Prescription drugs, such as hydrocodone, and alcohol are two of the most common substances in the country. It’s legal for adults over 21 to consume alcohol within limits in the U.S. With a prescription from a doctor and some supervision, it’s legal to take opioid painkillers like hydrocodone. But, medical professionals give directions and warning labels emphasize the danger of mixing drugs like hydrocodone and depressant drugs like alcohol.

Why is that? It’s because both hydrocodone and alcohol cause similar effects on the brain and alcohol bloating. This means they can compound the intoxication, making you feel very high or very drunk. When combined, the risk of overdose and death is very high. At First City, we provide individualized prescription drug abuse treatment in Kokomo, Indiana for those needing assistance in stopping their drug use.

What is Hydrocodone?

Question: What is Hydrocodone?

Answer: Hydrocodone is a medication used to relieve severe pain and it is also an effective antitussive, meaning it works as a cough suppressant. The brand name, Vicodin, is a combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen and is the most frequently prescribed form. This drug is in a class of medications called opiate (narcotic) analgesics. Hydrocodone works by changing the way the nervous system and brain respond to pain.

Common Side Effects of Hydrocodone Use

Even people who use hydrocodone-based pain relievers as prescribed by their doctor may still have side effects. However, these are more likely to happen to people who misuse or abuse the drug because they tend to take more than necessary to manage their pain. Common side effects include:

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dry mouth
  • Stomach pain
  • Constipation
  • Backaches
  • Headaches
  • Muscle tightness or tension
  • Frequent or painful urination
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  • Sleep problems
  • Consistent fatigue or oversleeping
  • Swelling in legs, ankles, or feet
  • Uncontrollable shaking in certain body parts

Serious Side Effects

Some side effects of hydrocodone use can be very serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call for emergency medical treatment:

  • Chest pains
  • Loss of appetite
  • Hallucinations
  • Decreased sexual desire
  • Dizziness or weakness
  • Irregular menstrual periods
  • Swelling of face, eyes, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Arrhythmia (changes in heartbeat)
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing

Using hydrocodone may cause other side effects. Contact a medical professional from Alcohol Recovery Programs if you have any unusual problems.

Why is Hydrocodone Addictive?

Hydrocodone and other narcotic analgesics connect to the proteins in the spinal cord and brain called opioid receptors. Opioids block pain signals heading to the brain to alter your sensation of pain and your emotional reaction to it. It’s safe and effective when used as prescribed for a short period of time.

Unfortunately, opioid painkillers have been shown to be very addictive. When opioid prescribing practices changed in 1999, more doctors in the U.S. dispensed these medications to more patients. Half a million people have died of overdoses linked to oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and morphine.

People who start out taking hydrocodone as a pain medication begin to take it to get a euphoric feeling instead of just pain relief. This results in them taking it for longer than prescribed, or using a larger amount than what was prescribed. The CDC and other science organizations believe that the sharp rise in prescription narcotics led to the epidemic of addiction and overdose.

While people now abuse street opioids like illicit fentanyl and heroin, most report that they began their substance abuse with a prescription for hydrocodone or oxycodone from their doctor.

Symptoms of Hydrocodone Addiction

  • Bradycardia (slowed heartbeat)
  • Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Depression
  • Fear and confusion
  • Headaches
  • Ears ringing
  • Blurry vision
  • Slowed breathing
  • Weakness in muscles
  • Sleepiness

 Street names for hydrocodone include:

  • Hydro
  • Norco
  • Vikes

Hydrocodone Overdose

Too much hydrocodone may cause an overdose but there is no specific limit as to how much that may be. It depends on how large the dose is per pill or how the drug is taken.

If an individual overdoses on hydrocodone, it’s extremely important to call 911. Emergency medical attention is necessary to survive and lessen long-term damage.

