Taking the first step toward recovery is a brave decision. If you’re using Suboxone to help manage opioid use disorder (OUD), you’re already doing the work of prioritizing your health and your future. As you move through recovery, it’s common to have questions about what’s safe and what isn’t. One of the most frequently asked questions is whether it’s OK to have a drink while taking Suboxone.

It’s natural to want to feel “normal” or find a way to relax after a long day. However, mixing alcohol and Suboxone requires careful consideration and honest conversation. Because both substances affect the body in significant ways, combining them can create risks that may slow recovery progress or compromise safety.

What Suboxone does and why mixing matters

Suboxone is a prescription medication used to treat opioid use disorder. It contains:

• Buprenorphine — A partial opioid agonist that helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the same effects as full opioids

• Naloxone — A medication included to deter misuse if Suboxone is injected

Suboxone works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, which helps reduce withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and the risk of overdose from other opioids. Research suggests Suboxone can significantly improve recovery outcomes.

Alcohol also affects the brain and central nervous system (CNS). When alcohol is combined with Suboxone, the CNS can slow down more than with either substance alone. This increases the risk of:

• Breathing problems
• Extreme drowsiness
• Dizziness or confusion
• Accidental overdose
  

Even small amounts of alcohol may increase risk, especially if you’re new to Suboxone or taking a higher dose.

6 reasons to avoid mixing alcohol and Suboxone

• Increased risk of respiratory depression

Both alcohol and Suboxone depress the central nervous system. When taken together, they can slow breathing to dangerous levels, a condition known as respiratory depression.

Respiratory depression can lead to unconsciousness, coma, or death in severe cases. Risk may be higher for individuals new to Suboxone or those taking other sedating medications, such as benzodiazepines.

• Greater sedation and impaired coordination

Alcohol and Suboxone can each cause drowsiness and dizziness. Combined use can intensify these effects, leading to:

• Trouble walking or maintaining balance

• Slurred speech

• Extreme fatigue or brain fog

• Difficulty concentrating

These effects can make everyday activities like driving, cooking, or working unsafe.

• Increased risk of overdose

Suboxone is generally safer than full opioids when taken as prescribed, but alcohol increases overdose risk. Alcohol slows breathing and heart rate, and when combined with Suboxone, the risk of accidental overdose rises.

Even if you’re accustomed to alcohol, reactions can be unpredictable when Suboxone is involved. Research shows that combining opioids or opioid-based medications with alcohol is a leading cause of accidental overdose.

• Alcohol may interfere with recovery focus

Alcohol can affect judgment and self-control. For some people in recovery, even one drink may increase the risk of returning to opioid use.

Alcohol may also reduce motivation to attend appointments, engage in therapy, or use healthy coping strategies. Recovery tends to be more effective when both the body and mind are clear enough to engage in treatment.

• Liver strain and medication metabolism

Both Suboxone and alcohol are processed by the liver. Using them together can increase liver strain and alter how Suboxone is metabolized.

This may lead to higher or lower medication levels in the bloodstream, which can affect effectiveness or increase side effects such as nausea, dizziness, or excessive drowsiness.

• Mental health effects

Alcohol can worsen anxiety, depression, and mood instability for some people. While Suboxone can help stabilize mood and reduce cravings, alcohol may counteract these benefits.

Maintaining emotional balance and mental clarity can be especially important during recovery.

Important statistics to consider

Understanding the data may help highlight why safety matters:

• Overdose risk — Combining opioids or opioid-based medications with alcohol significantly increases the risk of fatal overdose compared to using either substance alone.
• Co-occurring substance use — Approximately 30% of people with opioid use disorder also experience alcohol use disorder, underscoring how common this challenge can be.
• Treatment outcomes — People who avoid alcohol while taking buprenorphine often have higher treatment retention rates and improved long-term recovery outcomes.

Practical tips to help keep you safe

If you’re taking Suboxone and find alcohol difficult to avoid, know that you’re not alone. Consider these steps to support safety:

Avoid alcohol when possible — The safest option is to avoid alcohol entirely while taking Suboxone.

Be open with your provider — Let your healthcare provider know if alcohol use is a concern. Honest communication helps them provide guidance tailored to your needs.

Identify triggers — Understanding what prompts alcohol use, such as stress or social pressure, can help you develop healthier coping strategies.

Stay hydrated — If alcohol is consumed, increasing water intake may help reduce dehydration-related effects.

Build a support system — Reach out to trusted friends, counselors, or recovery supports when urges arise.

Seek integrated care — Providers who address both opioid recovery and alcohol use can help coordinate care more effectively.

Plan for social situations — If alcohol is present, plan ahead by choosing nonalcoholic drinks, preparing responses, or avoiding high-risk environments.

When to seek help immediately

Contact your provider or seek emergency care if you experience:

• Trouble breathing
• Severe drowsiness or unresponsiveness
• Confusion or fainting
• Cravings or urges that feel unsafe

Early support can help prevent serious complications.

The importance of compassionate care

Recovery involves learning, adjustment, and growth. Questions and challenges are part of the process. What matters most is having access to support that is respectful, practical, and nonjudgmental.

Open communication and personalized guidance help ensure safety and confidence during recovery.

ReKlame Health can support your recovery journey

Navigating recovery and medication decisions can feel overwhelming. ReKlame Health is committed to providing accessible, compassionate, and culturally competent care. Our diverse clinical team understands the complexities of recovery and works to meet individuals where they are.

We offer timely access to care, including initial consultations within 48 hours of referral or first contact. Through evidence-based medication management and integrated care coordination, we prioritize safety, clarity, and support as you work toward a healthier future.

Give our care team a call today for more information, check your eligibility for free online or book an initial appointment online.