Risks of mixing alcohol and drugs
Date published:
Damage to your health
Any combination of prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, illegal drugs and alcohol can be dangerous.
The mix could be toxic and cause serious damage to your health.
It is safest to not use any drugs at all.
But if you choose to drink alcohol:
keep an eye on how much you’re drinking
and
never mix with other drugs
If you want to keep a closer eye on your drinking and learn more, visit the ‘virtual bar’ app on the Drugs and Alcohol NI website.
Drugs
Always remember that taking any other drugs, and taking them along with alcohol, carries extra risks.
Alcohol and drugs can also affect your decision-making, which could leave you feeling vulnerable.
Too much alcohol or any drug use can mean you might take more risks. This includes having sex when you normally wouldn’t or, when you do, not using a condom.
You could become involved in anti-social behaviour, get in fights and act in ways that can have long-term consequences.
You can find out more information at this link:
Advice
The advice is to:
- always drink in moderation
- take no more than 14 units of alcohol a week
- spread the units out evenly over the week
- avoid taking illegal drugs
- only take medication prescribed by your doctor and as they have instructed
- ask your doctor whether you need to avoid alcohol while taking medication they have prescribed for you
If someone has taken drugs and is feeling unwell, call the emergency services immediately.