and elation. While this drug is most commonly found in a white or brown powdered form, it is also sold as a solid and sticky black substance. Even in its purest variations, heroin is extremely dangerous and addictive. Most heroin sold in the United States and around the world is cut with other drugs and chemicals. This factor leaves users at an even higher risk of negative health risks, as there is no way to know what is being consumed.

What Are the Side Effects of Combining Heroin and Alcohol?

On its own, heroin use brings feelings of euphoria. When alcohol is added to the mix, it has an addictive effect on the body, increasing the impact of both substances. This mix can have deadly ramifications. Side effects of combined heroin and alcohol use include:

• Dizziness
• Loss of consciousness
• Impaired coordination
• Shallow breathing
• Slowed heart rate
• Tremors

Dangers of Mixing Heroin and Alcohol

The deadly effects of heroin increase dramatically when combined with alcohol. Because the creation of heroin is completely unregulated, it’s impossible to know what each batch is cut with or how strong it is. The body absorbs alcohol faster when heroin is present, making alcohol poisoning a deadly threat even after consuming only a small amount of liquor, beer or wine.

DON’T WAIT

Treatment may cost less today - act before your deductible resets.

This is the best time of year to begin treatment. Your current insurance benefits could reduce your upfront costs. Verify your insurance today – treatment could be more affordable than you think.

Verify Your Insurance Online

Learn More

But the harmful effects that these drugs have on the body don’t stop there. Both heroin and alcohol act as central nervous depressants. When used together, their sedative properties only increase. This effect can slow or even stop your breathing. Once you’re in this state, simple tasks like getting up to call 911 are impossible. Aside from causing harm to yourself, you may decide to drive or engage in other questionable behaviors that put your relationships and the lives of others at risk.

Alcohol poisoningcan be fatal. If you suspect someone is experiencing alcohol poisoning, call911immediately. Do NOT be afraid to seek help.If you do not have access to a phone contactWeb Poison Control Servicesfor online assistance.

Treatment for Heroin and Alcohol Addiction

Mixing heroin and alcohol doesn’t just hurt you, it also hurts the people you love and puts them at risk. Quitting these addictive substances on your own can be difficult, especially because detoxing from heroin and alcohol elicits intense withdrawal symptoms like vomiting, paranoia and rapid heartbeat.