Alcohol and Suboxone: any experiences

[Spinner-007]

I hope that I'm not violating any site policies, but I have a really big concern.

My wife just brought home a couple of beers from her parents home(they weren't home) and she is on Suboxone.

can anyone tell me from experience what this can do to her?

I've read tons of stuff already on other sites, but would like some feedback from anyone here who did this, or had a loved one do this.

You're feedback is more than greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[exjunky]

I don't think there is much of a health risk, assuming two things: (1) the drinking is done in moderation, and (2) the patient is on a safe, appropriate dosage of suboxone.

However, safety aside, I don't think it's a very good idea. Here's why:

Suboxone normally does not get the subject "high" in any sense of the word. The patient is usually asked repeatedly by the doctor if they experience symptoms such as "euphoria, itchiness, dreaminess, nodding off"; simply put, the doctor wants to know if the patient is getting a buzz from their suboxone. If they are, then the dosage has to be reduced at once.

So I can imagine somebody who is not getting a buzz from their suboxone, but then they take a potentiator such as alcohol or benzos, and suddenly they get high. Since the goal of suboxone is allow the body to heal itself without withdrawal, and NOT to substitute "one high for another" (as some people erroneously believe), it's clear that people on suboxone should avoid alcohol.

[Spinner-007]

Ex, thank you so much for your help. I definately needed some imput on this, and this helped.

[catcrazy]

I have been on sub for over a year, had a drink here or there when out to dinner..
Dr knows, and alcohol isnt and hasnt been an issue for me..
it caused me no ill effects..
also I know several people on sub who have the occasional drink and have not gotten ill or out of control..some do complain of headaches tho..so it depends on person and situation..
but in my experience having a drink here or there didnt interfere with sub..

[Buzz Kilowatt]

A general answer:

Opioids in general cause respiratory depression. Alcohol intensifies this effect.

Furthermore, both alcohol & opioids are known to cause nausea and vomiting.

Drinking a lot of alcohol when taking opiates is a bad idea. In large quantities, the two substances can cause respiratory arrest or death from asphyxiation or pneumonia due to aspiration of vomitus.

I don't know how much Suboxone is like other opioids, and how much is "too much" in combination with alcohol. But I am certain of one thing: you don't want your wife to find out by trial and error.

Best of luck,

Buzz

[joyhawk]

The entire time I was on Suboxone (a little over 4 months), I enjoyed the occasional glass of wine and the only thing it did to me was put me to sleep!