Xanax and Alcohol

As anxiety disorder rates in the United States have risen over the years, Xanax has become increasingly popular. However, only 43% of people suffering from anxiety receive treatment. Rather than following a doctor’s directions, some people may choose to self-medicate with drugs such as Xanax or even alcohol. 

Because these two substances have similar effects on the central nervous system, mixing them can be extremely harmful, and even life-threatening at high doses. Abusing alcohol and Xanax can also lead to long-term dependence and worsen the mental health problems that Xanax is intended to treat. 

What is Xanax?

Xanax is the brand name for the prescription medication alprazolam. It is primarily used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It is classified as a benzodiazepine, which is a type of sedative. Its calming and soothing effects make it a very effective short-term anxiety medication. 

However, Xanax prescriptions are often abused. People who take it recreationally are not always aware that, in addition to its calming properties. Xanax can have several negative side effects, including:

  • Seizures
  • Tiredness
  • Insomnia
  • Memory problems
  • Trouble concentrating 
image: Someone laying in bed under the covers. text: negative side effects of xanax include memory problems, seizures, tiredness, insomnia, and trouble concentrating

‍How Xanax Affects the Body

Xanax’ primary appeal is its ability to sedate users. Some individuals find the sedative effect desirable, especially if they suffer from an anxiety or panic disorder. However, these sedative effects are part of the danger of it. Whether or not a person is addicted to Xanax, they will experience the depressive effects of it. In small doses, it can prevent anxiety. In large doses, it can create euphoric feelings,

According to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Xanax is a Schedule IV drug, which means it has a low risk for dependence and low potential for abuse. Even so, since its introduction into the market in the 1980’s, it has become more apparent that it has addictive properties that have made it a popular drug to misuse. 

How Alcohol Affects The Body

There is a misconception that alcohol is a stimulant because it can have a “stimulating, energetic” effect on a person when taken in small doses. The “liquid luck” idea is based on the fact that drinking a small amount of alcohol will make you more social and laidback. 

However, alcohol is categorically a depressant because of the effect it has on motor skills and cognitive function. Furthermore, those energetic social highs experienced in the beginning are usually associated with strong crashes and further impairment. 

Mixing Xanax and Alcohol Is Dangerous

In general, mixing two or more drugs will enhance the negative side effects of both drugs—sometimes dramatically. Combining alcohol with benzos is especially harmful because they both slow down nerve and organ functions. Your risk of overdose is much higher than it would be with either substance on its own. 

Alcohol and Xanax are both depressants. Either substance by itself can be abused to the point of inducing an overdose, so the two mixed together make for a deadly concoction. This is especially true because it is almost impossible to determine how much of each substance would lead to overdose. 

Xanax and Alcohol Overdose

Depressants will also slow critical nerve and organ function. One of the side effects of a depressant overdose is significantly slowed breathing, which can cause long term internal damage. If you consume too much of a depressant, your breathing can slow to a critically low level or even completely stop. Hypoxia, or the lack of oxygen flow to the brain, can cause long-term permanent brain damage and even death.

If small doses of depressants can slow down most body functions, an overdose can cause them to stop. Symptoms of an overdose of depressants can look like:

  • Passing out
  • Not being able to wake up
  • Slowed heart rate and breathing
  • Cold skin
  • Death

Complications From Drinking on Xanax

When someone gets medical help during an overdose quickly, they can often recover. However the chance of recovery is greater if medical professionals know what kind of drug that person is overdosing on. If a doctor doesn't know that there's multiple drugs in someone's system, they may not treat the overdose as effectively as possible.

The primary medication used to treat benzo overdose is Flumazenil or Romazicon. There is no drug for alcohol poisoning treatment, and doctors will start IV treatments and often pump that person's stomach.

If you think someone you know is experiencing any kind of overdose, immediately call emergency services so they can administer the proper care. 

Depressants slow critical nerve and organ function

Getting Help For Prescription Drug Addiction

An estimated 12.6% of American adults used benzos in 2018, and over 17% of that sample were found to have abused them. Xanax addiction is not commonly talked about, since it is often overshadowed by opioid and alcohol use disorders. However, it is a serious condition with dangerous consequences. If you or a loved one are suffering from benzo or alcohol addiction, consider seeking professional help. 

Sequoia Health’s holistic treatment programs specialize in treating both substance abuse and underlying mental health conditions. If you or someone you love needs help getting sober, contact us today.