Mixing Clonidine and Alcohol
If the time has come to seek treatment for addiction to clonidine and alcohol, a toll-free national helpline can connect you with the resources you need. Call us to begin the recover process now. The effects of mixing clonidine and alcohol are dangerous, even life threatening, so stopping now is certainly in your best interest.
Clonidine Interactions with Alcohol
Although clonidine is not typically considered a habit-forming drug, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to find yourself addicted to clonidine and alcohol. The powerful synergistic effects of mixing these two drugs may be enticing to some people. Alcohol increases the symptoms of drowsiness and faintness sometimes experienced when taking clonidine. However, mixing these two drugs also leads to a heightened risk of a change in heart rhythm, or arrhythmia.
A long-term addiction to clonidine and alcohol can be extremely harmful. Clonidine changes your blood chemistry, and it should always be taken in accordance with a doctor’s prescription. Under the influence of alcohol, you could unwittingly overdose on clonidine. You might even say or do things that you can’t remember but come to regret later.
What is Clonidine?
Clonidine is a member of a class of drugs prescribed by doctors to treat high blood pressure. Typical symptoms include fatigue, dry mouth, headache, and constipation. Clonidine is best taken during the morning, because the drug has been known to cause restlessness during sleep. You should never suddenly stop taking clonidine or change your dose without talking to your doctor. Your blood pressure may spike if you don’ gradually wean yourself from the medication.
Alcoholism Defined
Alcoholism is the dependence on alcohol. Doctors can’t say for certain what causes alcoholism, although family history appears to play a large role. Chronic alcohol abuse leads to a variety of health issues, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Weight gain
- High blood pressure
- Poor nutrition
- Sleep disturbances
- Poor performance in school or at work
- Trouble maintaining personal relationships
- Increased risk of several cancers
Treatment for Clonidine and Alcohol Addiction
Don’t attempt to break your dependence on clonidine and alcohol without first seeking professional help and support. The withdrawal symptoms of alcohol can be severe, but an inpatient care facility can offer a safe environment during your recovery. Several medications work to lessen withdrawal symptoms while also reducing the craving for alcohol. As for the clonidine, your doctor will probably wean you off the medication gradually. If you have a genuine need for high blood pressure medication, your doctor may prescribe an alternative with less potential for abuse.
Recovery from addiction is a journey. While the drugs may leave your system quickly, the psychological healing will take more time. Individual and group therapy can both provide you with new sources of self-confidence and fulfillment. An underlying mental illness, such as major depression, often accounts for alcoholism and drug addiction. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and anti-depressant medications provide ways to restore equilibrium and allow recovering addicts to return to normal life.
Alcohol a Depressant
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, meaning that reaction time and metabolism are generally slowed. Judgment, perception, and coordination are also negatively impacted by alcohol consumption. For these reason, operating motor vehicles is illegal while under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol is an alarmingly frequent cause of injuries and accidental deaths in the United States. Achieving sobriety today almost guarantees a longer, healthier, and safer life going forward.
Call for Help
Fuzzy thinking is one of the effects of mixing clonidine and alcohol. Despite the impairment to your decision-making ability, you still should realize that what you’re doing is harmful to your body. If you want to embrace a healthier future, call us today to learn about treatment options in your area.