Signs of an overdose from hydrocodone or other opioids include:

  • Cold, clammy, or very pale skin
  • Severely constricted (small) pupils
  • Memory problems or extreme confusion
  • Stumbling
  • Falling asleep and not being able to wake up
  • A blue tint to fingernails or lips (cyanosis)
  • Vomiting
  • gurgling sounds in the throat
  • Slow or stopped heartbeat
  • Slow or shallow breathing that can lead to unconsciousness
  • Breathing becomes irregular or stops which can cause death

Large doses of hydrocodone combined with acetaminophen may lead to severe liver damage.

Reversing an Opioid Overdose

At this time, naloxone is being used widely by emergency responders, pharmacies, and even caregivers, to prevent a deadly opioid overdose. It is a short-acting drug but it will temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. This gives responders the time needed to treat the person.

However, when there are other substances like alcohol involved in the overdose, naloxone may be less effective because it works to stop opioid overdoses–not overdoses on other drugs. The use of naloxone may stop the opioid symptoms but the person may still go through the effects of excessive consumption of alcohol.

Risks of Alcohol Abuse Alone

In small doses, alcohol can bring about a pleasant, relaxing, or sleepy feeling. Many people report feeling less stressed out and more social. Still, if you consume enough alcohol you will become drunk–stumbling, slurring your words, experiencing nausea or vomiting, and having problems with memory or thinking. Consuming alcohol can also lead to gastrointestinal irritation and bloating.

Alcohol bloating is a common issue that can occur after drinking alcohol, especially with excessive alcohol consumption or binge drinking. Alcohol bloating can last from a few hours to several weeks, depending on individual factors. Bloating may persist for a day or two, or even longer, and factors determine how long someone will experience alcohol bloating, such as how much alcohol was consumed and the person’s overall gut health. Drinking alcohol, particularly alcoholic drinks and alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, and whiskey, can cause bloating and discomfort in the digestive tract and gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Alcohol can also cause puffiness in the face and body due to dehydration and inflammation. If you experience alcohol bloating that lasts more than a few days or is accompanied by severe pain, it may indicate a more serious condition such as alcoholic gastritis or liver strain. If bloating persists even after quitting alcohol, it could be a sign of deeper issues like liver damage or gastrointestinal disorders.

These drinks are high in calories—about 7 calories per gram—and frequent drinking can lead to weight gain, a “beer belly,” and a bloated appearance in the stomach. Wine, beer, and whiskey are particularly high in calories. Mixers such as sugary sodas and carbonated drinks increase the calorie count and sugar content, and can cause excess gas and carbon dioxide buildup, leading to feeling bloated and abdominal pain. Carbonated mixers can also increase stomach acidity, leading to symptoms like acid reflux and heartburn. Consuming fatty foods with alcohol can slow digestion and increase the risk of bloating and stomach discomfort.

Alcohol consumption can irritate the stomach lining and gastrointestinal tract, causing inflammation (gastritis), acute gastritis, and chronic gastritis, which may result in stomach ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome. Consuming alcohol increases stomach acid, which can inflame the stomach lining and contribute to bloating. Alcohol is an inflammatory substance, causing swelling and puffiness in the face and body, and alcohol bloating leads to mild to moderate discomfort, with many factors aiding in its buildup. Chronic alcohol use can have damaging effects on the digestive system, leading to persistent bloating, gastritis, ulcers, and other gastrointestinal problems.

Alcohol is a diuretic, causing the body to eliminate excess fluids and electrolytes, which leads to dehydration. The body can only metabolize a certain amount of alcohol every hour, and this varies by individual. How much alcohol can be consumed safely depends on recommended daily limits and individual metabolism. Reducing alcohol intake is a key step to relieve bloating and prevent chronic conditions. Stopping drinking alcohol is important to prevent or alleviate alcohol bloating and support digestive health. Drinking one glass of water for every alcoholic beverage is a common recommendation to mitigate dehydration effects. Hydration is important to counteract dehydration from alcohol and helps flush out toxins. Staying hydrated supports the body’s natural diuretic function and helps ease the inflammatory effects of alcohol.

A Deadly Mixture

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) has reported that there were more than 16 million people struggling with alcohol use disorder. Alcohol addiction can also contribute to persistent digestive issues, such as chronic bloating and inflammation, which may require medical attention.

