Rehab

Heavy drinkers choose narcotics despite dangers

Rehab Regs, February 13, 2004

Despite warnings about interactions between alcohol and narcotic pain relievers, a new study by the University of Michigan Health System finds that people with chronic back pain still use narcotics to find relief, according to Drug Week. The study also indicates that the combination of alcohol and narcotics increases the sedative effect of both, and in significant quantities could lead to respiratory depression. Additionally, researchers suggest that heavy drinkers are more at risk for disability, given the same pain and tissue damage, because their back pain may be partially disabled by alcohol.

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