Xanax is a medication commonly prescribed for anxiety. 15.38 million people are currently prescribed Xanax as a sedative. Alcohol needs no further explanation, but it can be simply described as another form of sedative that many drink for its pleasurable effects. However, there is a dark side between these two medications: Xanax and alcohol are often used together, which can be very, very deadly. Here, we will discuss how combining them can be deadly.
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What is Xanax?
Xanax, also known as Alprazolam, is used to treat a range of anxiety disorders. An anxiety disorder is simply a condition where the individual experiences a natural, strong discomfort. If you have ever had a panic attack, that is what anxiety is.
There is a big difference between anxiety and stress. Stress comes from aspects that occur in outside life, such as being overworked, being in an uncomfortable situation, or simply in general. Anxiety, however, is a chronic condition that is labeled as a psychological disorder. 40 million people suffer from anxiety, and though other forms of treatment exist, such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), Xanax is classified as one of the common benzodiazepines, or a sedative, that causes the brain to release a chemical called GABA, which lessens the feelings of anxiety. Other similar medications used for anxiety and panic attacks are Klonopin and Valium.
Effects of Alcohol on the Body
Alcohol is a chemical compound found in beer, wine, liquor, and other spirits. It affects the central nervous system, which can lead to feelings of happiness and reduction of anxiety. However, because alcohol is a depressant and releases dopamine, it can easily become addictive. An estimated 15 million people abuse alcohol daily. When alcohol use becomes chronic, or when you drink too much, the body can become dependent on it. It can also cause the individual to black out. It can impair motor functions like walking, standing, and balancing. This is because it slows down brain activity in areas responsible for these actions.
The Dangers of Mixing Xanax and Alcohol
Many are not aware of this, but when two substances are mixed together (this can be Xanax and alcohol, as well as Adderall and Valium, and so on), something called the “multiplier effect” occurs. This means that no matter what the drug is if you take both at the same time, the effects are multiplied or amplified. In other words, they double or triple in effect.
This can be dangerous, especially with Xanax and alcohol. As they are both depressants of the central nervous system, brain activity slows down. Combined, these substances amplify, and this can lead to minor side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness, to more serious problems such as difficulty breathing, memory issues, loss of consciousness, coma, and even death.
More than 18 percent of benzodiazepine (i.e., Xanax, Klonopin) overdoses involve alcohol. This is because alcohol makes it harder for the body to metabolize, or to “process,” the chemicals in Xanax. This can lead to an overdose, as when the central nervous system is bombarded with these two substances combined, it can slow down breathing to a very dangerous level. It can also slow heart rate and lead to the body shutting down, causing loss of life.
Short-Term Risks of Xanax and Alcohol Interaction
Short-term risks of using Xanax and alcohol together may be mild but are still worth noting. This can include drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. Around 40 people die each day because of driving while under the influence, and often, it is not the driver who suffers. This goes hand-in-hand with these substances when combined. If you are drowsy or disoriented, your senses are impaired. Because the brain is slowed down, it is very possible that you will not be able to think clearly or react appropriately. In turn, this can lead to car accidents and deadly falls.
Long-Term Risks of Combining Xanax and Alcohol
However, many play roulette with Xanax and alcohol and combine the two on purpose. This is said to create a “stronger high,” but at the end of the day, it can lead to physical dependence. Note that because alcohol is present and because Xanax already has a tendency to impair memory (even when not mixed with alcohol), there is a very strong potential for liver damage, impaired memory, brain damage, and the most deadly of them all: an overdose.
Signs and Symptoms of Overdose
There are several signs and symptoms to look out for when dealing with an overdose from combining Xanax and alcohol. This includes drowsiness, such as not being able to stay awake or experiencing fatigue, slurred speech, shallow breathing, disorientation (confusion), an inability to wake up (this is because the central nervous system has been shut down), and in most severe cases, blue lips or parts of the body. Suppose you have mixed these two substances or any other type of medication with alcohol. In that case, it is very important to recognize that these symptoms can lead to your death, and you need to seek medical help immediately.
If you are not the one who overdosed but are around someone who has any of those symptoms, first call 9-1-1, explain the situation, and make sure to follow their instructions. Often, the dispatcher will tell you what to do and what not to do to either a) assist or b) avoid further damage. If you are around someone who is about to mix Xanax and alcohol, consider talking them out of it. Though here at Muse Treatment, we cannot tell you what to do and what not to do, understand that an overdose is very serious, and it is something we want to prevent.
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Treatment for Xanax and Alcohol Abuse
Xanax and alcohol abuse can lead to addiction. Well, Xanax or alcohol individually can be addictive, too. If you or a loved one is struggling with Xanax and alcohol dependence, there are options, and many are available here at Muse Treatment. The first step is medical detox, which is where medical supervision and aid are provided to prevent deadly withdrawals while your body cleanses itself of toxins.
Next, an individualized treatment plan can help you meet your needs appropriately. This may involve CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy) or dialectical behavior therapy, where you are taught to recognize your inner and outer responses to situations. Lastly, having a strong support system or peer group is essential to achieving sobriety.
The Role of Dual Diagnosis Treatment
We understand that mental health disorders often go hand-in-hand with addiction. Oftentimes, people abuse drugs or alcohol to numb depression and anxiety or to relieve the symptoms of mental illness. The problem is this often makes things worse. It is not just a matter of becoming addicted or dependent on the medications to alleviate your symptoms; it is the fact that there are underlying issues that need to be addressed. Rather than self-medicating, Muse Treatment offers a dual-diagnosis treatment program where we address both mental illness and addiction simultaneously. This allows for a thorough transition from addiction into a more stable living situation. We have an expert staff trained and ready to help with mental health treatment.
Muse Treatment: A Place for Recovery from Xanax and Alcohol Addiction
If you feel you are struggling with Xanax and alcohol addiction, again, we offer individualized treatment plans that provide a foundation for your recovery at our Los Angeles drug rehab center. You will experience therapy in a supportive and caring environment and find a well-trained and competent staff who wants the best for you. Contact Muse Treatment online or call 800-426-1818.
The post Xanax and Alcohol: Interactions and Risks appeared first on Muse Treatment.
source https://musetreatment.com/blog/xanax-and-alcohol/
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