And even more are struggling with binge or heavy drinking, which can also cause harmful effects on their bodies. Considering there are so many people struggling with alcohol and opioid abuse, it was likely that these two disorders would overlap in some cases.

When a person consumes two drugs that both cause these side effects, mixing them increases the chance that the person will pass out, stop breathing, or suffer heart failure and die.

In addition, the CDC found that alcohol abuse is common among people who abuse prescription drugs as their primary drug of addiction. One study found that alcohol was implicated in 18.5% of opioid-caused emergency department admissions and 22.1% of opioid overdose deaths.

Treating Polydrug Abuse

Polydrug abuse, particularly involving two depressants like alcohol and hydrocodone, is extremely dangerous. Obviously, the risk of a fatal overdose is much greater when drugs are combined to get high. If someone is struggling with alcohol abuse, opioid addiction, or both, they need a medically supervised detox and evidence-based treatment in rehab to triumph over these dangerous conditions. Treatment for alcohol-related issues may also address digestive discomfort and bloating caused by excessive alcohol use.

For those seeking convenient and accessible mental health support during recovery from alcohol and drug abuse, online talk therapy options with First City Recovery Center are available.

Medical Detox

Evidence-Based Treatment

Group Therapy

Individual Counseling

How Can First City Recovery Center Help with Alcohol Addiction?

First City Recovery Center can help you in every way if you’re struggling with an addiction to hydrocodone, alcohol, or both. Our treatment center in Kokomo Indiana has the facilities to help you get your life back on track, no matter what your level of addiction is and what your personal needs are. Perhaps you have a loved one who has fallen into the trap of opioid addiction and you don’t know what to do.

Lifestyle changes such as reducing alcohol consumption, drinking water, and eating a balanced diet can help prevent alcohol bloating and reduce bloating. Regular exercise and physical activity, like walking, can stimulate the digestive system and help get rid of bloating. Drinking water before, during, and after drinking alcohol, and ensuring enough fluids, can help prevent bloating and its inflammatory effects.

Limiting the amount of alcohol consumed, choosing light, healthy meals, and avoiding high-sodium snacks and sugary or carbonated mixers can support digestion and prevent bloating. Herbal teas such as ginger, peppermint, and chamomile can help relax digestive muscles and expel excess gas. Making these lifestyle changes can help manage and prevent alcohol-related digestive issues and support overall physical health during recovery.

We have many addiction treatment programs in Kokomo, Indiana, so a comprehensive treatment plan can be created to fit individual needs. First City Recovery can provide:

  • Medical Detox
  • Inpatient Residential Program
  • Outpatient Program
  • Partial Hospitalization Program
  • Intensive Outpatient Program
  • Sober Living Program

In addition to these SUD rehab programs, we have a dual diagnosis treatment program which is a necessity if you or your loved one is also suffering from a co-occurring mental health issue.

Many times, substance abuse is used as a way of self-medicating a mental health problem. Our trained, licensed, therapists are experienced in the evidence-based treatments and psychotherapy so important in recovery.

SUD is a serious problem. Contact us today in First City Recovery Center Kokomo Indiana. Our admissions specialists are prepared to check your insurance coverage and answer any questions you might have.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking hydrocodone?

No, combining hydrocodone and alcohol is dangerous because both are central nervous system depressants. Together they can severely slow breathing, lower heart rate, and increase the risk of overdose, coma, or death.

What happens if you mix hydrocodone and alcohol even once?

Even a single instance of mixing hydrocodone with alcohol can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, dizziness, impaired judgment, and increased risk of accidental injury or overdose.

Can small amounts of alcohol make hydrocodone more dangerous?

Yes, even small amounts of alcohol can amplify the effects of hydrocodone, increasing sedation and respiratory suppression well beyond what either substance alone would cause.

Why does mixing hydrocodone with alcohol raise the risk of liver damage?

