Pain Relief or Health Risk? The Surprising Side Effects of Mixing Aspirin and Alcohol

When it comes to minor aches, pains, fevers, and hangovers, most Americans turn to trusty aspirin. However, this commonly used drug can have some major negative side effects when combined with alcohol use. 

If you are worried about the safety of mixing alcohol and aspirin, read on to learn the surprising truth. 

Table of Contents

• Is It Safe To Combine Alcohol and Aspirin Together?
• Possible Aspirin and Alcohol Interactions 
• Potential Risks of Mixing Aspirin and Alcohol
• Side Effects and Warning Signs Associated With Combining Aspirin and Alcohol
• Recommended Guidelines When Using Alcohol and Aspirin Together
• Find Alcohol Addiction Treatment and Support at Clear Steps Recovery

The short answer is no. Aspirin and alcohol are not a good mix. This is due to the effect of both alcohol and aspirin on the body. 

Aspirin is also a blood thinner, technically an antiplatelet, making it useful for preventing blood clots and related health problems. However, this blood-thinning property can be hazardous when combined with drinking.  

The combination of excessive alcohol consumption (more than 1-2 drinks) and aspirin can cause health issues ranging from mild discomfort to severe and possibly life-threatening conditions. Read on to learn more about the potential health consequences of mixing aspirin and alcohol. 

Effects on Blood Alcohol Levels

Aspirin is a blood thinner, and that can have serious implications for drinking. Alcohol enters the bloodstream through the stomach and small intestine, causing inebriating effects. 

Studies show that combining the blood-thinning effects of aspirin with alcohol can significantly increase blood alcohol content. This can lead to involuntary intoxication and poor decision-making. In addition, aspirin is less effective when used with alcohol, so it really is a lose-lose situation to combine alcohol and aspirin. 

Impact on Alcohol Metabolism

Aspirin thins the blood, causing it to move faster through your body. Alcohol is processed through the body’s poison-filtering system, specifically the kidneys and liver. 

Aspirin can change how the body processes alcohol in the liver. Combined use of alcohol and aspirin, especially in large amounts over a long period of time, can overload the liver and cause liver damage. 

Complications With Gastrointestinal Health

No one likes to have an upset stomach, but if you mix aspirin and alcohol, that might be just what you get. 

Combining the two can lead to serious implications for gastrointestinal health. Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory that thins the mucus lining of the stomach while increasing stomach acid production. Alcohol also increases acid production and is very caustic, which leads to irritation of the stomach lining and painful cramps. 

At best, combining aspirin and alcohol leads to stomach pain, digestion problems, heartburn, and nausea. At worst, it can cause ulcers and severe stomach bleeding.

Increased Risk of Bleeding

Blood thinners like aspirin increase the general risk of bleeding. Combined with the irritating effects of aspirin on the stomach lining, this can cause internal bleeding. Symptoms include blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, and stomach pains. 

Even small amounts of alcohol combined with aspirin can cause gastrointestinal distress. However, if you use aspirin while also suffering from alcohol use disorder, you run the risk of severe or extended internal bleeding of ulcers, which can contribute to cancer and even death. 

Possible Liver Damage

The liver plays an extremely important role in the body’s functioning, and it is no secret that alcohol damages liver function. Those suffering from alcohol use disorder are at risk of developing alcohol-related liver disease, which is caused by excessive alcohol use over time and can become permanent. That is why it is so important for people suffering from AUD to seek treatment at a qualified rehab center like Clear Steps Recovery. 

As for aspirin, combining its anticoagulant properties with alcohol increases liver strain. This worsens pre-existing liver problems caused by alcohol. If a person has AUD and uses aspirin to cope with hangover symptoms, it can cause a toxic cycle of liver damage. 

Whether you take the occasional aspirin for headaches or are prescribed a low-dose aspirin regimen by your doctor, it is best to avoid alcohol after taking aspirin. Here are some dangerous side effects to be on the lookout for when combining aspirin and alcohol.

General Side Effects

Overall side effects of mixing aspirin and alcohol include:

• Stomach pains
• Change in bowel movements
• Increased blood alcohol content
• Dizziness 
• Breathing difficulties 

In rare cases, extreme alcohol consumption, as seen in AUD, and combined aspirin use can cause:

• Irreversible liver damage
• The toxicity of both aspirin and alcohol
• Liver failure 
• Brain bleeding
• Hemorrhagic stroke
• Death 

Warning Signs of Gastrointestinal Bleeding

One of the most common and dangerous side effects of mixing alcohol and aspirin is gastrointestinal bleeding. Be aware of:

• Painful stomach cramping
• Shortness of breath
• Exhaustion
• Dizziness
• Black, “tarry” looking stools – This is digested blood from higher in your intestinal tract and indicates bleeding in the small intestine or stomach.
• Fresh, red blood in stools – This indicates bleeding in the lower intestinal tract, such as the colon.
• Vomiting – You should be concerned about vomit that has fresh blood or looks like coffee grounds.   

If you experience any of these signs, seek medical attention immediately. 

Warning Signs of Liver Damage

Alcohol and aspirin both put a strain on the liver. Aspirin alone, when used correctly, does not cause toxicity, but it can be dangerous when combined with lots of alcohol. Here are some common warning signs of liver damage: 

• Abdominal pain, swelling of the liver area
• Overall feeling of sickness 
• Yellowing skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Water retention in legs and ankles (edema) 
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dark colored urine
• Chronic fatigue 

The liver is a powerful organ, and when it becomes diseased, it has severe health implications. If you suspect you have liver damage, seek medical attention immediately. 

Here are some guidelines for avoiding the negative effects of mixing alcohol and aspirin: 

• For all women and men over 65, it is recommended to limit alcohol use to a single drink per day while taking aspirin. Keep in mind that a single drink is considered to be 12 oz of beer, 5 oz of wine, or 1.5 oz of spirits. 
• Men younger than 65 should consume no more than 2 drinks a day while taking aspirin. 
• If you want to minimize negative reactions between alcohol and aspirin, be sure to wait until alcohol has been metabolized before taking aspirin. Generally speaking, the human body takes one hour to metabolize a single drink. 
• Make sure to dose your aspirin correctly. Follow the correct aspirin dosage for your age, weight, and sex. 
• Avoid drinking after taking aspirin, or at least wait several hours. For example, if you take a daily dose of aspirin and know you plan on drinking that night, take the aspirin in the morning so it is metabolized before you introduce alcohol.

If you are struggling with limiting your drinking, despite negative medical reactions, you may be suffering from alcohol use disorder. Clear Steps Recovery has individualized alcohol rehab programs to help.

Are you struggling to manage your drinking? Finding yourself drinking to excess, even when it negatively impacts your health? 

You are not alone. Alcohol use disorder is the most common substance abuse affliction in the country. At Clear Steps Recovery, we know what it feels like to be powerless against alcohol. 

We design treatment plans around each person's needs, creating a roadmap to lifelong sobriety. If you are ready to stop letting alcohol run your life, reach out to learn more about starting and keeping a sober lifestyle.