Xanax is a prescription medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It is a central nervous system depressant and belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Most doctors or other resources about Xanax will describe it as potentially “habit forming.”
This is a gentle way of saying that Xanax is addictive. Yes. This prescription drug, designed to help with anxiety (as well as insomnia, seizure disorders, and depression), will lead to addiction if you are not careful.
When you add alcohol to the equation, we get a complex and potentially dangerous situation.
Xanax and Alcohol: Two Depressants, One Result
Xanax affects a neurotransmitter in your brain called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). This particular one regulates your stress and anxiety. GABA is also involved in sleep, muscle tone, and seizure control.
Xanax is taken as a pill and is usually taken one to four times per day, depending on the treatment’s severity.
On top of all that, Xanax is a “depressant.” This doesn’t mean it makes you depressed if you use it. It means it will slow down some functions of your central nervous system.
If you recall back to high school science class, your central nervous system includes your brain and spinal cord. They respond to stimulus and are responsible for movement, the senses, body functions, emotions, and behaviors.
Okay, but what about adding alcohol to this mix?
Mixing Xanax and Alcohol
Alcohol is also a depressant.
Again, depressants slow down the brain and relax the muscles. When you combine Xanax and alcohol, the effects are compounded. Extra sleepy, super confused, really bad memory, bad judgment (yes, acting stupid is a symptom).
But it gets worse.
You can slip into a coma, and you might not wake up. This is the Xanax and alcohol overdose.
Why Do People mix Xanax and Alcohol?
There are a few reasons why people may mix Xanax and alcohol:
- To enhance the effects: Some people may mix Xanax and alcohol to get better sedative effects of both drugs. They are likely looking to get the “ultimate” relaxation.
- To self-medicate: Some people who face stress and anxiety will use drugs and alcohol to alleviate the effects in their lives. And they believe the combination of the two drugs will provide better relief than either alone.
- Out of habit: For people who regularly use both Xanax and alcohol, it may become a habit to mix the two without thinking about the potential consequences.
- Lack of knowledge: Some people may not know the dangers of mixing Xanax and alcohol and may unknowingly mix the two drugs.
Xanax and Alcohol Overdose Dangers
We mentioned it briefly before, but when you mix Xanax and alcohol, overdose is a real possibility. This could look like difficulty breathing, seizures, rapid heartbeat, slurred speech, and coma.
If you think someone has overdosed on Xanax and alcohol, get help now. Xanax and alcohol overdose can be a medical emergency and can be fatal.
How Long Should I Wait to Drink After Taking Xanax?
If you choose to drink alcohol after taking Xanax, it is important to wait until the effects of the medication have worn off. The duration of Xanax’s effects can vary depending on the individual and the dosage. Still, it is generally recommended to wait at least 24 hours after taking Xanax before drinking alcohol.
Also, keep in mind mixing Xanax and alcohol gives you impaired judgment and memory loss, so it may be tough to gauge when it is safe to drink. Really, the old saying is the best here, “Better safe than sorry.”
Potential for Polysubstance Addiction With Dual Diagnosis
If you have been prescribed Xanax, you likely have a mental health diagnosis. It is very common for people with substance use disorders to have mental health disorders. This is called dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders.
For example, an individual may have a dual diagnosis of depression and alcohol addiction or anxiety and prescription medication addiction.
Then beyond that, it is common for a person with a substance use disorder to be addicted to more than one substance. This may include substances such as alcohol, illicit drugs, or prescription medications (like Xanax). This is called polysubstance addiction.
Both polysubstance addiction and dual diagnosis can be complex conditions that require specialized treatment. It is essential to address all the substances being used and the underlying mental health disorders to achieve long-term recovery.
Alcohol Rehab in Austin, Texas
This is why a professional alcohol rehab in Austin or drug rehab is vital for treatment. A comprehensive addiction treatment program will likely include detox, rehabilitation, medication-assisted treatment, addiction counseling, and ongoing addiction support.
If you or a loved one is struggling with polysubstance addiction or a dual diagnosis, it is important to seek help from a qualified treatment center. Our team of experienced drug treatment professionals will help you understand your options and give you a clear path to help you achieve long-term recovery. Call Heartwood Recovery today.
