Can You Drink Alcohol With Steroids?

What are Steroids?

Steroids are a human-made version of hormones that occur naturally in the human body. They are often prescribed to treat hormonal problems, such as delayed puberty. Steroids are also used for diseases that lead to muscle loss, including cancer and AIDS.

However, some bodybuilders and athletes misuse steroids to boost performance or improve the appearance of their bodies.

Types of Steroids

There are two main types of steroids:

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are medications that reduce inflammation in the body. These steroids mimic the hormone cortisol, which is produced from the adrenal glands. Cortisol prevents your immune system from producing substances that lead to inflammation.

Prednisone is one commonly used corticosteroid. It works similarly to cortisol, slowing, or stopping the immune system from triggering inflammation. Prednisone treats various medical conditions. For example, prednisone can help balance hormones in people whose adrenal glands do not make enough corticosteroids.

As a potent anti-inflammatory, prednisone treats diseases that cause inflammation, including lupus, multiple sclerosis, and arthritis.

Anabolic Steroids

Anabolic steroids are human-made versions of testosterone. This is a male sex hormone that helps build larger muscles. A doctor can legally prescribe anabolic steroids if your body doesn’t produce enough testosterone. For example, boys with delayed puberty may take anabolic steroids.

These steroids are also prescribed to men with low testosterone and people who experience muscle mass loss due to cancer, AIDS, and other health problems.
Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Steroids?

There is no clear or straightforward answer to whether it is safe to drink alcohol while taking steroids. It depends on several factors, including:

• How large the dose of steroids is
• Whether the treatment course is short or long-term
• How much alcohol the patient usually drinks

Someone taking a short course of steroids may prefer to avoid alcohol entirely until they finish their treatment.

The main concern about mixing steroids and alcohol is that alcohol can worsen the side effects of steroids. For example, alcohol consumption with steroids may help weaken the bones and can promote weight gain.

If you want to drink alcohol while taking steroids, it’s best to speak to your healthcare provider for medical advice.

What Are the Side Effects of Mixing Steroids With Alcohol?

There are several possible side effects of mixing steroids with alcohol. These include:

• Gastrointestinal problems
• Weakened immune system
• Weight gain
• Brittle bones
• Changes in blood sugar levels
• Dehydration
• Chest pain
• Heartburn
• Mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety
• Allergic reactions
• Increased appetite
• Stomach ulcers
• Steroid-induced diabetes

Dangers of Mixing Steroids and Alcohol

Using steroids under medical supervision and as prescribed is usually safe. However, even legitimate steroid use may come with side effects and increased risks.

Likewise, moderate drinking doesn’t usually lead to problems for most people. Yet misuse of either steroids or alcohol consumption can lead to severe health problems. Combining steroid and alcohol use significantly increases the risks linked to either substance.

Long-term steroid use can adversely affect the liver and kidneys. These are two vital organs that also suffer damage when someone consumes too much alcohol. Mixing steroids and alcohol can overexert the liver. With prolonged misuse, this may lead to cirrhosis or liver failure.

There are also psychological side effects and mental health issues associated with combining steroids like prednisone with alcohol. Steroids can leave a lingering impact on the brain. Extended steroid use can result in mentally unstable states, including psychosis and mania.

Even short-term steroid use can lead to mood changes, sometimes resulting in the infamous ‘roid rage’ that users are known to develop. When these mood swings combine with the decreased inhibitions of someone drunk, dangerous situations are more likely to occur. This can increase the potential for violence and physical harm.

Steroid Withdrawal Symptoms

If you have developed an addiction to steroids, the following withdrawal symptoms may develop if you stop using the drug abruptly:

• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Weight gain or weight loss
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Low blood sugar
• Low blood pressure
• Changes in menstruation

Steroids and Alcohol: Questions and Answers