Xanax® and Alcohol: What Happens if You Mix Them?

The effects of stress and anxiety in everyday life can be difficult for anyone to manage. For many, a glass of wine or a favorite cocktail are ways to help unwind and relax after a long day. For others, though, sometimes certain medications are needed to help control deeper anxiety issues.

Prescription medications like Xanax® are commonly used to help individuals cope with more complex anxiety disorders and have been proven effective in providing long-term relief. But while both Xanax® and alcohol consumption may seem helpful ways to calm the mind and ease stressful feelings, combining the two can be hazardous to your health.

What is Xanax®?

Xanax®, also known as alprazolam, is a prescription medication used to help treat anxiety, panic disorders, and depression disorders. Xanax® is categorized as a tranquilizer or anxiolytic that produces sedative effects, helping to relax muscles and calm the nervous system.

Xanax® belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs and works by attaching to the GABA-A (gamma-aminobutyric acid-A) receptor in the brain. When this happens, it reduces neuronal activity in the body, which is what causes a deeply relaxed state in the body.

Side Effects of Xanax®

Xanax® has various side effects, and its severity depends on the individual, the amount taken, and the duration of use. The most common side effects associated with Xanax® include the following:

• Excessive Fatigue
• Lightheadedness
• Memory Problems
• Impaired Motor Skills
• Slurred Speech
• Irritability
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Difficulty Urinating

Dangers of Mixing Xanax® and Alcohol

Taking Xanax® and drinking alcohol independently is a relatively low risk assuming the individual is in good physical health and follows both safe dosing and consumption practices. However, while each of these substances can be safely used, combining both can be dangerous, even potentially life-threatening.

Xanax® and alcohol are both considered CNS (central nervous system) depressants. CNS depressants slow brain activity, reduce muscle tension, and cause drowsiness or sedation. When taken together, the effect of each substance is potentiated and can be a dangerous combination on the body.

Both Xanax® and alcohol act as respiratory relaxants, slowing down breathing and dulling cognitive function. Mixing Xanax® and alcohol can cause potentially fatal respiratory depression, slowing the body’s heart rate, body temperature, and respiration to the point of coma or even death due to lack of oxygen to the brain.

A mixture of Xanax® and alcohol can also lead to a loss of cognitive abilities and normal motor functions. This impairs judgment, like deciding to get behind the wheel of a car, and increases the risk of overdose and physical injury. Combining alcohol with other substances can also create feelings of intense confusion, restlessness, and agitation, which can lead to dangerous or suicidal behavior.

Physical Side Effects of Mixing Alcohol and Xanax®

The physical side effects of mixing alcohol and Xanax®[1] can be severe. The mixture of both substances creates a depressant effect on the body, which can cause:

• Fainting or Loss of Consciousness
• Severe Drowsiness and Uncontrollable Sleepiness
• Slowed Heart Rate and Breathing
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness or Unsteadiness
• Lethargy
• Impaired Coordination and Balance
• Confusion

Long-Term Effects of Xanax® and Alcohol Abuse

The dangerous trend of mixing Xanax® and alcohol continues to be widespread, with its popularity going far beyond college campuses. Unfortunately, many individuals remain unaware of the severe risks associated with this lethal combination and don’t consider its potential long-term effects on their health.

Below are some of the long-term effects of Xanax® and alcohol abuse:

• Liver Damage or Disease: When Xanax® and alcohol are combined, it can have severe consequences for your liver’s health. The liver processes both substances, but when taken together, it has a harder time doing its job effectively. This can lead to permanent damage, which can be fatal.
• Depression, Anxiety, or Panic Attacks: Although taking Xanax® and alcohol in the short term can help alleviate anxiety and depression, prolonged abuse can intensify symptoms, making it more challenging to manage and increasing the likelihood of developing a panic disorder. This is because of the changes in brain chemistry that occur with extended use and eventual dependence on these substances.
• Hallucinations: Extended use of Xanax® and alcohol together can wreak havoc on your senses, impacting mental health and causing you to experience hallucinations visually and auditorily. Some people may even feel things that don’t exist.
• Heart Issues: The long-term effects of substance abuse can harm your cardiovascular health, leading to arrhythmia, heart palpitations, and other cardiac issues. The slowed respiration caused by the depressant effect of both substances can severely impact the heart.
• Memory Loss: Alcohol and drug abuse can cause impaired mental functioning and memory loss. This is caused by damage to the neural pathways in the brain due to long-term exposure to both drugs.

Withdrawal Symptoms of Alcohol and Xanax®

Relying on the simultaneous use of Xanax® and alcohol can result in severe withdrawal effects, making the road to recovery daunting. The complex interplay between these substances inside the body makes gradual separation from both challenging.

Withdrawal symptoms typically start within 36 hours after the last time the substances were taken and can start to show as early as eight hours, depending on the amount consumed. Symptoms can include:

• Intense Cravings
• Anxiety
• Panic Attacks
• Severe Mood Swings
• Tremors or Shaking in the Hands/Limbs
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Hallucinations and Delusions
• Severe Sweating
• High Blood Pressure
• Seizures

How Do You Treat Alcohol and Xanax® Addiction?

Addressing alcohol and Xanax® addiction[2] requires more than just willpower. It takes professional support, therapy, and addiction treatment to help individuals break their dependency on both substances and reduce the risk of relapse or overdose.

Below are some treatment options available for addressing alcohol and drug addiction:

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

MAT, or medication-assisted treatment, is a cutting-edge healthcare program that utilizes powerful medications like naltrexone, disulfiram, and acamprosate to help those suffering from addiction overcome cravings and withdrawal symptoms during detox.

For those addicted to Xanax®, a benzodiazepine tapering schedule can be combined with medications like clonidine and gabapentin for effective symptom management without the risk of dangerous seizures. MAT is often part of a holistic approach to recovery that includes behavioral therapy and counseling, empowering patients to achieve lasting and successful recovery.

Behavioral Therapy

Effective addiction treatment requires addressing the physical symptoms and the emotional and psychological factors contributing to substance abuse. Behavioral therapy targets negative attitudes and behaviors and is crucial to successful recovery.

Among the various behavioral therapies, Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective in helping patients recognize and overcome negative thought patterns that can trigger a relapse. Through CBT, patients learn valuable coping mechanisms that will help them manage stress and avoid potential relapses.

By empowering patients with the tools they need to change their behaviors and attitudes, CBT provides a strong foundation for lasting recovery.

Inpatient Rehabilitation Programs

Inpatient rehabilitation programs offer a safe haven for those seeking to overcome addiction. These residential treatment programs provide 24/7 support and a structured environment that promotes recovery. At the heart of these programs are evidence-based therapies, including group and individual counseling, medication management, and 12-step support groups.

The duration of inpatient rehab varies, but most programs usually last about 30-90 days. As a result, patients receive the attention and care they need to empower them on their road to recovery.

Support Groups

By joining a support group like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, individuals in recovery can find a welcoming and supportive community to share their journey with. Rather than feeling isolated or judged, members are encouraged to open up and connect with others who understand the struggles of addiction.

Through a non-judgmental approach, support groups provide vital ongoing assistance in maintaining sobriety and achieving lasting recovery.

Break The Cycle of Xanax® and Alcohol Addiction

Overcoming an addiction to Xanax® and alcohol may seem like an impossible challenge, but it is possible to break free from the cycle of substance abuse. Seeking help and support is crucial for those living with this condition, as it can empower them to learn the tools and strategies needed to manage their addiction and live a life free from substance abuse.

If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to ask for help and start taking steps towards a healthier, happier life.