The Dangers of Mixing Xanax and Alcohol

Xanax is the brand name for a benzodiazepine called alprazolam. Medical professionals prescribe it to treat anxiety conditions like panic disorder and seizure disorders.[1] It works to reduce excitement in the brain by affecting gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

While Xanax helps manage certain mental health disorders, it is also habit-forming and addictive. It is only intended for short-term or occasional use. When abused, the effects of Xanax include dizziness, drowsiness, euphoria, and memory loss.

Since Xanax is a central nervous system depressant, it should not be mixed with alcohol. Alcohol has similar effects on the brain, which means combining them increases the risk of adverse effects, drug interactions, and life-threatening overdoses. You could experience a slowed heart rate, loss of consciousness, or long-term effects like addiction.

If you or a loved one routinely mixes Xanax and alcohol, you might have a substance use disorder. Thankfully, an addiction treatment center can help you overcome your substance abuse. New Jersey Interventions is here to connect you with an alcohol and Xanax rehab center that suits your needs.

In this article, you will learn:

• What is Xanax?
• Can you drink alcohol while taking Xanax?
• What are the risks of mixing Xanax and alcohol?

What is Xanax (Alprazolam)?

Xanax (alprazolam) is a prescription substance that belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs. It is used to treat anxiety conditions and seizure disorders. Because of its high potential for abuse and addiction, Xanax is only intended for short-term or occasional use.

The side effects of Xanax may include:[2]

• Dizziness and drowsiness
• Lightheadedness
• Headaches
• Irritability
• Chattiness
• Trouble concentrating
• Dry mouth or increased salivation
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Changes in appetite and weight
• Changes in sex drive or ability

If you take Xanax long-term, you will develop a physical dependence. Suddenly stopping the medication will result in withdrawal symptoms, which could include life-threatening seizures. As a result, you should always consult with your doctor before quitting Xanax.

Can You Mix Alcohol and Xanax?

If you take Xanax regularly to treat anxiety, you might not consider that drinking alcohol could be dangerous. Maybe you just want to have a glass of wine after work or go out for a few drinks with your friends. Unfortunately, drinking alcohol while you are taking Xanax can lead to adverse effects and interactions.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), alcohol plays a role in 1 in 5 benzodiazepine overdoses.[3] Drinking alcohol while taking Xanax can increase your risk of overdosing on the medication.

If you are trying to experience a high by mixing alcohol and Xanax, you might want to reconsider. While you will experience mind-altering effects, you could deal with severe sedation, cognitive issues, memory loss, and more. Additionally, this combination of drugs is incredibly addictive.

What are the Dangers of Taking Xanax While Drinking?

Whether you accidentally mix alcohol and Xanax or do it to experience a high, you’re at risk of a long list of adverse effects. Some of the dangers associated with mixing alprazolam and alcohol are life-threatening.

The risks of combining Xanax and alcohol include:

Increased Dizziness and Drowsiness

Both alcohol and Xanax are central nervous system depressants. They both cause symptoms of dizziness and drowsiness. When you combine them, these effects are compounded and can lead to severe sedation.

Slowed Brain Functioning

Benzodiazepines and alcohol are both known to slow down your brain functioning. Mixing them can lead to decreased concentration skills and attention span. This can make everyday activities dangerous for you, for example, you might try to drive a car and get into an accident.

Memory Issues

Alcohol is known to affect memory, especially when consumed in large amounts. Xanax is also known to lead to memory loss while you are under the influence of it. When you drink alcohol while taking Xanax, you could experience total blackouts and be unaware of your actions.

Addiction

Alcohol and Xanax are both habit-forming and have a high potential for abuse. Mixing them will increase the mind-altering effects you experience. Because of this, the mixture of alcohol and Xanax is incredibly addictive.

Signs of Xanax and alcohol addiction include mixing them to increase the high, experiencing cravings for the combination, and needing to increase your dose to experience the desired effect.

You might also develop withdrawal symptoms when you stop using Xanax and alcohol. Because the symptoms of alcohol and Xanax withdrawal can include seizures, you should always receive care from a medical detox center. Attempting to detox at home could lead to life-threatening effects.

Overdose

As mentioned, Xanax and alcohol are both central nervous system depressants. Mixing them increases your risk of experiencing an overdose, as the effects of each substance become compounded.

The signs of an alcohol and Xanax overdose include:[4,5]

• Memory issues
• Loss of consciousness
• Not responding to stimuli
• Slowed breathing and heart rate
• Vomiting
• Pale or clammy skin
• Blue tint to lips or fingernails from lack of oxygen
• Seizures

If you believe someone is experiencing an alcohol and Xanax overdose, contact 911 immediately. The symptoms can quickly become life-threatening and emergency medical professionals can prevent them from developing.

Find Help for Alcohol and Xanax Abuse

If you or a loved one mixes alcohol and Xanax, you might be suffering from polysubstance abuse. To explain, polysubstance abuse is the act of abusing two or more substances at once. It is incredibly easy to become addicted to the mixture of Xanax and alcohol.

Thankfully, drug and alcohol rehab programs can help you overcome Xanax and alcohol addiction. At New Jersey Interventions, our addiction specialists will assess your needs, create an individualized treatment plan, and determine what levels of care you need. From there, we can refer you to an addiction treatment center that suits your specific needs.

Contact us today for more information on how to get started.

References:

1. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA): XANAX Label
2. Medline Plus: Alprazolam
3. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): Alcohol-Medication Interactions: Potentially Dangerous Mixes
4. The National Library of Medicine (NLM): Benzodiazepine Toxicity
5. Stanford University: Alcohol Overdose/Poisoning