Prednisone is a steroid that may provide certain health benefits when used precisely as prescribed. However, combining prednisone with alcohol can impair the immune system and place a person at risk for severe health consequences. In addition, people using prednisone for chronic illnesses may inadvertently worsen these conditions if they misuse alcohol, even if they only do so occasionally.
If you’ve been prescribed prednisone to treat a medical condition, you may have found your illness has, in fact, worsened due to alcohol misuse. If you’ve tried to quit drinking and have been unable to do so, you may suffer from an alcohol use disorder and require professional treatment to get your life back under control.
Contact Guardian Recovery today to speak to an addiction treatment advisor and receive a free, no-obligation assessment and health insurance benefits check. Our comprehensive programs feature multiple levels of care and customized treatment plans designed to address the underlying factors that have contributed to your alcohol misuse or need for self-medication.Â
Contact us today to learn more about your treatment options and take the first step toward long-lasting recovery.
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What Is Prednisone?
Prednisone is a corticosteroid commonly prescribed to reduce inflammatory and allergic reactions, such as itching and swelling.(1) Because it suppresses the immune system, it is sometimes used to treat autoimmune conditions or prescribed for people with low amounts of steroids in their system.
Health Issues Treated With Prednisone Include:
- Adrenal issues.
- Arthritis.
- Asthma.
- Bone marrow issues.
- Cancer symptoms.
- Endocrine problems.
- Kidney conditions.
- Lupus.
- Multiple sclerosis.
- Severe allergic reactions.
- Rashes and similar skin conditions.
- Ulcerative colitis.
Side Effects & Risks of Prednisone
While prednisone can be very effective at managing chronic health conditions, its use has also been linked to a variety of adverse effects.
Side Effects of Prednisone Include:
- Bulging eyes.
- Confusion.
- Depression and mood swings.
- Gastrointestinal problems.
- Personality changes.
- Insomnia and fatigue.
- Muscle weakness.
- Weight gain.
- Swelling in face and extremities.
- Breathing difficulties.
- Uncontrollable shaking.
- Impaired vision.
- Increased cholesterol.
- Elevated blood pressure.
When used with alcohol, some of these side effects and risks related to either substance could be exacerbated.Â
Risks & Effects of Alcohol Misuse
Alcohol misuse can range from occasional binge drinking (2) to regular everyday use. Any overuse of alcohol can jeopardize your health, and heavy consumption, especially over an extended period, can be particularly dangerous.
Common Short-Term Alcohol Use Effects Include:
- Blurry or double vision.
- Slurred speech.
- Dizziness.
- Impaired motor coordination.
- Loss of memory and cognitive abilities.
- Nausea and vomiting.
Alcohol Use Disorder Health Complications Include:
- Anxiety.
- Depression.
- Cardiovascular disease.
- Gastrointestinal problems.
- High blood pressure.
- Increased risks of several cancers.
- Liver conditions such as cirrhosis.
- Obesity.
- Stomach ulcers.
- Malnutrition.
- Hormonal imbalances.
- Pancreatitis.
- Stroke.
Alcohol Use Disorder Brain Effects Include:
- Nerve damage.
- Insomnia.
- Impaired balance.
- Decreased attention span.
- Anxiety and depression.
- Thought confusion.
- Dementia.
- Wernicke Korsakoff syndromeÂ
Some health conditions, such as heart disease, can occur after a single night of excessive drinking or after chronic use. Long-term heavy alcohol misuse increases the risk of developing cardiovascular issues (3) or other alcohol-related physical health problems.
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Risks & Hazards of Combining Prednisone & Alcohol
Both prednisone and alcohol misuse has been found to increase the risk of many severe health conditions, including, but not limited to, the following:
Compromised Immunity
Both prednisone and alcohol misuse can lead to reduced immune system functioning, (4) and combining the two can amplify this effect. Immune system suppression is often the anticipated result of prednisone for those with autoimmune disorders. However, the body may be more susceptible to disease if the immune system becomes too weak.
Depression & Mood Disorders
Depression has been linked to both alcohol misuse and prednisone use. For this reason, depression may be more severe when it occurs because both substances contribute to it. Prednisone can also contribute to symptoms such as anxiety and mania. (5) Both prednisone and chronic alcohol use can cause mood changes and worsen mood disorders.
Increased Diabetes Risk
Long-term prednisone use can be linked to increased blood sugar and diabetes risk. (6) Independently, alcohol can lead to instabilities in blood sugar and is a known risk factor for type 2 diabetes. (7) As such, consuming alcohol while taking prednisone can result in severe blood sugar issues, including diabetes.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Prednisone (8) and alcohol misuse (9) can each result in gastrointestinal bleeding, and combining them increases this risk. In addition, alcohol misuse has been linked to the deterioration of the stomach lining (10), and both can cause digestive problems associated with developing peptic ulcers.
Pancreatitis
Alcohol causes the pancreas to produce toxic chemicals that can cause inflammation, swelling, and impair proper digestion. (11) There have also been cases of pancreatitis reported that appear to have been caused by prednisone use. (12)
Osteoporosis
Excessive alcohol consumption can cause an imbalance in bodily nutrients and adversely affect bone health. (13) Both prednisone and alcohol have been associated with a heightened risk of osteoporosis. Using them together can increase this risk substantially.
How Alcohol Misuse Can Interfere With Medication
Prednisone is a medication intended to treat inflammatory conditions. Excessive alcohol use has been shown to produce bodily inflammation. (14) Moreover, alcohol misuse may sabotage prednisone’s intended purpose for specific illnesses.
The effects of heavy alcohol use can make it difficult to adhere to a medicinal regimen. Even periodic alcohol misuse can result in one or more missed doses. Those struggling with alcohol dependence may neglect to take their medication regularly due to chronic intoxication or forgetfulness due to impaired memory.
Some people may deliberately skip a dose of prednisone or quit taking it so they can drink and still avoid some of the risks of using both substances. If a person abruptly stops using this medication, they could experience an adverse reaction where their immune system fails to function correctly. This can occur due to the absence of naturally-occurring steroids, and some people may even encounter withdrawal symptoms. (15)
Prednisone Withdrawal Symptoms Include:
- Body aches.
- Joint stiffness.
- Weakness.
- Lightheadedness.
- Severe fatigue and lethargy.
- Malaise.
- Fever.
- Nausea.
- Skin peeling.
Alcohol misuse can have adverse effects on a person’s mood. Depression, for example, is common among alcoholics and can be detrimental to a person’s sense of self-esteem. They might not take proper care of themselves, leading to skipping doses or discontinuing the use of antidepressant or anti-anxiety medications.
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Professional Help Is Available for Alcohol Use Disorder
If your health is being compromised due to alcohol misuse and its ability to undermine the effectiveness of your prescription medication, it might be time to seek professional help. Guardian Recovery offers a holistic, evidence-based approach to addiction to help people struggling with alcohol dependence develop the coping skills they need to overcome their personal challenges.Â
In addition, we will ensure you gain the insight and tools you need to recover physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Our caring, highly skilled staff will provide you with the most current and effective treatment available, emphasizing behavioral therapy and other evidence-based methodologies.
If you are ready to move forward and reclaim your life free from alcoholism, contact us to start your recovery journey today!
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Disclaimer: Does not guarantee specific treatment outcomes, as individual results may vary. Our services are not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis; please consult a qualified healthcare provider for such matters.
