Are There Risks to Mixing Xanax With Alcohol?

Thinking about mixing Xanax with alcohol? There are definitely risks to combining the two. Xanax is a drug which is used therapeutically as anxiety treatment. It can also cause feelings of relaxation, and sometimes euphoria. So, what happens to the body when an individual takes Xanax with alcohol?

 

The Effects of Xanax and Alcohol

Taking Xanax makes an individual high. Because it can also cause euphoric effects, that leads to some individuals wanting to enhance those effects. This can be achieved by taking Xanax and mixing it with alcohol. The pleasanter effects of mixing Xanax and alcohol can be:

  • Euphoria
  • Relaxation
  • Drowsiness
  • Numbness

Of course, there is a negative side to taking that combination. Xanax reacts chemically with alcohol, and has an additive effect in the brain and body. This means that when taken together, the effects of both Xanax and alcohol are intensified and could lead to an overdose. Xanax stays in the blood for several days after use, and even longer if the user takes it chronically.

Dangers of Xanax and Alcohol

Needless to say that there are dangerous side effects of mixing Xanax and alcohol. This is mainly due to the fact that mixing the two intensifies the effects of both. More than that, taking Xanax can enhance the effects of the alcohol itself. Alcohol is a sedative, therefore when it is combined with Xanax, the individual can have trouble concentrating, difficulty with coordination, all of which can put the individual at risk of accidents. The combination also heightens the intoxication the individual experiences with alcohol. This could lead to alcohol poisoning.

Some other potentially dangerous effects of mixing Xanax and alcohol are:

  • Loss of consciousness
  • Dizziness
  • Shallow breathing
  • Impaired coordination
  • Blacking out
  • Memory problems
  • Slowed heart rate
  • Overdose

Xanax and Alcohol Overdose and Death

An individual’s risk of overdosing on Xanax increases directly with their use of alcohol together with it. As mentioned above, the effects of both drugs together are far stronger than when they are taken separately. It is never advisable to mix the two, and if an individual takes daily doses of Xanax, then it better for them to completely abstain from alcohol.

Unfortunately, alcohol is one of the most common drugs taken in combination with Xanax. Drinking while on Xanax can lead to death, as even normal doses of Xanax are dangerous when combined with alcohol. The only way to avoid overdose or death while using either Xanax or alcohol, is not to mix the two at all.

Call The Villa if you need answers to your questions about mixing Xanax and Alcohol. We have the resources to provide you with the right information.

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Medically Reviewed By:

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Dr Courtney Scott, MD

Dr. Scott is a distinguished physician recognized for his contributions to psychology, internal medicine, and addiction treatment. He has received numerous accolades, including the AFAM/LMKU Kenneth Award for Scholarly Achievements in Psychology and multiple honors from the Keck School of Medicine at USC. His research has earned recognition from institutions such as the African American A-HeFT, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, and studies focused on pediatric leukemia outcomes. Board-eligible in Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Addiction Medicine, Dr. Scott has over a decade of experience in behavioral health. He leads medical teams with a focus on excellence in care and has authored several publications on addiction and mental health. Deeply committed to his patients’ long-term recovery, Dr. Scott continues to advance the field through research, education, and advocacy.

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