We often see warnings on prescription medication labels about not mixing certain medications with alcohol. Unfortunately, some people do not take these warnings seriously. There are several dangers of mixing alcohol with certain medications, including anti-anxiety disorder prescriptions like Xanax. Many people mix the two by mistake, but some do so on purpose to increase the effects of both substances.
Why Do People Mix Xanax and Alcohol?
Xanax was developed to treat anxiety disorder and panic attacks. It is a tranquilizer drug that acts as a central nervous depressant, just like alcohol. Both are addictive substances that increase gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which is responsible for slowing down the nervous system and creates a sedative effect. Xanax and alcohol reduce the brain’s overall activity, slowing down signals in the central nervous system. Both substances have a relaxing effect on the body and when combined, the drugs build on one another. People often mix the two to get a quicker or more intense relaxing effect on the body. Because both substances are legal, some people falsely believe there is no danger in mixing the two.
Effects of Alcohol
Temporary effects felt while drinking alcohol can include:
- Sense of euphoria or giddiness
- Changes in mood
- Lowered inhibition
- Slowed or slurred speech
- Feelings of relaxation or drowsiness
- Impulsive behavior
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of coordination
- Changes in hearing, perception, and vision
- Trouble focusing or making decisions
- Head pain
- Loss of consciousness or memory impairment, also known as blackouts
Effects of Xanax
As a benzodiazepine, Xanax slows down the central nervous system, producing calmness and relaxing feelings. Some effects of Xanax may include:
- Easing of muscle tension
- Anxiety relief
- Insomnia relief
Taking too much Xanax can produce effects such as:
- Weak and rapid heartbeat
- Clammy skin
- Dilated pupils
- Shallow breathing
- Coma or death, caused by overdose
Why You Should Never Mix Alcohol and Xanax
Xanax and alcohol both suppress the respiratory and central nervous systems. When you combine Xanax and alcohol you run the risk of developing serious side effects because they amplify the effect on one another and slow everything down, including speech, reflexes, breathing, heart rate, motor skills, etc. The biggest danger of mixing the two is a high risk for overdose, as a result of slowed down breathing and heart rate which can lead to coma or death.
Both alcohol and Xanax are broken down by the same liver enzymes. Taking Xanax and Alcohol causes the liver to work extra hard in an attempt to rid excess toxins and detoxify the body. With continued substance abuse, you can develop a fatty liver which leads to liver damage and liver disease. Other long-term effects on the body can include memory impairment, ability to function at work, school, and socially.
You also run the risk of developing a substance use disorder because you are abusing two addictive substances. Both substances also work on the same brain chemicals and reward center of the brain, which can cause physical dependence and lead to drug addiction. Physical dependency also causes withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop use. Both substances can result in dangerous withdrawal symptoms, including seizures and delirium tremens (DTs).
Treatment for Addiction to Alcohol and Xanax
If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol and Xanax abuse, it is imperative to find help from a drug and alcohol detox center that can help safely stop the use of both substances. The Detox Center of Los Angeles is a Joint Commission certified addiction treatment center that offers medically assisted drug detox. We offer drug and alcohol rehab with various types of addiction therapy including dual diagnosis treatment to help anyone overcome substance use disorder. If you would like to know more about our admission process, please give us a call today.
Residential Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation
The post The Dangers of Mixing Alcohol and Xanax first appeared on The Detox Center of Los Angeles.
from The Detox Center of Los Angeles https://thedetoxcenterla.com/the-dangers-of-mixing-alcohol-and-xanax/
via IFTTT
No comments:
Post a Comment