A woman is experiencing side effects related to mixing Xanax and alcohol.

The Dangers of Mixing Xanax and Alcohol

Polysubstance abuse, a term that describes using two or more substances simultaneously, can occur intentionally or unintentionally. Some people mix substances to achieve a more intense effect, such as using cocaine and alcohol at a party to elevate mood and lower inhibitions. On the opposite end, some people engage in polysubstance abuse without realizing it, usually when taking a prescribed medication, either because they do not know they should not combine their medication with other substances or are not aware of the risks. Regardless of the reason, combining substances like Xanax and alcohol can be dangerous and even life-threatening. 

If you or a loved one is mixing drugs or alcohol, you could be headed down a treacherous path toward addiction and other serious side effects. Get the help you need to overcome polysubstance abuse by calling My 5 Palms at 1.844.675.1022. We offer inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment options to accommodate your recovery needs and your busy lifestyle. Contact us today to get started.  

What Happens If You Mix Xanax and Alcohol? 

To understand how combining substances can affect you, it helps to know more about how specific substances work. Xanax, a brand name of the drug alprazolam, is a prescription benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Benzodiazepines or benzos function by slowing down the activity of the central nervous system (CNS), so they fall under the category of depressants. Alcohol, though not a prescription medication, is also a depressant since it slows your body’s functions.  

 The effects of depressants like Xanax and alcohol include: 

  • Relaxation 
  • Euphoria 
  • Blurred vision 
  • Dizziness 
  • Lightheadedness 
  • Loss of coordination 
  • Slowed breathing 
  • Low blood pressure  

When these two depressants are mixed, the effects are more intense. However, it is not simply a matter of feeling more relaxed or euphoric. Instead, all of your body’s functions could slow to dangerously low levels, including your breathing and heart rate. For this reason, you should always follow your doctor’s instructions when taking a prescription medication and avoid using other substances without consulting your provider first. 

The Risks of Polysubstance Abuse 

Using multiple substances together puts you at a greater risk of adverse effects than using either substance on its own. By combining drugs like Xanax and alcohol, you are more likely to experience severe consequences like: 

Addiction 

Mixing drugs and alcohol can lead to addiction more quickly. You may build a tolerance to the combined dose of the substances and require even more to achieve the same level of euphoria, relaxation, stimulation, or pain relief. As your tolerance increases and you take larger doses,  you can become physically or psychologically dependent on the substances. And once you begin to experience withdrawal symptoms without the substances, you know you need help for addiction.  

Overdose 

Since polysubstance abuse intensifies the effects of all substances consumed, it can be more difficult to gauge your level of tolerance. For instance, although men can usually metabolize two servings of alcohol per hour, taking Xanax alongside drinks can lead to incapacitation and overdose. 

Fatality 

When you take two or more substances together, the effects can be somewhat unpredictable. Along the same lines as having an increased risk for overdose, you are also more likely to experience a fatality in relation to polysubstance abuse. Intensified effects like lowered inhibitions, impaired judgment, and loss of coordination can put you at significant risk for accidents and injuries that could be deadly.  

Reach Out to My 5 Palms for Substance Abuse Treatment Today 

If your doctor prescribes a medication for you, always be sure to talk to them about any other substances you consume and discuss the possible interactions. In most cases, you should refrain from combining other drugs or alcohol with a prescription medication. However, if you are dependent and find it difficult to abstain, you might need the support of substance abuse treatment. Reach out to My 5 Palms at 1.844.675.1022 to get the help you need to end polysubstance abuse. You can also send us a message online, and we’ll get back to you.

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