Recovering from drug addiction is a complex process and involves addressing various challenges, such as managing withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and emotional struggles. A common question that often arises from recovering drug addicts and their loved ones is whether it is safe to drink alcohol.
Although drug addicts may not struggle with an alcohol problem, the nature of the addicted brain works similarly regardless of the substance of choice. There are several risks associated with drinking alcohol during recovery from drug addiction that can impact one’s mental health, physical health, and long-term sobriety.
Read on to understand how addiction works in the brain and the implications of drinking alcohol during recovery from drug addiction.
Understanding The Brain in Addiction
Addiction is a complex disease that affects multiple regions of the brain. Growing research around substance abuse and neurotechnology, such as fMRI’s, continue to prove this, breaking the historical assumption that addiction is a choice or morality problem.
According to research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse on the neurobiology of addiction, drugs target circuits in the brain that regulate our pleasure and reward system. They overload these circuits with abnormal amounts of chemicals that cause large spikes in neurochemicals such as dopamine and serotonin. They also trigger adaptations at a cellular level aimed to compensate for drug-induced effects [4].
Although addiction can impact the entire brain and various parts of the body, there are three primary regions of the brain in which addiction plays a significant role in.
Basal Ganglia
The basal ganglia are a group of subcortical nuclei located deep in the brain. It is responsible for motor skills, executive functioning, behaviors, and emotions. It plays a large role in building habits and routines, as well as pleasure-induced motivation from behaviors such as food, socializing, and sex [5].
Drugs overstimulate the basal ganglia and disrupt the circuits. It interprets drugs as pleasure and motivation, eventually leading to the habitual use of substances [4].
Prefrontal Cortex
The prefrontal cortex is responsible for organizing, planning, problem-solving, and decision-making. It also helps us with impulse control. Substance abuse can disrupt the prefrontal cortex by shifting the balance between circuits in the basal ganglia and amygdala. This can make a person have reduced impulse control when seeking out drugs or alcohol [4].
Extended Amygdala
Our amygdala plays an important role in fear and stress responses. It is designed to protect us for survival during moments of danger, however it is sometimes activated when no threat is actually present.
In terms of addiction it plays a major role in the withdrawal process. After the euphoric high of the drugs are diminished, it can increase the discomfort, pain, and anxiety one often experiences during the detox process [4].
Should You Drink Alcohol After Drug Rehab?
Alcohol is the most commonly used substance on the globe, with 1 in 3 reporting a problematic drinking habit, according to the CDC [1]. From happy hour with friends to the normalization of “wine nights” after work—drinking alcohol is heavily normalized in society.
After exiting drug rehab, it can be difficult to avoid situations where alcohol is present. This can leave some people with the impression that alcohol is more safe than harder drugs and not a big deal to drink in recovery. However, for patients recovering from a drug addiction, it can be extremely difficult to moderate one’s drinking after getting out of a rehabilitation program.
If you find yourself in a social setting where alcohol is present, consider drinking alcohol-free beverages, communicating with the people in your circle that you are in recovery, and, if necessary, removing yourself from the situation.
The Risks of Drinking Alcohol in Recovery from Drug Addiction
Drug addiction and alcohol are closely related, acting on similar parts of the brain and both affecting various aspects of one’s health. It is generally recommended for drug addicts in recovery to avoid alcohol altogether.
This can vary depending on individual circumstances, such as the kind of addiction, severity, and if co-occurring mental health problems are present. However, there are some general risks to be mindful of when choosing whether to drink alcohol or not during recovery.
Cross-Addiction
When one struggles with one or more substance abuse disorders, this is known as “cross-addiction.” They may occur at the same time, or one may replace the other—which is known as transfer addictions.
It may be tempting to turn to alcohol during times of stress or to alleviate drug cravings. However, it’s better to focus on utilizing healthy coping skills learned during treatment, such as calling a friend, exercising, yoga, or meditation.
Alcohol-Induced Relapse
Drinking alcohol lowers our inhibitions. It’s normal for drunk people to make choices they wouldn’t necessarily make when sober. Unfortunately, for drug addicts in recovery, this runs the risk of relapsing on drugs. Social or party settings where alcohol is present may also provide users with access to drugs such as cocaine or MDMA.
Secondly, alcohol itself is a depressant and can impact brain chemistry, triggering users to have cravings for their drug of choice [3].
Physical Health Complications
Alcohol can be harmful to one’s physical health and further complicated for individuals recovering from drug abuse who may suffer from pre-existing conditions related to their addiction. Research shows alcohol consumption can increase the risk of liver disease, heart problems, and even certain cancers [6].
Impact on Mental Health
Alcohol consumption can wreak havoc on someone who is already in recovery from addiction or struggling with co-occurring mental health problems.
It may be tempting to turn to alcohol to relax, feel more confident or sociable. However, alcohol can worsen underlying conditions such as anxiety or depression, and even increase the risk of suicide [2].
Tips to Avoid Drinking Alcohol During Drug Addiction Recovery
During recovery from drug addiction, it’s important to surround yourself with people who understand your circumstances and support your sobriety. Due to the normalization of alcohol, it can be difficult to avoid situations where it is present.
You may feel pressured by friends or family even to have “just one drink”, however, it’s better to stick to non-alcoholic drinks to avoid any risks of relapse or health complications.
Here are some tips to avoid drinking during drug addiction recovery and stay on the path of sobriety:
- Remove yourself from places or with people you usually drink with
- Plan activities that you enjoy that do not require drinking (hiking, kayaking, playing sports, dance, yoga, reading, playing board games, going bowling, etc.)
- Have a trusted friend, family member, or sponsor you can call if you find yourself in a situation where you are tempted to drink or use drugs again
- Set boundaries and don’t be afraid to politely decline if you’re offered a drink
Substance Abuse Disorder Treatment in Anaheim
Located in Anaheim, California, Restorations Health Care can help you or a loved one on the recovery from addiction and mental health issues. Our mission is all about saving lives.
We offer detox and inpatient treatment programs that help people get back on their feet. Our dedicated team of trained addiction professionals and licensed counselors provide individualized addiction treatment programs for recovery. Reach out to our Admissions team now.

Sources
[1] Data on Excessive Alcohol Use. 2024. CDC.
[2] Suicidal Behavior and Alcohol Abuse. 2010. National Institute of Health.
[3] Alcohol and Other Drug Risks. Sonoma State University.
[4] Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction. 2020. National Institue on Drug Abuse.
[5] Functional Neuroanatomy of the Basal Ganglia. 2012. National Libary of Medicine.
[6] Alcohol Effects on The Body. 2024. National Institue on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.