Understanding The Effects Of Soma And Alcohol Interaction

Have you wondered about the results of the recreational mixing of Soma and alcohol? The FDA has approved the prescription drug Soma for treating acute pain. However, its euphoric effects significantly cause abuse and dependency. 

The effects of Soma pill and alcohol interactions can be profound in the human body. It can lead to the development of severe medical conditions. One of the most common causes of these interactions is the lack of information on the non-prescription use of muscle relaxers. So, let us understand the effects and risks of mixing muscle relaxers with alcohol. 

Learning About Soma Pill And Alcohol 

Soma is a Schedule IV-controlled substance and is a brand name used for the compound Carisoprodol. It is a muscle relaxant, and physicians often advise people to get Soma pills for treating short-term skeletomuscular body pain. Its use, along with physical therapy and rest, is proven to help manage pain within 30 minutes of intake. 

Alcohol is a beverage containing ethanol. It is produced by fermenting grains, sugar, and fruits. 

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that is absorbed through the stomach, small intestine, and brain. It binds to the GABA receptors in the brain, slowing down brain function and thus impairing reaction time, coordination, and judgment. 

There are different types of alcohol, including vodka, Gin, Rum, Whiskey, Brandy, Tequila, Wine, and Beer.

Interactions Between Soma and Alcohol

Soma and alcohol act primarily on the GABA receptors, thus contributing to alcohol's calming effects and soma's muscle-relaxing effects. They act in the central nervous system, leading to abuse and addiction [2]. 

Since Soma and alcohol target the same receptors in the brain, they can increase the effects of each other. Further, when taken together, it increases the sedative (calming, relaxing) effects. 

Combining Soma and alcohol can also result in- 

• Sense of euphoria (a state of intense happiness and excitement). 

• Sleepiness

• Relaxation 

Mixing Soma And Beer

The interaction between Soma and beer is widespread, as it is one of the most preferred choices of alcohol in the USA. In fact, mixing beer with Soma was popular among abusers due to its ability to create a quick state of euphoria, according to Ron Weathermon in a study. 

Muscle Relaxer And Wine

Wine is the second most preferred alcoholic beverage among Americans, and approximately 31% of the population consumes it [4].

Mixing muscle relaxers with wine may result in:

• Increased Sedation

• Respiratory Depression

• Liver Damage

It can also result in Nausea, vomiting, headaches, and gastrointestinal upset, which are common side effects of combining the Soma pill with wine. 

Dangers Of Soma And Alcohol Interactions

Alcohol mixed with Soma might lead to the following health risks. 

Motor Impairment- 

One of the significant dangers of mixing alcohol with Soma is motor impairment and incoordination. Muscle relaxers and alcohol together can make it difficult to walk and balance, resulting in a person stumbling and falling. It also makes operating a vehicle or heavy machinery very dangerous. 

Heightened Overdose Risk-

Combining Soma and alcohol can lead to an increased risk of overdose, causing nausea, vomiting, confusion, low blood pressure, slowed breathing, and seizures. 

The persistent use of Soma with alcohol can also lead to the following long-term dangers and health issues.

• Gastro-intestinal damage

• Cardiovascular damage

• Temporary loss of vision or double vision

• Transient quadriplegia (spinal damage caused by hypertension of the neck)

• The trouble with speech.

• Damage to the liver and kidney.

Risk of addiction-

Taking Soma and Alcohol for a prolonged period can cause physical dependence on the substance, making quitting difficult. 

Who Are At Risk?

The people who are at a higher risk of experiencing Soma abuse include-

• Patients with long-term use of the Soma pills due to their health issues.

• People who have a history of substance abuse.

• Users who are not aware of the consequences of taking Carisoprodol with alcohol. 

The other conditions that make people more vulnerable to Soma abuse include- 

Self-Medicating People-

People who self-medicate Soma pills are at higher risk of experiencing abuse. Such people should follow the dosage guidelines to lower the risk of dependency. 

Recreational Drug Users-

The use of the Soma muscle relaxer for other purposes or pleasure rather than its medical benefits is termed its recreational use.

Soma recreational use is often sought for its anxiolytic (a drug used to reduce anxiety), relaxing, and sedative effects. Its profound effect, when combined with narcotics, also contributes to its use with opioid medications.

By Teenagers- 

Most teens misuse prescription medications, such as the Soma pill, because they consider them safer than most street drugs. They do not realize that these interactions and abuse can have severe consequences. According to a statistic, 61% of drug abuse went up among 8th graders between 2016 and 2022 [3].

- Preventing Teen Substance Abuse

• Educate your kids on the dangers of mixing Soma with alcohol and drug abuse in general.

• If possible, monitor the level of alcohol and prescription drugs at home to ensure they are not being misused. 

• Keep a keen eye on your children’s behavior. 

Signs of  Soma And Alcohol Addiction - 

The signs of Soma and Alcohol addiction include behavioral and physical signs as listed below. 

Behavioral Signs Of Addiction-

Addiction is one of the common effects of mixing Soma and alcohol. 

Some of the behavioral and psychological signs of Soma and alcohol addiction are:  

• Sudden change in hobbies

• Personality changes

• Sudden secretiveness

• Dishonesty

Physical signs- 

Physical signs are often the first signs of substance addiction. Some of these symptoms include [5]:

• Insomnia

• Lethargy or excess amounts of energy

• Increased appetite or loss of appetite

• Clenched jaw

• Decline in grooming and personal hygiene

Available Treatment Options 

Several programs are designed to assist users with abuse and addiction. These treatments focus on recovery and living a clean life. These processes may include using other medicines with psychotherapies to prevent relapse. 

Some of the treatment options for managing addiction are listed below. 

Medication-Assisted Treatment-

One of the advantages of medically assisted detox is that it makes the detoxification process easier. It helps reduce withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, runny nose, anxiety, agitation, tremors, fatigue, etc. 

Counseling And Therapy-

Counseling and therapy are integral parts of substance abuse and addiction. They help you live your life positively and change unhealthy responses. 

Help for Alcohol and Carisoprodol Addiction:

Mixing Alcohol And Soma - Conclusion 

Our take on the Soma and alcohol interaction would be to refrain from taking them together. The use of the muscle relaxer with alcohol results in enhancing its euphoric properties by acting on the same neurotransmitter, GABA. 

Both of these compounds act as depressants of the central nervous system, thus intensifying the sedative effects. 

Evidence shows possible signs of adverse effects on the physical and physiological health of the person. Such people are also likely to suffer from addiction. 

So, avoid the intake of alcohol for 6 to 7 hours from the last dose of the Soma pill.