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Ibuprofen and Alcohol

Will ibuprofen and alcohol kill you?

Mixing ibuprofen and alcohol is not a good idea if you are a heavy drinker because both substances can irritate the stomach’s lining resulting in bleeding or ulcers. In addition, combining ibuprofen and alcohol may result in permanent kidney damage. Ultimately, common sense is the key. Consuming one 200 milligram dose of ibuprofen with one glass of wine on an evening out on the town may not cause any harm unless you suffer from one or more chronic illnesses. However, refraining from taking ibuprofen and drinking alcohol together is still the best way to approach the issue.

The lack of recreational results does not mean that the combination is harmless

You may think that taking ibuprofen pills with two or more glasses of wine or a few bottles of beer is harmless because this combination does not result in feeling exuberant. The way your mind feels is irrelevant. Habitual consumption of these two substances together may result in deadly consequences. Since ending up in the emergency room is not a laughing matter, it is best to avoid combining ibuprofen with alcohol.

What should you do if you have a terrible headache?

No one wants to suffer from a migraine headache, but you do not need to consume pain pills with alcoholic beverages to get rid of the pain. If you have a headache, try drinking a cup of hot coffee. Sometimes, coffee alone can eliminate a headache. If that does not work, you may want to take one ibuprofen pill with a large glass of water. Eating some food with ibuprofen can help you avoid any stomach distress. Do not drink alcohol simultaneously if you do not want to harm your health.

Refrain from drinking alcohol to cure a headache or other aches

Face the facts. Drinking alcohol is mainly to feel inebriated and escape from your problems. Alcoholics and gamblers share similar addictions, including feeling high and escaping from reality. While it is not a sin to have fun, it is harmful to become addicted to anything that results in negativity. Many alcoholics and gamblers use these means to escape from deep emotional problems. But having a few drinks or playing the slots makes things worse if you already have an addictive personality.

Alcohol can make ibuprofen’s side effects more severe

If becoming sober is your goal, then there is no legitimate excuse for imbibing even the smallest amount of alcohol. Furthermore, drinking alcohol and taking a couple of ibuprofen pills together can increase the potential side effects of the NSAID (in this case, ibuprofen). The combination may lead to excessive sleepiness or even a fatal heart attack.

Avoid experiencing harmful stomach problems

When you drink wine, beer, whiskey or any other alcoholic beverage, your stomach tends to create more acid. Ibuprofen can also irritate your stomach. If you take ibuprofen in high dosages for several months or years, you have a greater chance of experiencing bleeding in your stomach. Drinking alcohol with ibuprofen can cause a medical catastrophe in your gut.

What about acetaminophen (Tylenol)?

The main problem with Tylenol is that it can harm your liver. Drinking alcohol in excess can also cause liver damage. Unlike ibuprofen, Tylenol does not cause harm to the lining of your stomach. But liver damage is also a potentially life-threatening problem. So, using Tylenol to relieve pain is not a perfect solution. Taking a child’s dose may provide the answer for eliminating pain. However, it may take longer before the OTC drug kicks in and reduces your pain.

Should you take Aspirin?

Similar to ibuprofen, aspirin is also an NSAID known to cause stomach bleeding. Aspirin tends to thin out the blood. If you are an alcoholic, you may have already experienced stomach bleeding. Your chance of experiencing a severe medical condition is greater if you mix aspirin with alcohol. Once again, if you must take an aspirin to relieve an excruciating headache or any other physical pain, try chewing a chewable, low-dose aspirin manufactured for children.

Large doses of anything do not always provide the best results

Several drinks throughout the day can result in an addiction problem requiring treatment at a center designed to treat alcoholism with positive outcomes. An occasional drink for a person who is not an alcoholic may not cause any fatal health problems. Similarly, if you must take ibuprofen to relieve pain, a lower dose may work just as well as a large dose. A good rule of thumb is that the smaller the drink or dosage, the better. Even so, try to avoid taking even small amounts simultaneously.

Must you then suffer from physical pain?

No, you do not need to suffer. But learn to approach the matter with self-control. Learning how to master addiction is no easy task. However, it is understandable that you may need to take ibuprofen or a similar substance from time to time. Remember that approaching the issue with a non-addictive attitude is the best solution. If you are receiving treatment for addiction to alcohol, then stay away from all alcoholic beverages. If you can stick with this approach, taking an ibuprofen pill for occasional aches and pains should not pose a significant health issue.

Seek the advice of your physician or treatment counselor

Alcohol rehab at Long Island Treatment Center is here to help you overcome your addiction. If you are an alcoholic, speak to your doctor or counselor before drinking alcoholic beverages or taking pills designed to relieve pain. Whether you opt for the intensive outpatient program, intensive hospitalization program or various addiction interventions, you will receive the most up-to-date treatment at an excellent rehab facility.

Select a winning plan for a happier future

Choosing the best plan for overcoming your alcohol addiction is up to you. As the great dramatist William Shakespeare might have suggested in Hamlet Act III, Scene I, you do not need to “suffer from the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune.” Look toward a brighter, healthier and addiction-free future when you call or visit the Long Island Treatment Center today.

FAQ

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  • Will ibuprofen and alcohol kill you?

Reviewed for Medical & Clinical Accuracy by Long Island Treatment Center