The effects of mixing alcohol and alprazolam depend largely on how much of each is ingested at one time. Alprazolam is the generic name of the prescription drug called Xanax. It is commonly used to treat panic and anxiety disorders. Alcohol affects the central nervous system.
“Someone who is addicted to alprazolam and alcohol is at a higher risk of mixing the two medications.”-Projectknow.com
It is a depressant that has a sedative effect, which can slow your reaction times. Both alcohol and alprazolam are addictive, and mixing the two drugs can lead to dangerous side effects. Those who are addicted to alprazolam and alcohol are at increased risk of these dangerous effects.
Did You Know?
Someone who is addicted to alprazolam and alcohol is at a higher risk of mixing the two medications. Because of their synergetic effects — the effects of the two together are more than when taken alone — Santa Clara University warns that you may become extremely forgetful and sleepy. The combination of these two effects can cause you to do things you wouldn’t normally do, like get into a bath and fall asleep, or drive a vehicle while intoxicated and pass out at the wheel.
If you’re struggling with an addiction to alcohol or any other substance, we can help. Call to discuss your options for treatment, and get yourself onto the right path for recovery.
Effects of Combining Alcohol and Alprazolam
Alcohol can create a highly euphoric effect when consumed in large enough quantities. This effect is intensified when it is combined with alprazolam. However, both substances depress your central nervous system, and the effects of mixing alcohol and alprazolam can be extremely dangerous. The Independent Alcoholism Help Council warns that the euphoric high those addicted to alprazolam and alcohol receive from the combination of these substances impairs judgment. This can affect your ability to gauge how much alcohol or alprazolam you’ve consumed. As a result, the risk of overdose or alcohol poisoning is significantly increased.
Other common side effects associated with mixing alcohol and alprazolam include:
- Loss of coordination
- Dizziness
- Extreme drowsiness
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Agitation
- Confusion
- Fear or paranoia
- Diarrhea
- Migraines
- Tremors
- Hypertension
- Vomiting
- Weakness
“…each substance’s effect can result in greater depression of your heart and breathing, which can be deadly.”-Projectknow.com
Another danger associated with being addicted to alprazolam and alcohol is in how each substance is expelled from your body. According to an article in Scientific American, alcohol moves through your bloodstream and eventually reaches your liver, where it is broken down, or metabolized, by enzymes. Some of these enzymes are also responsible for metabolizing alprazolam. The two substances will compete for the enzyme, which slows how rapidly they’re cleared from your body. The longer they are in your blood, the higher your risk for overdose or accidents.
Did You Know?
Alcohol and alprazolam both depress the central nervous system. This lowers your heart and breathing rates. When consumed alone, this depression may not be severe, but when combined, each substance’s effect can result in greater depression of your heart and breathing, which can be deadly.
Alprazolam and Alcohol Treatment
The dangers of mixing alprazolam with alcohol or any other substance are many, and those addicted to alprazolam and alcohol should seek treatment as soon as possible. Treatment for any addiction begins with detoxification. In a medically supervised setting, you will also receive the care and support needed to help you manage the withdrawal symptoms associated with the removal of each substance from your body. Once this is achieved, rehabilitation therapy can begin. This is often more successful if it is carried out in a supervised medical facility, such as an inpatient treatment center or a hospital.
Whether you enter into an inpatient or outpatient treatment program, an addiction to alcohol or drugs requires several methods of therapy and support. In many cases, patients continue to receive support in the form of 12-step programs or therapy groups once they leave rehabilitation to help them stay on the path toward recovery.
If you think you may be addicted to alprazolam and alcohol, you are not alone. We can help. Call to discuss your options for treatment and get yourself on the right path to recovery.
