Prescription medications are being abused in record numbers. Sadly, they are often combined with alcohol and other drugs. Alcohol addiction is hard enough on the body; adding a Xanax addiction makes it even harder. This type of substance use disorder is one of the most dangerous and requires medical intervention.

What Is Xanax For?

Xanax is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It is a benzodiazepine that affects the central nervous system. It provides a calming effect for the patient to ease their anxiety and avoid panic attacks. It is considered to be a lower potential risk for drug abuse, but that is starting to change. As time passes, more people are combining Xanax with alcohol and other prescription drugs.

Side Effects Of Xanax

There are numerous side effects when taking Xanax. These include:

dizziness
drowsiness
mood changes
suicidal thoughts or ideation
hallucinations
loss of coordination
slurred speech
memory issues
seizures
swelling of face, tongue, or throat
dry mouth
lowered blood pressure

Side Effects Of Alcohol Use

Many people can drink alcohol in moderation and may feel a little relaxed. Alcohol is a depressant, and this is a natural effect. However, going beyond moderation is where you see the side effects in full force. These include:

slurred speech
loss of coordination
memory loss and lack of comprehension
blurred vision
impairment of judgment and impulse control
unable to balance, staggering gait
dysfunction of major organs

What Happens When Mixing Alcohol And Xanax?

Since Xanax and alcohol depress the central nervous system, combining these two causes exaggerated side effects. It becomes dangerous for the person, and an alcohol and Xanax overdose is likely. Taking this risk is the same as taking a chance on your life. Some people who start combining the two may be drinking alcohol in small amounts. It doesn’t take long to increase the use of prescription medication and alcohol to get the same effects over time. If someone didn’t abuse alcohol or Xanax before, they could quickly develop a substance abuse disorder.

Is It An Overdose Or Poisoning?

Because of the risk of respiratory depression, it can be hard to tell if someone is overdosing on Xanax or suffering alcohol poisoning. So let’s look at what each looks like to make it easier to know.

Xanax Overdose Symptoms

intense drowsiness
loss of consciousness
extreme confusion
coma
sluggish breathing
lack of coordination
slowed reflexes

Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms

seizures
vomiting
extreme confusion
low body temperature
cold, clammy skin
blue-tinted skin from loss of oxygen

As you can see, it is hazardous to mix Xanax with alcohol. We have showcased what happens when you combine two things that are a central nervous system depressant.

Long-Term Effects Of Xanax And Alcohol

Not everyone will experience side effects that are dangerous enough to result in overdose or alcohol poisoning. That does not mean that they are okay mixing Xanax and alcohol. These substances will damage the body to the point of lifelong problems or death. The effects include:

Chronic insomnia
Chronic high blood pressure
Chronic memory deficiencies
Chronic learning disabilities
Heart: arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, heart attacks
Liver: cancer, cirrhosis, hepatitis, liver failure
Increased risk of cancer: breast, colon, esophagus, mouth
Increased risk of dementia
Depression
Anxiety
Weak immune system
Hormonal changes
Weight gain
Diabetes
Joint pain

Stop Mixing Xanax And Alcohol Today!

If you have been taking both alcohol and Xanax together, detox is the only way to stop using. Detox is a safe environment with a medical team on hand to help lessen withdrawal symptoms. Stopping on your own can be fatal. Call us today, and we can help you safely stop and recover.

Sources: