Mixing Xanax with Alcohol is a very dangerous combination, which can increase serious health risks, including uncontrolled sedation, slowing the brain function, respiratory depression, or death. Because both substances are known as depressants of the CNS( central nervous system), they can create synergetic effects which can be very harmful. So it is essential to know and understand the dangers related to combining Xanax and Alcohol. In this article, we will explore why people combine Xanax and alcohol and what happens when you mix Xanax and alcohol in the body. We also cover the risks and dangers of mixing Xanax and Alcohol and how to get relief if you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse.
Understanding Xanax And Alcohol With Their Side Effects And Risks
Mixing Xanax and Alcohol can lead to hazardous side effects and long duration of health issues. If you or someone you know is addicted to these substances, you are facing the risk of serious medical issues. So a combination of Alcohol and Xanax should always be avoided. Let’s know more about the dangers of mixing Xanax and Alcohol, and know what you can do when you are addicted to these substances. Here is detailed information on these substances and how they work.
What Is Xanax And Alcohol?
Xanax is known as a strong anti-anxiety medication which is used to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorder, and insomnia. This medication is classified as a benzodiazepine class which works as a CNS depressant to calm the body and brain. This depressant acts by stimulating the release of a neurotransmitter, which is known as GABA, which slows down the brain activity and also calms the symptoms of panic disorder.
Alcohol is also a CNS depressant( like Valium, Xanax, Ativan, Ambien, Restoril and Lunesta), which slows down brain function, altering perceptions, emotions, and impairing judgment and coordination. The long-term effects of this substance use can cause liver damage or failure, suicidal thoughts, loss of consciousness, or respiratory depression that can cause coma or death. When this substance is used in excess or combined with other medications is very dangerous.
Why Do People Mix Xanax And Alcohol?
Many people are mixing Xanax and Alcohol for different reasons. Some people desire to enhance the effects of these substances. Others may desire to offset the potential side effects of one medication or the other. They think and say that combining Xanax and Alcohol makes they feel relaxed and happy, and also feel like a dream-like state, or that time has slowed down. Some even describe their feeling as if they are floating. When the effects of combining these substances may primarily make it pleasant but this mix can be very dangerous. Additionally, mixing Xanax and Alcohol effects at a higher risk of creating an addiction to one or both substances.
Dangers Of Combining Xanax And Alcohol
Most people wrongly believe that these two substances are safe to combine because both substances are legal. But in reality, mixing these two substances can be very dangerous. As we know, both are CNS depressants, when they are mixed, they have a powerful effect on the brain and body. Let’s explore some of the dangers and risks of combining Xanax and alcohol, including:
Cognitive Impairments
Xanax and Alcohol taken together can cause cognitive impairments because they are CNS depressants. When both substances are mixed or combined, they work together to slow down the user’s brain activity. This may cause problems with thinking, reasoning, and judgment. In addition, Alcohol can increase the effects of Xanax, which is very dangerous when Xanax is a sedative-hypnotic medication that can lead to respiratory depression and even death when taken in high amount of doses.
Physical And Psychological Dependence
Xanax and Alcohol combined can cause physical and psychological dependence. When you combine these addictive substances, you can expand the chances of developing dependency on both. Psychological dependence is created when you start thinking you require substances to feel good or to cope with stress. Physical dependence can increase when your body becomes used to the presence of medications and alcohol and starts to depend on them to work properly. This can cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking the medications.
Liver Damage
Both Xanax and Alcohol are metabolized by the liver. Combining these substances may cause extra pressure on the liver certainly cause liver damage over time.
Heart Issues
Combining Xanax and Alcohol can cause heart issues because both are depressants. When these substances are combined, they can cause a synergistic effect, which can cause deeper depression of the CNS. This can also lead to the heart rate slowing dangerously and increase the risk of a heart attack.
Slowed Breathing
When Xanax and Alcohol are combined, it can cause slowed breathing. When your CNS is depressed, breathing can stop altogether. This causes a lack of oxygen in the blood and overdose, coma, or death.
Withdrawal From Xanax And Alcohol
If you are abusing both substances, you will be facing some withdrawal symptoms from these substances. These symptoms can be very serious because they have more than one substance. People withdrawing from Xanax and Alcohol withdrawal symptoms experience, such as:
- Disturbed sleep
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Nausea
- Paresthesia (tingling or numbness of the skin)
- Rapid heart rate
- Shakiness or tremors
- Sweating
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Irritability
- Mood and behavior changes
- Agitation
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Anxiety and panic
- Depression
- Delirium tremens (DTs)
- Heart attack
- Stroke
How Do You Treat Alcohol And Xanax Addiction?
For people who have polysubstance abuse problems, time in medication or alcohol rehab is mostly the best option. This type of treatment is natural, which removes you from triggers so you can focus on yourself and getting better. Let’s explain the treatment options, including:
Detox: This is the 1st step in substance abuse treatment. It is a treatment method that removes toxins from the body. It can be done in an inpatient rehab or outpatient setting based on the severity of your addiction and your health conditions.
Inpatient treatment: This treatment when people living at a treatment center for a fixed amount of time. This kind of treatment option is commonly suggested for people who are struggling with serious Alcohol and drug addiction.
Partial hospitalization: This treatment option works just like inpatient treatment, but you only stay at the treatment center during the day. This kind of treatment is commonly suggested for people who have moderate addiction.
Intensive Outpatient Program: In this treatment, you attend a program at the treatment center for some time each day. This type of treatment is generally suggested for people who have mild addiction or who are transitioning out of higher levels of care.
Outpatient Program: In this treatment, you attend a program that meets one to three hours a week. This type of treatment is commonly advised for people who have completed an intensive outpatient program or other higher level of care.
Frequently Asked Question(FAQs)
What Happens When You Mix Xanax And Alcohol?
When you mix Xanax with alcohol, you crucially increase the sedative effects of both substances. This can cause extreme drowsiness, breathing problems, memory impairment, and an increased risk of overdose. The combination affects the brain function more seriously than either substance alone and can be life-threatening even in “moderate” amounts.
Can You Take Xanax And Drink Alcohol?
No, Xanax and Alcohol interactions can cause growth respiratory depression. Alcohol can also slow the brain which can ability to metabolize the medication and also enhance the risk of overdose.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mixing Xanax and Alcohol can be extremely dangerous, which can cause various amounts of potential side effects. If you or someone you know who has been prescribed Xanax medication, it is crucial to be aware of how this medication interacts with other substances, specifically with Alcohol. Always ask your doctor about any concerns or problems you may have concerning your drug, and never delay asking for help if you are struggling with Alcohol disorder.