People use steroids when the body does not produce adequate amounts of hormones; steroids such as prednisone may help balance their hormones. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that can help treat conditions that cause inflammation, such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, and arthritis. Winstrol is also a synthetic steroid used to treat HAE (Hereditary Angioedema).
It helps to build muscle mass, get stronger, and relieve physical stress. However, these steroids can also interfere with the functioning of the immune system. Whether you are taking the medication for a short period of time or it needs to be used for a long time, people often wonder if they can drink alcohol while taking steroids.
This article will look at the side effects of steroids and alcohol and whether they are safe when used together.
Alcohol And Steroids
There is no simple answer to the question of whether it is safe to drink alcohol while taking steroids. It relies on many things, including:
- The exact dosage of the steroid
- The average consumption of alcohol by a person on steroids.
- Time duration of using steroids
In general, a healthcare professional can better determine if it is safe to mix steroids with alcohol. However, the major concern here is that alcohol can worsen the side effects of any steroid used.
Risks and Side Effects
Side effects that may be associated with a combination of alcohol consumption with steroids include:
Gastrointestinal Problems
Steroids such as prednisone may increase your risk of gastrointestinal upset. Long-term alcohol consumption causes inflammation of the stomach covering the stomach, which can lead to stomach ulcers, heartburn, and malnutrition.
People with existing gastrointestinal problems such as coronary artery disease should avoid taking steroids and alcohol at the same time. You can get a consultation from experts to know everything about addiction treatment that can ease the process of recovery for you.
Weakens The Immune System
A weak immune system is another side effect of steroid (prednisone) usage, which can make people more vulnerable to various diseases. The body may find it harder to adapt to illness than usual. If people using steroids have exposure to chickenpox or measles, it can further enhance the effect of infection.
Besides, alcohol itself weakens the body’s immune system. For example, excessive consumption of alcohol can increase the likelihood of developing serious diseases such as tuberculosis or pneumonia. Anyone who takes prednisone and regularly drinks alcohol has a high risk of developing an infection.
Increased Body Weight
While many factors are involved, research shows that alcohol consumption can lead to weight gain in many people. Weight gain can also be a side effect of using steroids such as prednisone and Winstrol, which is an anabolic steroid.
Weakens The Bones
Prolonged use of steroids such as prednisone and Winstrol can lead to weak and brittle bones, leading to osteoporosis. Alcohol consumption is also a complication of osteoporosis due to nutrient loss. Besides, osteoporosis puts a person at risk of serious bone fractures.
According to experts, high prednisone and Winstrol dosages can fasten the process of bone loss. However, if people use these steroids carefully, the risk of weakening the bones can decrease significantly.
Changing Blood Sugar Level
Alcohol can lower blood sugar levels and can be problematic for someone with diabetes. People with diabetes should also be aware that alcohol can cause ulcers and lead to other complications. Prednisone and Winstrol can raise blood sugar levels. People with diabetes who need prednisone may need more insulin or medications to lower their blood sugar.
Skin Diseases
Skin problems, including sores or ulcers, increased production of oil on the skin or scalp, and the possibility of getting an infection at the injection site, is another risk of using steroids. Moreover, if you already have a skin disease, using steroids on a regular basis can further aggravate the infection.
Liver Problems
Liver problems such as jaundice, tumors, liver damage, and the development of blood-filled cells throughout the liver (hepatitis peliosis), and multiple complications of liver cancer can be another side-effect of steroids. This risk especially increases with the usage of anabolic steroids such as Winstrol.
Addiction To Steroids
Excessive consumption of such steroids can cause substance abuse disorder, which must be treated. Studies have shown that approximately 32% of people, who use anabolic steroids more than prescribed, develop a dependency on them. Unlike other substances that are abused, addiction to steroids does not cause excitement or euphoria.
But people who have steroid addiction may continue to use them even after severe mental or physical side effects. Thus, it is bad both for the body and the mind. They may prioritize exercise over other activities, spend a lot of time and money on steroids, making it difficult to cut back or stop using them.
Precautions and Tips
There are a few tips and precautions to keep in mind when taking steroids:
- Take steroids with food to prevent infections or stomach problems.
- Talk to your doctor before taking steroids during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Talk to your doctor before getting any vaccination while on steroids.
- Do not stop taking steroids without your doctor’s advice.
- Ask your doctor about taking calcium or potassium supplements, so you do not have a bones problem.
- Have a healthy yet balanced diet to prevent weight gain and regulate blood sugar.
- Avoid stimulants such as caffeine as it can disrupt sleep patterns, which is a side effect of using steroids.
Take Away
The safety of alcohol consumption while taking steroids such as prednisone and Winstrol depends on the method of treatment, the duration of treatment, and how often a person drinks alcohol.
A person taking steroids only for some time can avoid alcohol consumption until the treatment is over. Alcohol can cause side effects of steroids to aggravate such as weight gain, bone weakness, and poor immune system. It is best to consult a doctor to avoid serious complications.
