.jpeg)
If you live with chronic pain and are tempted to find relief with a glass of wine or two, you're not alone – not by a long shot. According to a recent study by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, about 28% of individuals with chronic pain self-medicate with alcohol.
While a drink may seem like just what the doctor ordered when you’re in pain, it’s actually the opposite. Pain relief from alcohol is temporary. Just one drink can make you feel worse than you did before you took your first sip and lead to health issues - both physically and mentally.
As pain specialists, we often hear questions about alcohol use and its role in managing chronic pain. Below, Dr. Kyle Young, one of our founding physicians, answers some of the most common ones to help you better understand how alcohol might be affecting your condition, and safer ways to find the relief you deserve.
Is it ever safe to use alcohol for chronic pain relief?
No. Alcohol can dull pain temporarily, which is why people usually reach for a drink when they're hurting. It can relax muscles, lower stress in the moment and even trigger a short-lived mood boost.
But this relief is very fleeting, and it comes with risks. Over time, using alcohol to manage pain can lead to more health problems, including increased sensitivity to pain, trouble sleeping, and a higher risk of dependence. While an occasional drink might not be harmful for some, using alcohol regularly or heavily to manage pain is not a healthy long-term solution.
How does alcohol impact chronic pain over time? Can it make certain conditions worse or delay healing?
Yes, alcohol can worsen chronic pain conditions over time, and it can increase inflammation in the body, which may aggravate conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, or neuropathic pain. Alcohol can also interfere with the body's natural healing processes, slowing down tissue repair and recovery after injury or surgery.
In people with nerve pain, even moderate alcohol use can damage the nerves further and intensify symptoms. And for those dealing with back or spine issues, alcohol-related inflammation or muscle relaxation can sometimes increase the risk of injury or instability.
Can alcohol interfere with pain medications?
Absolutely. Alcohol can interact negatively with many pain medications, including opioids, muscle relaxants, antidepressants, and anti-inflammatories. These combinations can increase the risk of dangerous side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, liver damage, and even respiratory depression, which can be life-threatening.
Even over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful when mixed with alcohol, putting strain on the liver and increasing the risk of long-term liver disease. If you’re undergoing treatment or taking any medications for pain, it’s important to talk to your doctor about alcohol use.
How does alcohol affect sleep, and why is that important for chronic pain?
Good question. Sleep is a critical part of managing chronic pain, but while alcohol might help you fall asleep faster, it interferes with the deeper, restorative stages of sleep that we need so our bodies can heal.
Also, poor sleep can intensify pain, reduce your ability to cope with discomfort, and worsen fatigue and mood issues. For people with chronic pain, maintaining good sleep hygiene is essential—and alcohol tends to work against that goal.
What are healthier alternatives to alcohol for pain management?
There are safer, healthier, and more effective ways to manage pain and stress. Get out and take an easy walk, do some gentle stretches or movements while focusing on your breath. If you’re stressed, try talking things through with a trusted friend a therapist.
Developing healthy coping tools, like regular sleep, good nutrition, and exercise can make a big difference in how your body handles chronic pain.
What should I do if I feel dependent on alcohol to cope with pain?
If you find that you're relying on alcohol to get through the day or to manage your pain, know that you're not alone, and that there is help available. The first step is to talk honestly with your doctor or care team. We’re here to support you, not to judge. Together, we can explore safer pain management strategies and, if needed, connect you with resources for substance use support.
On that note, what would you tell patients afraid to talk to their doctor about how much they drink?
This is a common worry, and it's completely understandable. Talking about alcohol use can feel vulnerable or even shameful, but we’re here to help, not judge.
As pain specialists, we understand that people often turn to alcohol because they’re struggling. Whether it's physical pain, emotional stress, or sleep issues, you're doing your best to cope. Our job is to help you find safer, more effective ways to feel better.
Being honest about how much you’re drinking allows us to fully understand your health picture and give you the best care possible. It also opens the door to more support, whether that means adjusting medications, connecting you with resources, or just having a conversation about what you're going through.
We'll figure it out together. Reaching out is the first step.
To Recap
Living with chronic pain can be exhausting, and turning to alcohol for relief is a common temptation, yet it's not a safe or sustainable solution. Here are the key points to remember:
- Alcohol provides only temporary relief and may actually worsen chronic pain over time by increasing inflammation, disrupting sleep, and slowing healing.
- Regular alcohol use can interfere with pain medications, leading to dangerous interactions and long-term health risks, especially liver damage.
- Even small amounts of alcohol can negatively impact sleep, which is vital for pain management and overall recovery.
- There are healthier, more effective alternatives to alcohol, including physical activity, therapy, proper nutrition, and improved sleep hygiene.
- If you're relying on alcohol to cope, you're not alone. Talk to your doctor—there’s no shame in seeking support, and better pain management options are available.
Your Next Step
If you’re struggling with chronic pain and using alcohol to cope, reach out to a pain specialist today. You deserve relief that supports your long-term health, not just a short-term fix. Let’s work together to find safer, more effective strategies that truly improve your quality of life.
