By We Level Up NJ Treatment Center | Editor Yamilla Francese | Clinically Reviewed By Lauren Barry, LMFT, MCAP, QS, Director of Quality Assurance | Editorial Policy | Research Policy | Last Updated: May 18, 2023

Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Prednisone?

There is no evidence to support the combination of Prednisone and alcohol. Steroid medication prednisone (also known as methylprednisolone) is used to treat a wide variety of conditions, including inflammation, allergies, and other medical issues. Even though Prednisone and alcohol do not interact chemically, they do have some of the same side effects, including drowsiness and impaired judgment. Bringing them together may increase these dangers.

Because of this, people often wonder, “Can you drink alcohol with prednisone?” If you want to be safe, you should probably not drink. While no known direct interactions exist between these substances, serious risks are associated with combining them. Therefore, before combining Prednisone and alcohol, discussing the risks with your doctor or pharmacist is important. To learn more about the interactions between Prednisone and alcohol, please keep reading.

Prednisone and Alcohol Tips and Precautions

It is crucial to be aware of the risks associated with the Prednisone alcohol interaction, which is a well-documented concern. Drinking alcohol while on prednisone can harm the body and lessen the effectiveness of the drug. You should exercise caution if you must consume alcohol while taking prednisone. Some advice is as follows:

1. Drink in moderation: Prednisone stresses the liver, and alcohol can exacerbate this effect. It is best to limit alcohol consumption while on prednisone.
2. Leave a reasonable interval between drinking and taking prednisone: Alcohol can affect how prednisone works, so it is best to give your body enough time to metabolize alcohol before taking your medicine.
3. Stay hydrated: Alcohol can cause dehydration, exacerbating some of the side effects of prednisone, such as stomach irritation. Drink plenty of water and fluids to stay hydrated.
4. Monitor for side effects: Prednisone and alcohol consumption have side effects, and combining them can increase the risk of complications. Be aware of any changes in your body and notify your doctor if you experience any adverse symptoms.
5. Never mix prednisone with other drugs or substances: Prednisone is a potent medication that can interact with several drugs and substances, including alcohol. Always talk to your doctor before taking other medications or supplements while on prednisone.
6. Take prednisone with healthy balanced meals: Minimize Prednisone’s side effects by eating with food. Control blood sugar and weight with nutritious and well-balanced meals. Improve sleep by refraining from caffeine and other stimulants.

It is not recommended to consume large amounts of alcohol while taking prednisone. However, if you choose to drink, you must take these precautions and consult with your doctor before making any changes to your current medication regimen. More information about whether or not it’s safe to drink while on prednisone can be found in the tabs below. When Can You Drink Alcohol with Prednisone? How Long After Taking Prednisone Can You Drink Alcohol?

Prednisone Alcohol Use Statistics

There is limited research on the specific statistics regarding prednisone and alcohol use. However, some studies suggest that people who take prednisone may be more likely to consume alcohol compared to those who do not take steroids. This may be because prednisone is often used to treat inflammatory conditions that can cause pain and discomfort. Patients may turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism to manage their symptoms.

It is estimated that up to 30% of people who use steroids like prednisone may also consume alcohol, which can increase the risks and adverse effects associated with taking these medications. Prednisone can interfere with the metabolism of alcohol, leading to slower clearance of alcohol from the body and an increased risk of negative side effects. In addition, alcohol can exacerbate the side effects of prednisone, such as stomach upset and gastrointestinal issues.

There is no safe level of alcohol consumption when taking prednisone. Mixing Prednisone and alcohol should be avoided or consumed in moderation only after consulting with your healthcare provider. People with a history of alcohol abuse or addiction may be at particular risk for negative outcomes when taking Prednisone and drinking alcohol.

High-Intensity Drinking is a new trend discovered by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Alcohol consumption “at levels that are two or more times the gender-specific binge drinking thresholds” is included in the definition of high-intensity drinking (HID).

There isn’t much peer-reviewed research because it’s still a new trend. According to the information that is currently available, HID is widespread among binge drinkers and is frequently related to important occasions, particularly 21st birthdays and athletic events.

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Most Popular Prednisone and Alcohol (Methylprednisolone and Alcohol) FAQs

What Happens If You Drink Alcohol While Taking Prednisone?