Many hydrocodone products also contain acetaminophen, which can be toxic to the liver. Alcohol puts additional strain on the liver, increasing the likelihood of liver injury or failure when both are combined.

How long should I wait after taking hydrocodone before drinking alcohol?

There’s no safe waiting period once hydrocodone has been taken. Because both substances impact your body for hours, the safest approach is to avoid alcohol entirely while on hydrocodone and until it has fully cleared your system, as determined by your prescribing provider.

Medical Detox

Drug detoxification is the process of clearing drugs from the body. Stopping the use of a substance can lead to withdrawal symptoms that range from uncomfortable to life-threatening. Stopping the use of hydrocodone  can lead to these withdrawal symptoms:

  • Anxiety
  • Sleep problems
  • Irritability
  • Heavy sweating
  • Achey muscles

If you have also become addicted to alcohol, the withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Anxiety
  • Shaky hands
  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Sweating
  • Insomnia

However, alcohol withdrawal may become seriously life-threatening as withdrawal continues including a condition known as the DTs (Delerium tremens).

During a medical detox, the patient is medically monitored full-time by a professional medical staff and provided medication to ease the symptoms and handle any emergencies. Quitting one drug on your own is difficult and risky. Quitting two has a low chance of a positive outcome.

Evidence-Based Treatment

The best treatment for any substance use disorder (SUD) is evidence-based treatment. This means that research-based treatments are tailored to an individual’s preferences, needs, and cultural beliefs. These treatments have been thoroughly tested in random, controlled trials or a series of case studies and have been proven to be effective. Some of the most common evidence-based treatments are behavioral therapies such as:

  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – CBT is a goal-oriented talk therapy that helps the individual “unlearn” problematic patterns of thinking because psychological issues are partly based on learned patterns and inaccurate core beliefs. In CBT, people learn how their thoughts affect their emotions.
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) -DBT is based on CBT but it is adjusted for people who feel emotions intensely. The goal is to help the person understand and accept their problems while trying to overcome them.
  • Motivational Interviewing (MI) -Effective treatment of SUD requires an understanding of what the person needs to do to change their substance use behaviors. An important part is helping the individual become aware of their values and hopes for a healthy life. MI helps them resolve their uncertainty about changing and brings out their reasons for and commitment to changing their unhealthy behaviors.

Group Therapy

Group therapy is a type of treatment where individuals learn and practice recovery strategies, build their interpersonal skills, and develop and reinforce support networks.

Typically, it includes a group of 6 to 12 people who meet on a regular basis with one or two therapists. The National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services reported in 2019 that 93% of SUD treatment facilities provide group counseling.

Individual Counseling

Individual counseling, sometimes called psychotherapy, is a process where the individual works one-on-one with a trained mental health counselor in a safe, confidential environment. As the person talks through their issues, they may discover a reason for their drug or alcohol abuse in the first place.

How Can First City Recovery Center Help?

danger-of-hydrocodone-and-alcoholFirst City Recovery Center can help you in every way if you’re struggling with an addiction to hydrocodone, alcohol, or both. Our treatment center in Kokomo Indiana has the facilities to help you get your life back on track, no matter what your level of addiction is and what your personal needs are. Perhaps you have a loved one who has fallen into the trap of opioid addiction and you don’t know what to do.

We have many addiction treatment programs in Kokomo, Indiana, so a comprehensive treatment plan can be created to fit individual needs. First City Recovery can provide:

  • Medical Detox
  • Inpatient Residential Program
  • Outpatient Program
  • Partial Hospitalization Program
  • Intensive Outpatient Program
  • Sober Living Program

In addition to these SUD rehab programs, we have a dual diagnosis treatment program which is a necessity if you or your loved one is also suffering from a co-occurring mental health issue.

Many times, substance abuse is used as a way of self-medicating a mental health problem. Our trained, licensed, therapists are experienced in the evidence-based treatments and psychotherapy so important in recovery.

SUD is a serious problem. Contact us today. Our admissions specialists are prepared to check your insurance coverage and answer any questions you might have.

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Can You Mix Hydrocodone and Alcohol?

