Medically Reviewed by Dr. Bryon McQuirt
March 13, 2025
Mixing alcohol with medication can be risky, and prednisone is no exception. Can you drink on prednisone? While it may be tempting to have a drink, combining alcohol with this powerful steroid can lead to serious health issues.
In this article, we’d discuss how prednisone works, how alcohol affects the body and we’d provide tips to help you make safer choices.
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Prednisone is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation and suppresses the immune system.
Doctors prescribe it to treat conditions like:
Although prednisone is effective, it comes with side effects like weight gain, high blood sugar, weakened bones, and a higher risk of infections. Adding alcohol to the mix can make these side effects worse.
It’s not recommended to drink alcohol while taking prednisone.
Here’s why:
Both prednisone and alcohol can irritate the stomach lining. Together, they can increase the risk of ulcers, heartburn, and even stomach bleeding.
Prednisone already lowers your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight infections. Alcohol also weakens immunity, so combining them can put you at an even higher risk of getting sick.
Prednisone can raise blood sugar levels, which is especially dangerous for people with diabetes. Alcohol can also cause sudden changes in blood sugar, leading to dizziness, fatigue, and serious health risks.
Long-term use of prednisone can weaken bones and increase the risk of osteoporosis. Alcohol also negatively affects bone strength. Together, they can raise the chances of fractures or bone loss.
If you’re taking prednisone for a short time, it’s best to wait until you finish your medication before drinking. If you’re on prednisone long-term, ask your doctor when it’s safe to drink.
However, timeframes can vary based on several factors:
For those on a longer course of prednisone treatment (more than a week), it’s advisable to consult with your healthcare provider about when it’s safe to resume alcohol consumption. They can provide personalized guidance based on your specific medical situation and treatment plan.
Combining alcohol with prednisone can pose several significant health risks:
Both prednisone and alcohol can irritate the stomach lining. When combined, they significantly increase the risk of developing gastritis, ulcers, and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Prednisone is an immunosuppressant, meaning it reduces the activity of your immune system. Alcohol can further suppress immune function, potentially leaving you more vulnerable to infections.
Both substances are processed by the liver. Using them together places additional stress on this vital organ, potentially leading to liver damage, especially if you have pre-existing liver conditions.
Prednisone can cause mood changes, including anxiety and depression. Alcohol, being a depressant, can intensify these symptoms and potentially lead to more severe mental health issues.
Prednisone often raises blood sugar levels. Alcohol can cause unpredictable fluctuations in blood glucose, creating a dangerous situation, particularly for those with diabetes.
Both substances can interfere with normal sleep patterns, potentially worsening insomnia that is already a common side effect of prednisone.
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences.
It encompasses the conditions that some people refer to as alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, alcohol addiction, and alcoholism.
Healthcare professionals diagnose AUD based on specific criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
A person may be diagnosed with AUD if they experience at least two of the following within a 12-month period:
The severity of AUD is classified as mild (2-3 symptoms), moderate (4-5 symptoms), or severe (6+ symptoms).
Recovery from alcohol use disorder is a deeply personal journey that looks different for everyone. Fortunately, there are multiple evidence-based treatment approaches available today, each designed to address different aspects of addiction and recovery. The right treatment plan depends on factors such as the severity of the alcohol use disorder, co-occurring health conditions, personal preferences, and available support systems.
Alcohol detox is typically the first step in the treatment process for those with significant physical dependence on alcohol. This crucial phase focuses on safely managing the withdrawal symptoms that occur when someone with alcohol dependence stops drinking.
Inpatient or residential alcohol rehab involves staying at a facility 24/7 for a defined period, typically ranging from 28 days to several months. This immersive approach removes individuals from potential triggers and environments associated with drinking while providing intensive therapeutic support.
Outpatient treatment allows individuals to live at home and maintain work or school responsibilities while attending scheduled treatment sessions. These programs vary widely in intensity, frequency, and duration.
If you’ve been drinking alcohol while taking prednisone, it’s important to take action now to protect your health. This combination can be dangerous, potentially causing serious health complications and interfering with your treatment.
At Peachtree Detox, offer comprehensive and evidence-based addiction treatment programs in Atlanta, Georgia that can help you stop drinking for good.
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