Have you been prescribed Xanax, and you want to know whether you can drink alcohol alongside its usage? Do you also want to know what happens when you take Xanax and alcohol together?
No, you cannot mix Xanax and alcohol. Xanax is a depressant used for the treatment of anxiety and panic disorder, and alcohol is also a depressant. Interactions of two depressants can cause interactions and lead to severe health concerns. We have shared all the possible side effects for your safety below.
After going through this article, you will know whether you can use Xanax and Alcohol together or not. You will also know what will happen when you use these two together. Let’s uncover more about this fatal combination and help you sit safe.
Xanax And Alcohol Interaction
Xanax and alcohol interaction is a very lethal interaction. Although Xanax is a medication and alcohol is a drink, both have more or less similar roles. The combination of these depressants can prove to be very dangerous. These both increase the activity of GABA, and their combined use can affect your brain.
Your liver is responsible for breaking down these products, and it needs to work more when you take both Xanax and Alcohol. It becomes more difficult for our body to detoxify in this situation.
The reaction of taking them together varies from person to person. There is no minimum amount of Xanax safe for alcohol. It is still a high risk even if you have used it previously. So forget about that glass of bear you are thinking of.
Side-effects Of Mixing Xanax And Alcohol
Xanax and alcohol interaction can cause a lot of side effects. You can face mild and severe health problems due to their combined usage. Here is a list of all the possible side effects;
Cognitive Problems
Xanax and alcohol use can also cause cognitive problems. These can result in weak memory, inability to stay focused, and dizziness. It can also cause difficulties in work driving and even put your and other’s lives at risk.
Risk Of Overdose
Xanax and alcohol use also increases the risk of overdose. Overdose can slow your body up to a hazardous level. It can cause severe problems like stroke, cardiac arrest, or even death.
Polysubstance Abuse Disorder
Polysubstance abuse disorder is the combination of more than one drug usage, which can impact your body and brain. It is tough to get rid of this disorder, and you must follow supervised medication to help you quit its use. Get immediate medical help before the effects get irreversible.
Respiratory Problems
Mixing Xanax and alcohol can also cause respiratory problems. You may feel difficulty in breathing. It is also called respiratory depression. It can also cause respiratory failure, which can prove to be fatal.
Liver Problems
Alcohol and Xanax combination can also cause liver issues. It is because liver enzymes break up these products and dissolve them. Their excessive functioning can cause problems like fatty liver and even cirrhosis of the liver.
Sedative Effect
Another severe side effect of using Xanax and Alcohol together is the increased sedative effect. It can result in several problems. Here are some of the common symptoms of increased sedative effects.
- Unable to focus
- Difficulty to think
- Sleepiness
- Impaired depth perception (We can see the size and distance between things)
- Slow responses
- Dizziness
- Difficulty
- Blurred vision
Behavioral Changes
Xanax and alcohol usage can also cause behavioral changes. It can be responsible for sudden mood changes, especially when the effect of these depressants is finished. These behavioral changes can negatively affect your work or relations.
These were all the possible concerns associated with this polyabuse disorder. So before you think of using them together, keep these impacts in your mind. But if you are already using it, you must immediately treat this addiction.
Treatment For Alcohol And Xanax Addiction
If you have developed a dependence on these drugs or you feel addicted, seek medical treatment. The first thing you need to do is consult your primary physician and help him understand the severity of your addiction. Then, get the recommended treatment plan and follow it. Here are the two most recommended treatment plans for Alcohol and Xanax addiction.
Therapy
Therapy has shown very fruitful results in treating this polysubstance abuse disorder. Psychotherapy, individual, and talk therapies are some of the recommended therapies for this disorder. Get the right one according to your condition.
Drug Addiction Facilities
The second treatment plan is joining any drug addiction facility. These are especially beneficial for people who have been subject to this abuse for a long time. These facilities efficiently help keep you sober and simultaneously give you the necessary medical treatment.
Final Words
Xanax and alcohol cannot be mixed. These both are depressants and their combined use results in overdose. It can cause severe health problems. So, you should be very careful with alcoholic beverages if you are taking Xanax.
Look for immediate treatment options if you or any of your loved ones have this addiction. You must inform your doctor about your alcohol usage if they are prescribing you Xanax.