It is scary to drink while on medication for alcohol use disorder. But you can manage it. The next step depends on your medicine. It also depends on how much you had. The timing matters. Other drugs and symptoms play a part.
Call Poison Help for other cases.If you have severe symptoms, call 911. Or go to the nearest emergency room now. You can also ask your prescriber or pharmacist. They will share advice for your unique case. Never stop or alter your meds alone.
We publish a U.S. treatment directory. We do not provide treatment. This guide offers general info, not medical advice. See more on medications for alcohol use disorder.
Relapse on Alcohol Medication: Next Steps
Taking a drink while using alcohol medication can scare you. If you have any danger signs below, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room now; otherwise, contact a professional who knows your specific situation.
911
Call immediately for an emergency
988
Call or text for suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis. For thoughts of suicide or self-harm, immediate danger, or an attempt in progress, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room now.
- Get to a safe place. Do not drive. If possible, ask a sober friend or family member to stay nearby with you.
- Check for danger signs. Seizures, severe confusion, hallucinations, a high fever, or a racing heart during withdrawal can be signs of a serious emergency.[1] If you have any of these signs, or thoughts of suicide or self-harm, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room now.
- Contact a professional. If you do not have any of those danger signs, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222, your prescriber, or a pharmacist for individualized advice.
- Follow professional guidance. Do not stop, skip, double, or change your medication based on a guess or general online rules. Only change your dose if a qualified professional tells you to.
Wanting to change your medication after drinking is normal, but doing so without medical advice can be risky. Speak with your doctor about the event and safe next steps. You can find helpful tips on talking to your clinician to prepare for that conversation.
Is Drinking While on Alcohol Medicine an Emergency?
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away. Do not wait to see if things get worse.
Reach out for emergency help right away if you notice:
- Convulsions or seizures
- Deep confusion or a struggle to stay awake
- Hearing or seeing things that are not there (hallucinations)
- A high fever or a heart beating fast and unevenly
- Signs of an overdose, like slow breathing or vomiting
- Ideas about hurting yourself or ending your life
When heavy drinking ends, alcohol withdrawal can turn serious.[1] Medical care may be needed.[1] Bad withdrawal can lead to confusion, hallucinations, and seizures.[1] A fast heartbeat or fever can also show up.[1]
If you think someone has an alcohol overdose, call 911 now.[2] Overdose signs include trouble waking up and slow breathing.[2] Vomiting and seizures are also warning signs.[2]
Someone who is hard to rouse needs aid now. Trouble breathing is an emergency. Collapsing or seizing means call 911. Do not just watch and wait.
Telling apart signs from alcohol and signs from medication is tough. Do not guess the reason at home. See our guide on signs of severe withdrawal for extra safety tips.
If you lack these warning signs, phone your doctor or pharmacist. They can share advice for your exact case. Stay alert to alcohol-use-disorder medication safety and know when to move fast.
How the Drug You Use Changes the Risk
Is drinking safe while on alcohol medication? There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Your risk depends on the specific drug. The FDA has approved three for alcohol use disorder: acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone.[3]
Each medication for alcohol use disorder works in a different way. Every one has its own safety rules.
| Medication | Role in Treatment | Safety Context After Drinking |
|---|---|---|
| Disulfiram | Helps stop drinking by causing bad reactions if alcohol is present. | A reaction may happen if you drink during treatment or for up to 14 days after stopping the medication.[4] Avoid alcohol during this entire period and check with your prescriber before drinking. |
| Naltrexone | Lowers cravings and the reward from alcohol. | Current opioid use or dependence can make naltrexone unsafe and may trigger withdrawal.[5] Ask your clinician about your specific opioid history. Read our guide on naltrexone safety considerations. |
| Acamprosate | Helps you stay sober by balancing brain chemicals. | It works with counseling and support to help you avoid drinking alcohol again.[6] Ask your provider for advice on managing any slips. |
The safety rules depend on which drug you take. Never guess whether it is safe. Always call your prescriber or pharmacist for help with your prescription. If side effects happen, read more about managing medication side effects. You can use these meds alone or with therapy and support groups.[3] Knowing your exact medication is the first step to getting help after a slip.
Details to Keep Handy for Your Call
Having clear details helps you get the right advice. Before calling, gather these items. Look at your pill bottle or list. Do not trust your memory.
