The Dangers of Mixing Benzos and Alcohol

Mixing benzos and alcohol is very risky and it can have fatal results. Their alarmingly high rate of abuse is rising along with their popularity. We will do our best to clarify the dangers involved in mixing certain drugs. Alcohol and benzos together can have fatal consequences, including severe respiratory depression and coma. Our goal is to provide resources for people in need of assistance, as well as to enlighten and educate you about the risks associated with this combination. Consider getting in touch with our rehab center in Lake Ariel PA if you or someone you know is experiencing drug abuse. Recovery is achievable with the correct help and direction. Let’s examine the risks and investigate solutions to live a better, drug-free life.

What Are Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines are medications primarily used to treat conditions such as anxiety, which often arise from excessive activity of the nerves in the brain. When someone uses benzodiazepines, these drugs work by modulating the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain, essentially calming down the nerve activity. This process helps to alleviate symptoms of anxiety by reducing the excessive neural activity that can lead to feelings of anxiety and restlessness. Additionally, benzodiazepines are beneficial for other conditions including depression, insomnia, seizures, and nausea or vomiting.

Studies published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) shed light on the concerning increase of benzodiazepine (benzo) misuse, particularly when combined with alcohol. A total of 30.6 million adults (12.6%) reported using benzodiazepines in the previous year: 25.3 million (10.4%) took them as prescribed and 5.3 million (2.2%) misused them. The most common benzodiazepines include the following prescription drugs:

• Diazepam (Ducene, Valium)
• Oxazepam (Alepam, Murelax, Serepax)
• Nitrazepam (Alodorm, Mogadon)
• Alprazolam (Xanax, Kalma, Alprax)
• Temazepam (Euhypnos, Normison)

Why People Misuse Bezos?

People misuse benzos for various reasons, including easing anxiety, maintaining calmness, or enhancing the euphoric effects of other substances. Some people may initially receive benzos as a prescription for legitimate medical conditions such as anxiety disorders or insomnia. However, misuse can occur when people exceed recommended dosages or use them without a prescription. The ease of access to benzos through prescriptions or illicit markets also contributes to their abuse. Moreover, the rapid development of tolerance and dependence makes it easy for people to get addicted to benzos. Over time, the brain adapts to the presence of the drug, leading to cravings and withdrawal symptoms when the drug is not consumed.

What Is Alcohol Abuse?

Alcohol is categorized as a psychoactive substance that is widely used in the United States. It can be abused by excessive drinking, which can have a lot of bad effects. Alcohol abuse is when someone drinks too much and it starts causing problems in their life. This can mean drinking too often, drinking too much at one time, or both. When a person abuses alcohol, they might find it hard to control how much they drink or stop drinking altogether. This can lead to serious issues like health problems, trouble with relationships, and difficulties at work or school. Some signs of alcohol abuse include drinking alone, neglecting responsibilities because of drinking, or experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking. For those needing assistance in addressing their alcohol use, alcohol rehab centers in Pennsylvania offer support and treatment options tailored to individual needs.

Does Alcohol Work the Same as Benzodiazepines?

Alcohol and benzos both act as central nervous system depressants, meaning they slow down brain activity. However, they work through different mechanisms and have distinct effects on the body. Alcohol primarily enhances the activity of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, leading to feelings of relaxation, reduced inhibitions, and sedation. It also affects other neurotransmitter systems, contributing to its diverse effects on mood, cognition, and motor function. Benzodiazepines, on the other hand, specifically target the GABA receptors in the brain, intensifying the inhibitory effects of GABA. This leads to similar outcomes as alcohol, such as relaxation, sedation, and reduced anxiety, but with a more precise and potent action.

While alcohol and benzodiazepines share some similarities in their effects, they also have important differences. For instance, benzodiazepines are typically prescribed for specific medical conditions like anxiety disorders or insomnia, while alcohol is commonly consumed recreationally. Additionally, benzodiazepines have a higher potential for dependence and addiction compared to alcohol, especially with long-term or high-dose use. It’s important to use both substances responsibly and under the guidance of a healthcare professional when necessary.

Can You Mix Benzos and Alcohol?

Alcohol is widely available and frequently encountered at social events and parties. Individuals who misuse drugs might be tempted to mix alcohol with benzodiazepines to intensify the effects. Nevertheless, it is strongly recommended to avoid alcohol while taking medications for anxiety. Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed for managing symptoms of alcohol withdrawal because they have similar effects on the brain. They can alleviate withdrawal symptoms, but when alcohol and benzos are used together, their combined effects are greatly magnified. This significantly increases the risk of overdose and potentially fatal outcomes.

It is advised that you wait at least twenty-four hours after drinking alcohol to take a benzodiazepine. In other words, even while alcohol can be used safely after a certain period of time, anyone using benzos should avoid it while they are on it. All things considered, it’s important to keep in mind that alcohol can and will neutralize the benefits of your anxiety medication. Consequently, treating a person’s symptoms becomes more difficult. Alcohol may seem to lift someone’s spirits temporarily, but in the long run, it just makes anxiety and sadness worse. When you combine the two, the already-existing negative consequences get considerably worse.

Why Is Mixing Benzos and Alcohol Dangerous?