Dec 22, 2025

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Prescription drugs, such as hydrocodone, and alcohol are two of the most common substances in the country. It’s legal for adults over 21 to consume alcohol within limits in the U.S. With a prescription from a doctor and some supervision, it’s legal to take opioid painkillers like hydrocodone. But, medical professionals give directions and warning labels emphasize the danger of mixing drugs like hydrocodone and depressant drugs like alcohol.

Why is that? It’s because both hydrocodone and alcohol cause similar effects on the brain and alcohol bloating. This means they can compound the intoxication, making you feel very high or very drunk. When combined, the risk of overdose and death is very high. At First City, we provide individualized prescription drug abuse treatment in Kokomo, Indiana for those needing assistance in stopping their drug use.

What is Hydrocodone?

Question: What is Hydrocodone?

Answer: Hydrocodone is a medication used to relieve severe pain and it is also an effective antitussive, meaning it works as a cough suppressant. The brand name, Vicodin, is a combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen and is the most frequently prescribed form. This drug is in a class of medications called opiate (narcotic) analgesics. Hydrocodone works by changing the way the nervous system and brain respond to pain.

Common Side Effects of Hydrocodone Use

Even people who use hydrocodone-based pain relievers as prescribed by their doctor may still have side effects. However, these are more likely to happen to people who misuse or abuse the drug because they tend to take more than necessary to manage their pain. Common side effects include:

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dry mouth
  • Stomach pain
  • Constipation
  • Backaches
  • Headaches
  • Muscle tightness or tension
  • Frequent or painful urination
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  • Sleep problems
  • Consistent fatigue or oversleeping
  • Swelling in legs, ankles, or feet
  • Uncontrollable shaking in certain body parts

Serious Side Effects

Some side effects of hydrocodone use can be very serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call for emergency medical treatment:

  • Chest pains
  • Loss of appetite
  • Hallucinations
  • Decreased sexual desire
  • Dizziness or weakness
  • Irregular menstrual periods
  • Swelling of face, eyes, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Arrhythmia (changes in heartbeat)
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing

Using hydrocodone may cause other side effects. Contact a medical professional from Alcohol Recovery Programs if you have any unusual problems.

Why is Hydrocodone Addictive?

Hydrocodone and other narcotic analgesics connect to the proteins in the spinal cord and brain called opioid receptors. Opioids block pain signals heading to the brain to alter your sensation of pain and your emotional reaction to it. It’s safe and effective when used as prescribed for a short period of time.

Unfortunately, opioid painkillers have been shown to be very addictive. When opioid prescribing practices changed in 1999, more doctors in the U.S. dispensed these medications to more patients. Half a million people have died of overdoses linked to oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and morphine.

People who start out taking hydrocodone as a pain medication begin to take it to get a euphoric feeling instead of just pain relief. This results in them taking it for longer than prescribed, or using a larger amount than what was prescribed. The CDC and other science organizations believe that the sharp rise in prescription narcotics led to the epidemic of addiction and overdose.

While people now abuse street opioids like illicit fentanyl and heroin, most report that they began their substance abuse with a prescription for hydrocodone or oxycodone from their doctor.

Symptoms of Hydrocodone Addiction

  • Bradycardia (slowed heartbeat)
  • Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Depression
  • Fear and confusion
  • Headaches
  • Ears ringing
  • Blurry vision
  • Slowed breathing
  • Weakness in muscles
  • Sleepiness

 Street names for hydrocodone include:

  • Hydro
  • Norco
  • Vikes

Hydrocodone Overdose

Too much hydrocodone may cause an overdose but there is no specific limit as to how much that may be. It depends on how large the dose is per pill or how the drug is taken.

If an individual overdoses on hydrocodone, it’s extremely important to call 911. Emergency medical attention is necessary to survive and lessen long-term damage.

