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Alcohol

Also known as: etoh, beer, ethanol, booze, hooch

Alcohol is a CNS depressant that acts through the GABAₐ receptor, and is one of the most common strong psychoactives used by humans. It has a long history of use and its intoxicating effects are well-studied and documented. It remains legal in most parts of the world.

Dosage

Oral

Common: 2-4units
Heavy: 5-6units
Light: 1-2units

NOTE: Alcohol consumption should be spread out over a few hours and ideally separated by water breaks. Check the label on alcohol for unit content

Duration

Onset: 15-30 minutes
Duration: 1.5-3 hours
After effects: 6-48 hours

Timeline

Onset
15-30 minutes
Peak
1.5-3 hours
After
6-48 hours
01.1d2.1d
Typical
Extended range

Effects

relaxationmood lifthappinesssociabilitylowered inhibitionsanalgesiaslurred speechflushed skindrowsinesstoleranceeuphoriaamnesia

Drug Interactions

benzodiazepines

Ethanol ingestion may potentiate the CNS effects of many benzodiazepines. The two substances potentiate each other strongly and unpredictably, very rapidly leading to unconsciousness. While unconscious, vomit aspiration is a risk if not placed in the recovery position. Blacking out and memory loss is almost certain.

Dangerous
dextromethorphan

Both substances potentiate the ataxia and sedation caused by the other and can lead to unexpected loss of consciousness at high doses. Place the affected individual in the recovery position to prevent vomit aspiration from excess. Additionally, CNS depression can lead to difficulty breathing. Avoid on anything higher than 1st plateau.

Dangerous
ghb/gbl

Even in very low doses this combination rapidly leads to memory loss, severe ataxia and unconsciousness. There is a high risk of vomit aspiration while unconscious.

Dangerous
ketamine

Both substances cause ataxia and bring a very high risk of vomiting and unconsciousness. If the user falls unconscious while under the influence there is a severe risk of vomit aspiration if they are not placed in the recovery position.

Dangerous
mxe

There is a high risk of memory loss, vomiting and severe ataxia from this combination.

Dangerous
opioids

Both substances potentiate the ataxia and sedation caused by the other and can lead to unexpected loss of consciousness at high doses. Place the affected individual in the recovery position to prevent vomit aspiration from excess. Memory blackouts are likely

Dangerous
tramadol

Heavy CNS depressants, risk of seizures. Both substances potentiate the ataxia and sedation caused by the other and can lead to unexpected loss of consciousness at high doses. Place the affected individual in the recovery position to prevent vomit aspiration from excess. Memory blackouts are likely.

Dangerous
cocaine

Cocaine can decrease some of the intoxicating effects of alcohol, causing some people to drink more than they otherwise would, which leads to greater behavioral and physical health risks. There is also some debate about cocaethylene, a metabolite produced when combining alcohol and cocaine, with some researchers positing that it is more cardiotoxic than cocaine on its own. Use moderation when combining these substances.

Unsafe
maois

Tyramine found in many alcoholic beverages can have dangerous reactions with MAOIs, causing an increase in blood pressure.

Unsafe
pcp

Details of this combination are not well understood but PCP generally interacts in an unpredictable manner.

Unsafe
amphetamines

Drinking on stimulants is risky because the sedative effects of the alcohol are reduced, and these are what the body uses to gauge drunkenness. This typically leads to excessive drinking with greatly reduced inhibitions, high risk of liver damage and increased dehydration. They will also allow you to drink past a point where you might normally pass out, increasing the risk. If you do decide to do this then you should set a limit of how much you will drink each hour and stick to it, bearing in mind that you will feel the alcohol and the stimulant less. Extended release formulations may severely impede sleep, further worsening the hangover.

Caution
amt

aMT has a broad mechanism of action in the brain and so does alcohol so the combination can be unpredictable

Caution
mdma

The combination of MDMA and alcohol may increase strain on the cardiovascular system and lead to increased alcohol consumption. MDMA may also impair one's ability to recognize their level of drunkenness, leading to increased alcohol consumption and poor decision-making. Alcohol may also increase the risk of dehydration and hyperthermia (increased body temperature) when combined with MDMA.

Caution
nitrous

Both substances potentiate the ataxia and sedation caused by the other and can lead to unexpected loss of consciousness at high doses. While unconscious, vomit aspiration is a risk if not placed in the recovery position. Memory blackouts are likely.

Caution
ssris

Alcohol may potentiate some of the pharmacologic effects of CNS-active agents. Use in combination may result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills.

Caution
2c t x

Both these classes of compound can interact unpredictably. Caution should be exercised.

Low Risk & Decrease
2c x
Low Risk & Decrease
5 meo xxt
Low Risk & Decrease
caffeine
Low Risk & No Synergy
cannabis

In excess, this combination can cause nausea.

Low Risk & Synergy
dmt
Low Risk & Decrease
dox

Drinking on stimulants is risky because the sedative effects of the alcohol are reduced, and these are what the body uses to gauge drunkenness. This typically leads to excessive drinking with greatly reduced inhibitions, high risk of liver damage and increased dehydration. They will also allow you to drink past a point where you might normally pass out, increasing the risk.

Low Risk & Decrease
lsd
Low Risk & Decrease
mescaline
Low Risk & Decrease
mushrooms
Low Risk & Decrease
nbomes
Low Risk & Decrease