Alcohol can raise BP both quickly and over time—the more and the more often you drink, the greater the risk. Cutting back usually lowers BP. However, it can be dangerous to quit alcohol “cold turkey.” Moderate to severe withdrawal can cause seizures or delirium tremens. Understanding your cardiovascular health and risks is essential before drinking alcohol.
Does Drinking Alcohol Raise Blood Pressure?
Yes. Even small amounts can raise blood pressure briefly, and regular use can raise it long-term. Alcohol can also make common BP medicines less effective and increase cardiovascular risk. Safer intake limits exist, and evidence-based help is available. [1. 2]
Alcohol activates the sympathetic nervous system, stimulates RAAS, and impairs endothelial function. Even one drink a day can raise BP, and more drinking increases risk over time. Cutting back or abstaining can lower BP within weeks [1].
Cardiologists and major medical groups link alcohol with atrial fibrillation, cardiomyopathy, stroke, and higher overall CVD risk. Any perceived “heart benefits” don’t outweigh increased risks (including cancer).
Interactions: Alcohol and Blood Pressure Medicines
Mixing alcohol with BP meds can worsen hypotension, dizziness, falls, and nonadherence, making BP control harder. Check home BP, avoid binges, and discuss safe limits with your clinician.
ACE Inhibitor: Lisinopril and Alcohol
Additive BP-lowering can cause lightheadedness or syncope—especially with dehydration, heat, or rapid position changes. If you drink: stay within low-risk limits, hydrate, and monitor BP/symptoms. Seek care for a persistent cough or dizziness.
ARB: Losartan and alcohol
Combination may cause orthostatic dizziness and make BP harder to control (alcohol raises sympathetic tone). Avoid heavy sessions, track home readings, and tell your clinician about routine intake.
Central α-2 agonist: Clonidine and alcohol
Both are sedating; together, they increase the risk of accident and cognitive impairments. Missing clonidine doses can cause rebound hypertension—avoid alcohol during dose changes or if unsure about adherence [8].
Beta-blocker: Metoprolol and alcohol
Bradycardia and hypotension risk rise with multi-drug regimens, dose changes, or ER formulations (some release faster with alcohol). If dizzy or fatigued, reduce/avoid alcohol and seek advice [7. 9].
“Healthiest Alcohol”? What Evidence Actually Says
Despite some claims online, there is not necessarily a “healthiest alcohol”. Especially if you struggle with high blood pressure. Health outcomes depend on how much and how often, not the beverage type. Large cohort data show that beer, wine, and spirits all raise BP. If you choose to drink, keep amounts small and avoid binges—there’s no “100% safe” alcohol.
If you drink, the professional guidelines are as follows: women ≤ 1 drink/day and men ≤2. Avoid binges or using alcohol for sleep/anxiety/stress relief. People who are pregnant, have uncontrolled BP, certain heart/liver conditions, or are taking interacting meds should not drink.
Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder (Evidence-Based)
FDA-approved options—naltrexone, acamprosate, disulfiram—can help people cut back or maintain abstinence from alcohol or opioid use disorder, especially when combined with counseling.
- Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist that helps reduce cravings and the pleasurable effects of alcohol, making it easier for people to cut down or abstain from drinking.
- Acamprosate is a medication that stabilizes chemical signaling in the brain disrupted by chronic alcohol use, helping to reduce withdrawal symptoms and support abstinence in people who have stopped drinking.
- Disulfiram is a medicine that causes unpleasant reactions like nausea and flushing if alcohol is consumed, serving as a deterrent for drinking by associating alcohol use with negative physical effects.
Detox and Residential Treatment for Alcohol Addiction in Michigan
Rushton Recovery understands how mental health challenges can be a barrier to recovering from alcohol addiction. Our licensed therapists prioritize your well-being, safety, and comfort throughout treatment. Our detox and residential treatment center in Michigan offers a healing space to embark on your journey toward sobriety.
We offer evidence-based therapies designed to evolve with your individual needs and address the root of your substance abuse. Let our team help you heal, repair relationships, and equip you with the skills to achieve long-term recovery.
Reach out to our Admissions team now.
FAQs
Does drinking alcohol make your blood pressure go up?
Yes. Both short-term spikes and long-term increases are documented, cutting back helps.
How much alcohol is okay if I’m on BP medicine?
Because of interaction risks, many clinicians recommend staying at or below AHA low-risk limits, or not drinking at all.
Is it okay to drink while taking lisinopril, losartan, clonidine, or metoprolol?
These combos can cause dizziness or lower BP, making control harder. Avoid heavy drinking and discuss your patterns with your doctor.
Are any alcoholic beverages good for my heart?
There’s no evidence of the health benefits of alcohol on the heart. The risk rises with each drink, regardless of type.
Is it safe in recovery to drink nonalcoholic beer or wine?
Some find NA options helpful, others find them triggering. If abstaining, choose 0.00% and discuss with your care team.
What are safer ways to cut back without going cold turkey?
Plan limits, alternate with non-alcoholic drinks, avoid binges, track home BP, and seek medical help if you struggle with a dependency.
Sources
- American Heart Association (2024). Limiting alcohol to manage high blood pressure. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/limiting-alcohol-to-manage-high-blood-pressure
- Harvard Health Publishing (2024). Can drinking raise my blood pressure? https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/can-drinking-raise-my-blood-pressure
- Harvard Health Publishing (2024). All types of alcohol appear to raise blood pressure. https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/all-types-of-alcohol-appear-to-raise-blood-pressure
- Tulane SPHTM (2023). One beer a day enough to increase blood pressure. https://sph.tulane.edu/one-beer-day-enough-increase-blood-pressure-new-study-finds
- SAMHSA (2024). National Helpline. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
- GoodRx Health (2024). Alcohol and blood pressure medication interactions. https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/hypertension/alcohol-and-blood-pressure-medication-interactions