Signs of an overdose from hydrocodone or other opioids include:

  • Cold, clammy, or very pale skin
  • Severely constricted (small) pupils
  • Memory problems or extreme confusion
  • Stumbling
  • Falling asleep and not being able to wake up
  • A blue tint to fingernails or lips (cyanosis)
  • Vomiting
  • gurgling sounds in the throat
  • Slow or stopped heartbeat
  • Slow or shallow breathing that can lead to unconsciousness
  • Breathing becomes irregular or stops which can cause death

Large doses of hydrocodone combined with acetaminophen may lead to severe liver damage.

Reversing an Opioid Overdose

At this time, naloxone is being used widely by emergency responders, pharmacies, and even caregivers, to prevent a deadly opioid overdose. It is a short-acting drug but it will temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. This gives responders the time needed to treat the person.

However, when there are other substances like alcohol involved in the overdose, naloxone may be less effective because it works to stop opioid overdoses–not overdoses on other drugs. The use of naloxone may stop the opioid symptoms but the person may still go through the effects of excessive consumption of alcohol.

Risks of Alcohol Abuse Alone

In small doses, alcohol can bring about a pleasant, relaxing, or sleepy feeling. Many people report feeling less stressed out and more social. Still, if you consume enough alcohol you will become drunk–stumbling, slurring your words, experiencing nausea or vomiting, and having problems with memory or thinking. Consuming alcohol can also lead to gastrointestinal irritation and bloating.

Alcohol bloating is a common issue that can occur after drinking alcohol, especially with excessive alcohol consumption or binge drinking. Alcohol bloating can last from a few hours to several weeks, depending on individual factors. Bloating may persist for a day or two, or even longer, and factors determine how long someone will experience alcohol bloating, such as how much alcohol was consumed and the person's overall gut health. Drinking alcohol, particularly alcoholic drinks and alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, and whiskey, can cause bloating and discomfort in the digestive tract and gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Alcohol can also cause puffiness in the face and body due to dehydration and inflammation. If you experience alcohol bloating that lasts more than a few days or is accompanied by severe pain, it may indicate a more serious condition such as alcoholic gastritis or liver strain. If bloating persists even after quitting alcohol, it could be a sign of deeper issues like liver damage or gastrointestinal disorders.

These drinks are high in calories—about 7 calories per gram—and frequent drinking can lead to weight gain, a “beer belly,” and a bloated appearance in the stomach. Wine, beer, and whiskey are particularly high in calories. Mixers such as sugary sodas and carbonated drinks increase the calorie count and sugar content, and can cause excess gas and carbon dioxide buildup, leading to feeling bloated and abdominal pain. Carbonated mixers can also increase stomach acidity, leading to symptoms like acid reflux and heartburn. Consuming fatty foods with alcohol can slow digestion and increase the risk of bloating and stomach discomfort.

Alcohol consumption can irritate the stomach lining and gastrointestinal tract, causing inflammation (gastritis), acute gastritis, and chronic gastritis, which may result in stomach ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome. Consuming alcohol increases stomach acid, which can inflame the stomach lining and contribute to bloating. Alcohol is an inflammatory substance, causing swelling and puffiness in the face and body, and alcohol bloating leads to mild to moderate discomfort, with many factors aiding in its buildup. Chronic alcohol use can have damaging effects on the digestive system, leading to persistent bloating, gastritis, ulcers, and other gastrointestinal problems.

Alcohol is a diuretic, causing the body to eliminate excess fluids and electrolytes, which leads to dehydration. The body can only metabolize a certain amount of alcohol every hour, and this varies by individual. How much alcohol can be consumed safely depends on recommended daily limits and individual metabolism. Reducing alcohol intake is a key step to relieve bloating and prevent chronic conditions. Stopping drinking alcohol is important to prevent or alleviate alcohol bloating and support digestive health. Drinking one glass of water for every alcoholic beverage is a common recommendation to mitigate dehydration effects. Hydration is important to counteract dehydration from alcohol and helps flush out toxins. Staying hydrated supports the body's natural diuretic function and helps ease the inflammatory effects of alcohol.

