Xanax and alcohol are two of the most common drugs in the country today. Both are depressants and both are very dangerous to abuse. This article will tell you what you need to know.
What is Xanax?
Xanax is the trade name of the most popular brand of alprazolam, a type of benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines are tranquilizer drugs. It works by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that slows down brain activity, producing a calming effect.
Xanax is a very strong drug – abuse can lead to dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms like seizures. There’s also the risk of overdose, especially when mixing Xanax and alcohol.
Because of its habit-forming potential, Xanax is usually prescribed for short-term use under medical supervision. It’s classified as a Schedule IV drug by the DEA.
Effects of Alcohol on the Body
Alcohol affects nearly every system in the body, and its impact varies based on the amount consumed, frequency of use, and individual factors like age, weight, and overall health. While moderate drinking may not cause significant harm for most people, excessive or long-term alcohol use can lead to serious health consequences.
In the short term, alcohol’s effects include things like slowed reflexes, impaired judgement, slurred speech, and memory lapses. Over the long term it can lead to things like liver damage, heart disease, brain damage, and other problems.
While occasional alcohol consumption may not cause severe harm, excessive drinking can lead to serious short- and long-term health effects. And mixing alcohol and Xanax together is exceedingly dangerous.
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Call 866-881-1184The Dangers of Mixing Xanax and Alcohol
Mixing Xanax and alcohol is a profoundly dangerous thing to do, because they both depress the central nervous system (CNS). Both substances slow down brain activity, leading to severe side effects and potentially life-threatening complications.
For example, mixing Xanax and alcohol can very easily lead to respiratory depression. It can likewise lead to severe drowsiness and impaired motor function, making it very dangerous for this person to operate a vehicle. According to a study on Xanax and alcohol consumption, mixing the two together had profoundly negative cognitive effects.
Signs and Symptoms of Xanax and Alcohol Abuse
Recognizing the signs of Xanax and alcohol abuse can help identify a potential problem before it escalates.
Physical symptoms include things like:
- Extreme drowsiness or lethargy
- Slurred speech
- Unsteady gait (poor balance, frequent falls)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shallow breathing
- Frequent blackouts or memory gaps
When it comes to behavioral symptoms of using Xanax and alcohol, look out for things like:
- Taking higher doses than prescribed
- Mixing Xanax and alcohol intentionally for a stronger effect
- Secretive behavior or lying about usage
- Neglecting responsibilities (work, school, or family)
- Engaging in risky behaviors (drunk driving, unprotected sex, criminal activity)
Mixing Xanax and alcohol is a high-risk combination that can lead to fatal consequences. If you or someone you know is struggling with Xanax or alcohol abuse, seeking professional help is crucial for safety and recovery.
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Check Your CoverageRisks of Withdrawal and Detoxing from Alcohol and Xanax
Withdrawal from alcohol and Xanax (alprazolam) can be extremely dangerous, especially when quitting both substances simultaneously. Since both are central nervous system (CNS) depressants, stopping them abruptly can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, including life-threatening complications such as seizures and delirium tremens (DTs).
Both alcohol and Xanax affect gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that slows brain activity and produces a calming effect. When someone becomes dependent on these substances, their body adapts by reducing natural GABA production. When alcohol or Xanax use suddenly stops, the body struggles to regain balance, leading to hyperactivity in the nervous system and severe withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include seizures and delirium tremens, which can be lethal.
Xanax and Alcohol Addiction Treatment in California
Combining Xanax and alcohol is extremely dangerous, as both substances are central nervous system depressants that can lead to impaired coordination, slowed reaction time, and loss of consciousness. Xanax, a controlled substance commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety, panic attacks, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), has a sedative effect that is intensified when mixed with alcohol.
The National Library of Medicine warns that alcohol and benzodiazepines, when taken together, significantly increase the risk of fatal overdose, alcohol poisoning, and long-term effects on cognitive functioning. High-functioning alcoholics who engage in binge drinking while taking Xanax can experience severe consequences, including Xanax addiction, or any benzodiazepine addiction, and withdrawal complications requiring inpatient rehab or alcohol detox.
Dual diagnosis treatment centers offer medical management and cognitive behavioral therapy to address underlying mental health conditions like anxiety and panic disorder, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, postpartum depression, and personality disorders.
If you or a loved one are struggling with Xanax and alcohol addiction but wonder how long addiction treatment takes or have other questions, call us at 866-881-1184 or contact us here. Our highly qualified staff will be happy to help give you an idea on what to expect from your addiction recovery timeline, help verify your insurance, and assist with any other questions you may have.
