Mixing Aspirin And Alcohol: A Risky Combination

When it comes to mixing aspirin and alcohol, it's essential to understand the potential risks. This combination can lead to debilitating health conditions, worsen the side effects of aspirin, and result in harmful interactions that may trigger unwanted medical emergencies, including overdose and even death.

Studies show that combining alcohol and aspirin is not a rare behavior among youth and young adults who consume alcohol in regular or higher amounts. This combination is often used as an attempt to manage hangover symptoms such as muscle pain or headaches [1].

It’s important for teens to understand that even if a drug is considered “safe” or sold over the counter, it can still be harmful, especially when mixed with alcohol. 

Why Do Teens Combine Alcohol and Aspirin?

Teens often perceive over-the-counter (OTC) drugs as safe, with some believing that popping an aspirin can prevent a hangover in the morning. Nearly 57-78% of teens report OTC medication use monthly, with misuse rising significantly in recent years. 

This misconception increases the likelihood of risky behaviors such as polydrug use and combining alcohol with OTC or prescription medications [1]. 

Understanding The Interaction Between Aspirin and Alcohol 

The dangers of mixing aspirin and alcohol extend beyond immediate health risks. The interaction between these two substances can impact blood alcohol levels, the efficacy of aspirin, and the metabolism of alcohol, leading to potential long-term consequences, especially for growing youth.

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, individuals who took two extra-strength aspirin tablets an hour before drinking had blood alcohol levels 30% higher than when they drank alcohol alone [2].

This quick spike in BAC means that a person may become impaired more quickly than they would if they had consumed alcohol alone. The heightened alcohol toxicity in the bloodstream could lead to greater risks of accidents, poor judgment, and other alcohol-related problems.

How Do Alcohol and Aspirin Affect The Liver? 

The liver is responsible for metabolizing both alcohol and aspirin. Taking these substances together puts additional strain on the liver, potentially leading to damage over time.

Signs of liver damage can include jaundice, abdominal pain and swelling, and dark urine. If these symptoms are observed, it's crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Early treatment can improve the chances of recovery and reduce the progression of liver disease.

Health Risks of Taking Aspirin and Alcohol 

The size of the dose of aspirin is essential when considering the risks of mixing it with alcohol. The most commonly prescribed dose for heart-related conditions is a very low dose known as "baby aspirin," which is 81 milligrams. 

On the other hand, a regular-strength aspirin tablet is 325 milligrams, typically used for pain or inflammation (the most common use by teens and young adults). Regardless of the aspirin dose, it is essential to adhere to the FDA's recommendations regarding alcohol consumption to mitigate adverse side effects. 

These can impact several systems in the body, affecting both physical and mental health [3][4].

Impact on Digestive Health 

One of the main concerns of mixing aspirin and alcohol is the potential impact on gastrointestinal health. Drinking alcohol while taking aspirin may increase the risk of gastrointestinal issues such as bleeding, heartburn, and digestive problems, potentially progressing to irreparable damage.

Increased Bleeding

Alcohol and aspirin both independently increase the risk of bleeding, with some studies reporting a 6.3 times increased risk of internal bleeding when consuming 35 proof or more alcoholic beverages [5]. 

Aspirin thins the blood by inhibiting platelet function, which helps prevent clot formation but also increases the risk of bleeding. Alcohol irritates and damages the stomach lining, increasing susceptibility to ulcers and bleeding. When combined, alcohol can amplify aspirin’s effects on the stomach and blood, greatly increasing the risk of serious bleeding complications.

Potential Liver Damage

Finally, the combination of alcohol and aspirin can have severe implications for liver health. Chronic alcohol consumption mixed with aspirin can lead to an elevated risk of organ failure, including liver damage. 

This risk is even more significant for women, who typically reach a higher level of BAC than men do due to differences in body water content. This makes women more susceptible to alcohol-related organ damage, particularly to the liver [6].

Are the Risks of Combining Alcohol and Aspirin Increased for Teens? 

Yes, the risks of combining alcohol and aspirin are increased for teens. Both of these substances can irritate the stomach lining and thin the blood, raising the likelihood of gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, and stomach upset. 

Teens may be particularly vulnerable due to their developing bodies and potentially less awareness of safe medication and alcohol use. Their metabolic pathways, which break down drugs and toxins, are not yet fully mature, so alcohol and aspirin can have stronger or prolonged effects [7]. 

Additionally, their mechanisms of blood clotting are still evolving, increasing the risk of bleeding. Combined with a lack of judgment, risk-taking, and other behavioral factors, these heighten teens' susceptibility to adverse reactions from mixing aspirin and alcohol.​

Recognizing Warning Signs

Recognizing the warning signs of potential health risks associated with mixing aspirin and alcohol is essential. This can help in timely intervention and appropriate medical assistance.

Some of the adverse side effects of mixing alcohol and aspirin to be mindful of in youth include:

Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Black tarry stool, bright red blood in vomit, cramps in the abdomen, dark or bright red in the stool, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, vomit that looks like coffee grounds. 

Signs of Liver Damage: Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), abdominal pain and swelling, itchy skin, dark urine, chronic fatigue, loss of appetite, easy bruising, swelling in legs or ankles, pale stool or bloody tar stool.

Prevention and Safe Practices for Teens 

For teens and parents, understanding the risks of mixing aspirin and alcohol is just the first step; prevention and action are key. Teens should avoid combining these substances by following the FDA guidelines for alcohol use and medication timing. 

Parents can support prevention by discussing the dangers openly and setting strict boundaries around OTC medication access in the home and alcohol use. Being informed and cautious helps protect teens from serious health risks like bleeding, stomach issues, and liver damage. 

If your teen is showing warning signs of internal bleeding, liver damage, or ulceration, call 911 and seek medical treatment. If your teen regularly abuses alcohol and uses aspirin to help with hangovers, they could be struggling with an alcohol abuse problem or unresolved emotional challenges driving them to drink, and it's important to seek professional mental health support. 

Comprehensive Care for Teens Alcohol and OTC Abuse in Florida

Lotus Behavioral Health is a residential treatment facility for teens located in Florida. Our programs are designed to support teens and their families with the tools they need to recover from substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders. 

We offer a blend of comprehensive recovery services such as individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, and skill-building workshops to help teens recover from over-the-counter drug abuse, prescription meds, alcohol, and other substance use disorders. 

Contact our admissions team today to find family-centered support for your teen. 

Sources 

[1]: Chmielinski, J. (2018). Adolescents' Misuse of Over-The-Counter Medications: The Need for Pharmacist-led Intervention. Innovations in pharmacy, 9(3), 1–7.

[2] National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Harmful Interactions. 

[3] Jepsen, P. (2023). Effects of statins and aspirin on HCC risk in alcohol-related cirrhosis: nationwide emulated trials. Hepatology communications, 7(1), e0013.

[4] Newgreen, D. 2005. Should consumers be warned about aspirin, alcohol, and gastric bleeding? Australian Prescriber. 

[5] Shapiro, S. et al. (1995). Alcohol consumption and the risk of major upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The American journal of gastroenterology, 90(7), 1058–1064.

[6] Shah, H. et al. (2020). Alcohol and Liver Function in Women. Alcohol research: current reviews, 40(2), 10.

[7] Squeglia, M. et al. (2020). Effect of alcohol use on the adolescent brain and behavior. Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior, 192, 172906.