A Deadly Mixture

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) has reported that there were more than 16 million people struggling with alcohol use disorder. Alcohol addiction can also contribute to persistent digestive issues, such as chronic bloating and inflammation, which may require medical attention.

And even more are struggling with binge or heavy drinking, which can also cause harmful effects on their bodies. Considering there are so many people struggling with alcohol and opioid abuse, it was likely that these two disorders would overlap in some cases.

When a person consumes two drugs that both cause these side effects, mixing them increases the chance that the person will pass out, stop breathing, or suffer heart failure and die.

In addition, the CDC found that alcohol abuse is common among people who abuse prescription drugs as their primary drug of addiction. One study found that alcohol was implicated in 18.5% of opioid-caused emergency department admissions and 22.1% of opioid overdose deaths.

Treating Polydrug Abuse

Polydrug abuse, particularly involving two depressants like alcohol and hydrocodone, is extremely dangerous. Obviously, the risk of a fatal overdose is much greater when drugs are combined to get high. If someone is struggling with alcohol abuse, opioid addiction, or both, they need a medically supervised detox and evidence-based treatment in rehab to triumph over these dangerous conditions. Treatment for alcohol-related issues may also address digestive discomfort and bloating caused by excessive alcohol use.

For those seeking convenient and accessible mental health support during recovery from alcohol and drug abuse, online talk therapy options with First City Recovery Center are available.

Medical Detox

Evidence-Based Treatment

Group Therapy

Individual Counseling

How Can First City Recovery Center Help with Alcohol Addiction?

First City Recovery Center can help you in every way if you’re struggling with an addiction to hydrocodone, alcohol, or both. Our treatment center in Kokomo Indiana has the facilities to help you get your life back on track, no matter what your level of addiction is and what your personal needs are. Perhaps you have a loved one who has fallen into the trap of opioid addiction and you don’t know what to do.

Lifestyle changes such as reducing alcohol consumption, drinking water, and eating a balanced diet can help prevent alcohol bloating and reduce bloating. Regular exercise and physical activity, like walking, can stimulate the digestive system and help get rid of bloating. Drinking water before, during, and after drinking alcohol, and ensuring enough fluids, can help prevent bloating and its inflammatory effects.

Limiting the amount of alcohol consumed, choosing light, healthy meals, and avoiding high-sodium snacks and sugary or carbonated mixers can support digestion and prevent bloating. Herbal teas such as ginger, peppermint, and chamomile can help relax digestive muscles and expel excess gas. Making these lifestyle changes can help manage and prevent alcohol-related digestive issues and support overall physical health during recovery.

We have many addiction treatment programs in Kokomo, Indiana, so a comprehensive treatment plan can be created to fit individual needs. First City Recovery can provide:

  • Medical Detox
  • Inpatient Residential Program
  • Outpatient Program
  • Partial Hospitalization Program
  • Intensive Outpatient Program
  • Sober Living Program

In addition to these SUD rehab programs, we have a dual diagnosis treatment program which is a necessity if you or your loved one is also suffering from a co-occurring mental health issue.

Many times, substance abuse is used as a way of self-medicating a mental health problem. Our trained, licensed, therapists are experienced in the evidence-based treatments and psychotherapy so important in recovery.

SUD is a serious problem. Contact us today in First City Recovery Center Kokomo Indiana. Our admissions specialists are prepared to check your insurance coverage and answer any questions you might have.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking hydrocodone?

No, combining hydrocodone and alcohol is dangerous because both are central nervous system depressants. Together they can severely slow breathing, lower heart rate, and increase the risk of overdose, coma, or death.

What happens if you mix hydrocodone and alcohol even once?

Even a single instance of mixing hydrocodone with alcohol can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, dizziness, impaired judgment, and increased risk of accidental injury or overdose.

Can small amounts of alcohol make hydrocodone more dangerous?

Yes, even small amounts of alcohol can amplify the effects of hydrocodone, increasing sedation and respiratory suppression well beyond what either substance alone would cause.

Why does mixing hydrocodone with alcohol raise the risk of liver damage?

