What happens when you mix opiates and alcohol?

Woman's hands holding prescription pills and a glass of red wine, illustrating the dangerous combination of medication and alcohol abuse

Both opiates and alcohol depress the activity of the central nervous system, slowing breathing and heart rate. When taken together, the effects of these substances only increase, slowing breathing and heart rate down dangerously and depriving essential parts of the body of oxygen. Without an adequate amount of oxygen, essential organ systems begin to shut […]