Templates shape FDA Medication Guides, but they may not list every rule for a given drug.[7] So, check the label on your own medicine to see what applies.
Before You Call
Your ticks are saved on this device only.
Use this list to get ready for a talk with your doctor. It does not replace a medical exam. Always take your meds the way your doctor tells you to.
Drinking Again Does Not Wipe Out Your Gains
Drinking again is not a moral failure. This does not mean you should stop treatment. Alcohol use disorder is a complex and multifaceted medical condition, but it is treatable.[8]
What you have done still matters. Try these steps right away:
- Reach out to your prescriber or treatment team right away.
- Share what went on and see if your care plan needs a look.
- Request targeted support for cravings or triggers.
- Connect with a peer support group or recovery coach.
Peer-delivered interventions that connect people to ongoing support are linked to lower rates of relapse and re-admission. They also bring higher engagement and more social support for change.[9]
For family and friends, support after an alcohol relapse means listening without judging. Ask what help the person wants. You can make the phone call for them or go to the next appointment with them. You do not need to solve the problem; just be there.
For more on moving ahead, read our guide on steps after a relapse.
Pick a Safe Move Forward
Doing this check helps you prepare for a chat with a professional. It does not serve as a diagnosis. It cannot tell you if an interaction is safe.
Which Next Step Should I Take?
This self-check is for information only and isn't a diagnosis. It cannot determine whether an interaction is safe.
Talk to your care team if you are unsure about the safety of alcohol-use-disorder medication after drinking.
Stay Connected to Help
Getting help after an alcohol relapse is a big step to stay on track. You do not need to handle this by yourself. If staying sober feels hard or you need the right care, reaching out is a good move. Our guide to an alcohol aftercare plan outlines steps for daily life and costs to help you stay on track.
It gives treatment info and referrals to people with substance use disorders.
Do not wait to look for a program. If you are having emergency symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away. For others, you can find treatment near you to find local options for alcohol use disorder care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I drank while taking disulfiram?
Call Poison Help or your prescriber right away. Tell them how much you drank and when. Disulfiram-alcohol reactions can cause flushing, headache, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, weakness, blurred vision, mental confusion, sweating, choking, breathing difficulty, and anxiety.[4] If you have trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, a seizure, or severe confusion, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room now.
Should I stop or skip my next medication dose after drinking?
Do not stop, skip, double, or change your dose on your own. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist what to do next. Have your medication label and drinking details ready for that call.
What are the two commonly used medicines, and what is the “new drug” for alcoholism?
Two FDA-approved options for AUD are naltrexone and acamprosate; disulfiram is a third FDA-approved option.[3] The phrase “new drug” is ambiguous and does not identify a specific medicine. NIAAA lists these three medications as FDA-approved for AUD.[3] Ask for the exact product name and check its U.S. approval status. Do not rely on headlines or claims that a treatment is new. If a drug is used for an unapproved use, FDA has not determined that it is safe and effective for that use.[10]
Does returning to drinking mean treatment has failed?
What are common signs of an alcohol relapse?
No single observation proves that someone has returned to drinking. If you notice less contact, missed plans, or a change in their usual routine, ask how they are doing rather than assuming what it means. A return to drinking may mean treatment needs to resume or change; it does not mean treatment has failed.[11] If the person cannot be woken, is confused, vomiting, having seizures, or breathing slowly or irregularly, call 911 now; these can be signs of alcohol overdose.[2]
How many times can someone relapse, and how long does a relapse last?
Focus on what support the person needs now. A return to drinking may mean they need to resume or change treatment, or try another treatment.[11] Talk with their treatment team about next steps.
How can I support someone who has returned to drinking?
Listen without judgment. Ask what kind of help feels useful to them. Offer to make calls together with them. If there is immediate danger, call 911 or go to an emergency room.
Are medications for alcohol use disorder the same as medication for alcohol withdrawal?
No, they are different topics. Clinical guidance separates acute withdrawal care from ongoing AUD treatment.[12] Seizures, severe confusion, hallucinations, a high fever, or a racing heart during withdrawal require calling 911 or going to the nearest emergency room now.[1] For non-emergency questions, ask a clinician about withdrawal symptoms and discuss ongoing AUD treatment separately.