Many hydrocodone products also contain acetaminophen, which can be toxic to the liver. Alcohol puts additional strain on the liver, increasing the likelihood of liver injury or failure when both are combined.

How long should I wait after taking hydrocodone before drinking alcohol?

There’s no safe waiting period once hydrocodone has been taken. Because both substances impact your body for hours, the safest approach is to avoid alcohol entirely while on hydrocodone and until it has fully cleared your system, as determined by your prescribing provider.

Medical Detox

Drug detoxification is the process of clearing drugs from the body. Stopping the use of a substance can lead to withdrawal symptoms that range from uncomfortable to life-threatening. Stopping the use of hydrocodone  can lead to these withdrawal symptoms:

  • Anxiety
  • Sleep problems
  • Irritability
  • Heavy sweating
  • Achey muscles

If you have also become addicted to alcohol, the withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Anxiety
  • Shaky hands
  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Sweating
  • Insomnia

However, alcohol withdrawal may become seriously life-threatening as withdrawal continues including a condition known as the DTs (Delerium tremens).

During a medical detox, the patient is medically monitored full-time by a professional medical staff and provided medication to ease the symptoms and handle any emergencies. Quitting one drug on your own is difficult and risky. Quitting two has a low chance of a positive outcome.

Evidence-Based Treatment

The best treatment for any substance use disorder (SUD) is evidence-based treatment. This means that research-based treatments are tailored to an individual’s preferences, needs, and cultural beliefs. These treatments have been thoroughly tested in random, controlled trials or a series of case studies and have been proven to be effective. Some of the most common evidence-based treatments are behavioral therapies such as:

  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – CBT is a goal-oriented talk therapy that helps the individual “unlearn” problematic patterns of thinking because psychological issues are partly based on learned patterns and inaccurate core beliefs. In CBT, people learn how their thoughts affect their emotions.
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) -DBT is based on CBT but it is adjusted for people who feel emotions intensely. The goal is to help the person understand and accept their problems while trying to overcome them.
  • Motivational Interviewing (MI) -Effective treatment of SUD requires an understanding of what the person needs to do to change their substance use behaviors. An important part is helping the individual become aware of their values and hopes for a healthy life. MI helps them resolve their uncertainty about changing and brings out their reasons for and commitment to changing their unhealthy behaviors.

Group Therapy

Group therapy is a type of treatment where individuals learn and practice recovery strategies, build their interpersonal skills, and develop and reinforce support networks.

Typically, it includes a group of 6 to 12 people who meet on a regular basis with one or two therapists. The National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services reported in 2019 that 93% of SUD treatment facilities provide group counseling.

Individual Counseling

Individual counseling, sometimes called psychotherapy, is a process where the individual works one-on-one with a trained mental health counselor in a safe, confidential environment. As the person talks through their issues, they may discover a reason for their drug or alcohol abuse in the first place.

How Can First City Recovery Center Help?

danger-of-hydrocodone-and-alcoholFirst City Recovery Center can help you in every way if you’re struggling with an addiction to hydrocodone, alcohol, or both. Our treatment center in Kokomo Indiana has the facilities to help you get your life back on track, no matter what your level of addiction is and what your personal needs are. Perhaps you have a loved one who has fallen into the trap of opioid addiction and you don’t know what to do.

We have many addiction treatment programs in Kokomo, Indiana, so a comprehensive treatment plan can be created to fit individual needs. First City Recovery can provide:

  • Medical Detox
  • Inpatient Residential Program
  • Outpatient Program
  • Partial Hospitalization Program
  • Intensive Outpatient Program
  • Sober Living Program

In addition to these SUD rehab programs, we have a dual diagnosis treatment program which is a necessity if you or your loved one is also suffering from a co-occurring mental health issue.

Many times, substance abuse is used as a way of self-medicating a mental health problem. Our trained, licensed, therapists are experienced in the evidence-based treatments and psychotherapy so important in recovery.

SUD is a serious problem. Contact us today. Our admissions specialists are prepared to check your insurance coverage and answer any questions you might have.

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