Xanax and Alcohol: What You Need to Know

Before we get into how to treat Xanax, let’s look at what Xanax is and its effects on the body to better understand this prescription drug that has become the number one prescribed psychiatric medication in the United States. Xanax is most popular amongst teenagers and young adults. The consumption of Xanax in conjunction with another benzodiazepine or alcohol is one of the most popular combinations.

Alcohol is essentially a chemical that has a wide range of effects based on the amount consumed. Many people feel energized and stimulated at low dosages, while they become drowsy or calm with moderate to high amounts. Alcohol's main effects are to lower the concentration of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, increase the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter glycine and decrease the activities of excitatory neural transmitters.

Alcohol consumption has an effect on dopamine levels in the brain, mostly through its interaction with a certain serotonin receptor. As a result, the mechanisms of action of Xanax and other benzodiazepines, as well as alcohol, are strikingly similar.

What Happens When You Mix Xanax and Alcohol?

When people consume low amounts of Xanax and alcohol, the risk of severe reactions is reduced compared to the effects with larger dosages. Both substances are quickly digested at low levels, but when people start taking greater quantities of one or both, the body is put under a great deal of stress.

Individuals may begin to experience significant issues with critical thinking, problem-solving, reasoning, self-control, planning, and judgment due to the synergistic properties of both drugs, resulting in decreased flow of blood to the brain and increases in inhibitory neurotransmitters. Furthermore, if individuals continue to use more of one or both substances, they may become confused and unable to make sense of their surroundings.

Unfortunately, Xanax is often over-used and over-prescribed to those who suffer from anxiety and panic disorders. In addition, this drug has been known to have many side effects that involve seizures, drowsiness, blurred vision, muscle weakness, loss of memory, and several other related problems.

What to do is you or a loved one needs treatment for Xananx and Alcohol Addiction?

At Passages, we provide you with the most effective and reliable therapy to help clients get clean and sober in a comfortable setting. Our compassionate care and 24/7 nursing staff will consistently track the client’s progress as they begin to heal from Xanax and alcohol dependency