Excessive drinking is considered one of the causes of oral cancer they recommend minimal drinking if you've had oral cancer. It's an irritant this is why it used to be considered primarily an old man's cancer - heavy smokers and drinkers - in fact my drs all asked me how much I smoke and drink, when I told them I don't do either - the almost fell off their chairs. As for opiates. I think I have a fairly high pain toerance. Only needed and used them go a week following rads - frankly the didn't help with the pain... Just made me sleepy. I would talk to your dr though.. It can be very hard to ween yourself off of them. Good luck.