Alcohol & Medication Safety in the Holidays: Glen Iris Festive Health Advice

Christmas and New Year’s in Glen Iris often mean festive gatherings with celebratory drinks. While alcohol may help you unwind and enjoy the moment, it is still a drug—and combining it with common medications can cause unexpected and serious side effects.

What Is Alcohol and How Does It Affect the Body?

Alcohol (ethanol) is one of the world’s oldest and most widely used drugs. As a depressant, it slows down activity in the brain, lowering social inhibitions but, with higher intake, causing slurred speech, poor coordination, and other risks.

The main ingredient, ethanol, is absorbed through the stomach and intestines, then delivered to the liver to be broken down into acetaldehyde—a toxic byproduct. In moderation, the liver handles acetaldehyde well. But after a night of heavy drinking, both ethanol and acetaldehyde can build up, causing hangover symptoms.

How Do Alcohol and Medications Interact?

Your liver processes not only alcohol but also medications and other substances. When burdened by multiple compounds at once, the liver can become overwhelmed, leading to toxic buildup and increased health risks.

For example, paracetamol (a common painkiller) is metabolized in the same way as alcohol. Taking both can overwhelm the liver—extending intoxication and increasing the risk of liver damage.

What Should Glen Iris Families Do Over the Holidays?

Enjoy alcohol in moderation, especially at celebrations.
Always consult your doctor, dentist, or pharmacist before mixing alcohol with any prescription or over-the-counter medication.
When collecting medicines—especially unprescribed ones—ask your chemist if it’s safe to drink alcohol with them.
Give your liver a break and help it stay healthy for many more holiday seasons!

Wishing you a safe, festive, and joyful Christmas and New Year from Tooronga Family Dentistry, Glen Iris.