Mixing benzodiazepines and alcohol is dangerous due to their synergistic effects on the central nervous system. Both substances act as central nervous system depressants, meaning they slow down brain activity. When combined, they intensify each other’s effects, leading to:

• increased sedation
• cognitive impairment
• respiratory depression

This can lead to impaired judgment, coordination, increased accident risk, and serious health complications like overdose or death. Moreover, the addictive nature of both substances heightens the risk of dependence and addiction. Such combinations can aggravate mental health conditions and counteract the effectiveness of prescribed medications. For those facing these challenges, dual diagnosis treatment centers in Pennsylvania offer specialized support, addressing both substance abuse and mental health issues concurrently. Mixing benzos and alcohol poses severe risks to physical and mental health and should be strictly avoided.

What Are the Short-term and Long-term Effects of Mixing Benzodiazepines and Alcohol?

Mixing benzodiazepines and alcohol can have immediate consequences that pose serious risks. In the short term, combining these substances can lead to increased sedation and drowsiness, making it difficult to think clearly or function normally. This can result in accidents, falls, or injuries, as well as impaired coordination and slowed reaction times, increasing the likelihood of motor vehicle accidents or other mishaps. Moreover, mixing benzodiazepines and alcohol can cause respiratory depression, where breathing slows down to dangerous levels, potentially leading to oxygen deprivation and even coma or death. Additionally, individuals may experience severe dizziness, confusion, or blackouts, putting themselves at risk of harm or dangerous situations due to impaired judgment and memory loss.

Combining benzodiazepines and alcohol can have much more harmful long-term consequences on health. Repeatedly using these drugs together can cause tolerance, which raises the risk of overdosing by requiring higher dosages to get the desired effects. Long-term use of benzodiazepine and alcohol can also result in physical dependency and addiction, which are indicated by withdrawal symptoms when trying to cut back or quit using the drug. Additionally, these drugs together have the potential to worsen pre-existing mental health issues like depression or anxiety as well as accelerate the development of mood disorders or cognitive decline. Chronic benzodiazepine and alcohol use can also cause liver damage, cardiovascular issues, and an increased risk for multiple tumors, all of which have a substantial negative influence on general health.

Can You Overdose on Alcohol and Benzodiazepines?

Yes, it is possible to overdose on alcohol and benzodiazepines, both individually and especially when they are combined. An overdose occurs when you consume a toxic amount of a substance. It results in harmful effects on the body, ranging from mild to severe and potentially fatal. In the case of alcohol overdose, also known as alcohol poisoning, consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short period can overwhelm the body’s ability to metabolize it. This can lead to dangerous symptoms such as vomiting, seizures, slowed or irregular breathing, hypothermia, unconsciousness, and even death. Similarly, overdosing on benzodiazepines can occur when you take too much of these medications, whether accidentally or intentionally. Benzodiazepine overdose can cause symptoms such as extreme drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech, impaired coordination, respiratory depression, coma, and death.

When alcohol and benzodiazepines are combined, their effects are boosted, increasing the risk of overdose. The simultaneous depressant effects on the central nervous system can lead to severe respiratory depression, loss of consciousness, and other life-threatening complications. Therefore, it is important to use alcohol and benzodiazepines responsibly and under medical supervision to avoid the risk of overdose. If you suspect someone may be experiencing an overdose, it’s important to ask for medical help as soon as possible. Benzo addiction treatment might be one of the best choices in such cases.

What Treatment and Recovery Options Are Available?

At Little Creek Recovery, we offer comprehensive treatment and recovery options for people struggling with mixing benzodiazepines and alcohol. Our specialized programs are designed to address the unique needs of each individual and provide a supportive environment for healing and recovery. Through a combination of evidence-based therapies, medical interventions, and holistic approaches, we help people overcome the challenges associated with substance abuse. Our team of experienced professionals offers personalized treatment plans tailored to address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. With a focus on long-term recovery, we empower individuals to develop coping skills, build healthy habits, and regain control of their lives.

Recognizing the problem of mixing benzodiazepines and alcohol can be tricky, but there are signs to watch out for. These may include increased tolerance to alcohol or benzodiazepines, frequent episodes of intoxication or blackouts, withdrawal symptoms when not using, and difficulties in relationships, work, or other areas of life. If you or someone you know is struggling with mixing substances, it would be beneficial to get help from professionals who specialize in addiction treatment. Inpatient drug and alcohol treatment centers in PA, such as Little Creek Recovery, offer a supportive and structured environment where you can receive comprehensive care and support on your journey to recovery. Through therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and other interventions, you can overcome addiction and start rebuilding your life.

How Can You Reach Out for Help or More Information?

Mixing benzos and alcohol poses significant risks to both physical and mental health. It’s very important to recognize the warning signs of mixing these substances and take action promptly. If you or someone you know is struggling with mixing benzos and alcohol, don’t postpone getting the assistance. Drug and alcohol treatment centers in Pennsylvania, like Little Creek Recovery, stand ready to provide tailored treatment and compassionate support for those struggling with substance abuse. With our comprehensive approach to recovery, we empower people to break free from addiction and embrace a brighter future. Don’t let the fear hold you back any longer. Reach out to Little Creek Recovery today and take the first step towards lasting sobriety and well-being. Your healing journey begins today.

References :

https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/benzodiazepines/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6358464/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6358464/