• Prednisone lowers the immune system, increasing the likelihood of contracting an infection. Alcohol consumption has been linked to lowered immune function and increased susceptibility to infection.
• Prednisone is metabolized in the liver, and alcohol is known to damage the liver. If you take prednisone and drink alcohol, you could harm your liver and reduce the effectiveness of prednisone in your system.
• An increase in blood pressure can occur when taking prednisone, and it can also occur when consuming alcohol. When taken together, they can significantly raise blood pressure risks.
• Alcohol and prednisone both dehydrate people, so they should be avoided together. The risk of dehydration and other health problems is increased when the two are combined.

Can You Drink Alcohol With Short Term Prednisone?

There may not be the same risks of harmful interactions with alcohol during short-term use of prednisone, which is generally defined as a course of less than two weeks. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, staying away from alcohol while on any medication is always the safest bet.

When deciding whether or not to combine alcohol and short-term prednisone, keep in mind the following:

• To reduce inflammation, doctors often prescribe prednisone, a corticosteroid. Asthma, allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, and cutaneous disorders are just some of the conditions for which it is prescribed.
• Even though alcohol interactions are less likely with short-term prednisone use, they can still occur. The ability of the body to metabolize alcohol can be compromised even after brief use.
• When combined with short-term prednisone, alcohol can irritate the stomach and cause bleeding. Those who have experienced stomach ulcers or other gastrointestinal issues may find this particularly distressing.
• People with diabetes already have higher blood sugar levels, and prednisone can worsen that problem. Hyperglycemia and other complications may result from this.
• Both alcohol and prednisone have been linked to increases in blood pressure. When used together, they can raise blood pressure and heart disease risks.
• Those taking prednisone to suppress their immune systems should be especially careful if they drink alcohol, as it can also interfere with the immune system. This can lessen the medication’s efficacy and even cause new health issues.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment

• Medications: To assist people in cutting back on their drinking and avoid relapsing, three drugs are now approved in the US. They can be taken independently or in conjunction with psychotherapy and are prescribed by a primary care physician or another healthcare provider.
• Mutual-Support Groups: Peer support is offered by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other 12-step programs for those who are giving up or cutting back on drinking. Mutual-support groups can provide an invaluable additional layer of support when combined with care provided by medical experts. Researchers find it challenging to evaluate the success rates of mutual-support groups run by health professionals and those led by laypeople due to the anonymity of these organizations.

We Level Up Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Prednisone and Alcohol Abuse

The definition of dual diagnosis (also referred to as co-occurring disorders) can differ between institutions. However, it is generally described as the specific treatment of someone diagnosed with a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder simultaneously. Treating dual-diagnosis clients is a critical aspect of our inpatient treatment experience because co-occurring disorders are strongly correlated with instances of substance abuse.

Creating a treatment plan that addresses the physical aspects of withdrawal, the psychological connection with drug use, and managing underlying mental health disorders is part of setting clients up for success. A thorough mental health analysis identifies possibilities for treatment. Meeting with mental health counselors and medical care providers means access to behavioral therapy and medication treatment. At our dual diagnosis treatment center, We Level Up can implement the highest quality of care. 

We recognize the fragile complexities of how mental and substance abuse disorders can influence others and sometimes result in a vicious cycle of addiction. That’s why we offer specialized treatment in dual-diagnosis cases to provide the most excellent chance of true healing and long-lasting recovery.

Accepting that you may be living with a mental illness can be challenging. However, treating the presenting substance abuse case can be magnitudes easier once properly diagnosed and treated. Only a properly trained medical professional can diagnose these underlying conditions. If you believe you are suffering from a disorder alongside addiction, we urge you to seek a qualified treatment center to begin your journey to recovery. Call We Level Up today.

Having Trouble with Prednisone and Alcohol Use? Watch the Alcoholism Treatment Video.

Breaking the Cycle: Overcoming Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a serious condition that can profoundly impact an individual’s life. This addiction is marked by excessive drinking and can lead to devastating consequences. Thankfully, various strategies and techniques can help individuals overcome alcoholism and regain control of their lives. Alcoholism therapy aims to address underlying issues and promote recovery, breaking the cycle of addiction. Let’s explore the path to a brighter, sober future.