Table of Contents
- What Happens When Steroids Are Combined with Alcohol?
- Using Steroids and Alcohol Together Can Cause Many Side Effects
- The Risks Are Higher for Some Individuals Than Others
- If Safe For You, Carefully Reintroduce Alcohol After Taking Steroids Like Prednisone
- Play It Safe and Avoid Alcohol While On Steroids
Key Points
- Combining steroids and alcohol is risky and not recommended due to the potential for increased effects and adverse effects.
- A number of dangerous side effects are possible when steroids and alcohol are used together, including a weakened immune system, unpredictable mood swings, liver damage, stomach ulcers, and elevated heart rate are some of the potential outcomes.
- Some individuals are at a greater risk than others, including older people and those with preexisting health conditions like liver disease or diabetes, or those with a history of substance use disorder.
- It’s best to avoid alcohol use during steroid treatment to reduce adverse health effects.
Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are used to treat a wide range of inflammatory conditions.[1] As with any medication, it’s essential to know what should be avoided while using steroids to prevent any unexpected and unwanted side effects. Alcohol is often not compatible with prescription medications like steroids.
It’s always smart to talk to your healthcare provider about these matters before starting your prescribed steroid. Your medical history will help your doctor make an accurate and informed recommendation.
Combining alcohol use with prescription steroids like prednisone is a bad idea. The way each of these substances works can combine to lead to harmful side effects. It’s best for anyone on steroid medications to avoid consuming alcohol for the duration of that prescription. This is the safest course of action.
What Happens When Steroids Are Combined with Alcohol?
There is no specific drug-to-drug interaction between alcohol and prednisone. That means the two substances do not impact one another in terms of how they are absorbed or metabolized. But that does not mean that it’s necessarily safe to use one with the other.
The issue here is the synergistic side effects of these two substances. That means stronger-than-usual side effects may occur when using both together. It’s this synergy that is at the heart of the risk and is why using steroids together with alcohol is not recommended.
Using Steroids and Alcohol Together Can Cause Many Side Effects
Side effects are common when introducing various substances into the body. That’s true for both steroids and alcohol. These substances cause changes in the body individually, and when combined, those changes can be more pronounced. Learning the potential side effects of alcohol and prednisone makes it clear that this blend should be avoided.
Weakened Immune System
Steroids, such as prednisone, suppress the immune system’s performance.[2] So too does alcohol. When paired together, the functioning of the immune system can be significantly reduced from its usual levels. That means your body will be more vulnerable to infections, and healing will be slower.
Elevated Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a serious condition that can be brought on by combining alcohol and steroids. These substances can each lead to higher blood pressure, although in different ways. The steroids can disrupt the body’s regulation of water and electrolytes, leading to an increase in blood pressure.[3] With alcohol, the higher blood pressure can stem from the narrowing of blood vessels. Combining these two effects can have dangerous consequences.
Mood Swings
Taking steroids such as prednisone can trigger depression and other mental health issues.[4] Using alcohol can worsen those symptoms. Additionally, alcohol can impact judgment and memory. The accumulated effect can mean difficulty controlling mood and maintaining a steady state throughout the day.
Liver Damage
Each of these substances is metabolized by the liver. Using them together for an extended period may increase the risk of liver inflammation. Long-term damage can be done to the liver as a result of this combination of substances.
Stomach Ulcers
Corticosteroids are known to raise the risk of ulcers and upper gastrointestinal bleeding. One meta-study found a 40% increase in the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients taking corticosteroids.[5] Separately, alcohol irritates the GI lining and can promote the formation of ulcers.[6] Bringing the two together can lead to serious digestive issues.
The Risks Are Higher for Some Individuals Than Others
The general recommendation of avoiding alcohol while taking a steroid medication applies to everyone. However, the risks presented by this combination are particularly elevated in certain populations.
Older adults should be cautious with these two substances. Anyone over 60 years old is likely to have a slower metabolism and be more vulnerable to GI bleeding and other potential side effects.
People who already have liver disease are also at an elevated risk and should avoid alcohol.[7] For those with diabetes, the tendency of steroids and alcohol to disrupt blood sugar levels is concerning. With any preexisting condition, it’s important to get proper medical advice before considering using alcohol along with any other drug.
If Safe For You, Carefully Reintroduce Alcohol After Taking Steroids Like Prednisone
This is a good time to consider whether or not you want to return to alcohol consumption. If you have a history of substance abuse issues, moving on from alcohol could be the best choice.[8] It might be that your period of prescription steroid use is the perfect opportunity to break an alcohol intake habit.
Alcohol use disorder puts you at an increased risk of countless adverse outcomes. Liver disease is a big one, of course, along with mental health issues, weight gain, and more. Seeing a period of prednisone use as a short-term detox opportunity may be a significant positive change in your life.
Play It Safe and Avoid Alcohol While On Steroids
Your best course of action while taking steroids is simply to avoid alcohol consumption. If you are dealing with an alcohol addiction or substance use disorder that makes this difficult, help is available.
Professional addiction treatment can help you or your loved one break the pattern of alcohol abuse and turn life in a new direction. With practical coping strategies, evidence-based therapy techniques, and compassionate community support, you can overcome substance use-related challenges and heal from within.
Frequently Asked Questions About Steroids and Alcohol
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