Which of the following increases the risk of opioid overdose?

Combining opioids with alcohol significantly increases the risk of overdose due to the pharmacological effects of both substances. Opioids act as central nervous system depressants, reducing brain activity and suppressing respiratory function, which can lead to decreased oxygen levels and potentially fatal respiratory depression. Alcohol enhances these depressant effects, further slowing breathing and heart rate, increasing the likelihood of an overdose.

This heightened danger occurs because both substances have a synergistic effect on the body, meaning their combined impact is greater than when each is taken alone. Hence, the combination can lead to profound sedation and an increased risk of loss of consciousness, reducing the ability to respond to respiratory depression.

In contrast, using opioids alone might still present risks, but not to the same extent as when combined with alcohol. Engaging in exercise while on opioids doesn't significantly impact the risk of overdose, as it primarily focuses on muscle and cardiovascular efficiency rather than respiratory function. Additionally, the lack of medical history can hinder treatment and understanding but does not directly contribute to the immediate risk of overdose in the same manner that alcohol does.