The Dangers of Mixing Xanax With Alcohol

What Happens When You Mix Xanax and Alcohol?

Xanax and alcohol have several aspects in common, starting with the fact that they are both legal. Alcohol is available just about everywhere for those of legal age. At the same time, Xanax is available with a prescription and is widely prescribed to treat mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. However, just because these substances are legal doesn’t mean you can overlook the dangers of mixing Xanax with alcohol.

These two substances are also central nervous system depressants, which means that combining them could have unexpected, possibly deadly, consequences. Combining two substances that depress the central nervous system can lead to difficulty breathing, uneven heartbeat, and other dangerous outcomes.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, call WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today at 877.969.1993 to learn how we can help.

For that reason, doctors often warn their patients not to drink when they are taking Xanax, but patients do not always heed that advice. Whether you have been taking Xanax through a legitimate prescription or experimenting with it independently, it is essential to understand the dangers of mixing Xanax with alcohol.

If you or someone you care about has been using Xanax and also drinking, it is essential to get them into treatment as soon as possible. This specific combination of substances can be perilous, raising the risk of overdose, alcohol poisoning, and even death. If you need help getting your loved one into treatment, we encourage you to pick up the phone and give the experts at WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab a call. We can guide you through every step of the process, helping you and your loved one navigate the road to a better and safer way of life.

What Are the Physical Symptoms of Combining Xanax and Alcohol?

Using Xanax and alcohol together can be extremely dangerous since both substances can suppress the normal functioning of the central nervous system. Here are some of the physical symptoms that can accompany the combination of Xanax and alcohol.

  • Possible seizures
  • Memory loss
  • Problems with balance and coordination
  • Potential loss of consciousness
  • Vomiting and nausea
  • Alcohol poisoning

Every one of these symptoms and side effects can be dangerous and life-threatening in its own right. Still, those who combine alcohol and Xanax may experience a number of these issues simultaneously, ramping up the danger and making timely intervention that much more critical.

Can Combining Xanax and Alcohol Lead to Overdose?

Both Xanax and alcohol are powerful and potentially dangerous substances, yet the fact that they are legal means that many people overlook or minimize the risks. Whether you have been prescribed Xanax or not, it is essential to understand the dangers of mixing Xanax with alcohol.

Mixing alcohol and Xanax can create an elevated risk of overdose from both substances. Drinking while also taking Xanax can make alcohol poisoning more likely, especially if you are drinking to excess. At the same time, the addition of alcohol can cause a Xanax overdose, both more likely and more serious, and the only way to avoid these potential dangers is to avoid the mixture in the first place.

Xanax and Alcohol Addiction Treatment at WhiteSands

Some drugs are dangerous when used alone, and some are far more dangerous when used in combination. The combination of prescription medications like Xanax and freely available substances like alcohol is hazardous since the legal status of these items can cause users and their family members to disregard the risks.

The reality is that combining alcohol with prescription medications like Xanax can be extremely dangerous, and it is important to avoid this combination at all costs. If you have been prescribed Xanax to treat your anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges, adding alcohol to the mix could make your preexisting issues worse, negating the positive impacts of the medication and putting you at increased risk.

In addition, to make Xanax less effective at treating your mental health disorders, adding alcohol to your regimen can put your physical health at risk. When you add alcohol to your Xanax, you increase the risk of seizure, memory and cognition problems, loss of balance, and many other negative consequences. If you are worried about this toxic combination and ready to get help, we are here to help, and all it takes to begin your recovery is a single phone call to WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.

About the Author

Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.