New prescriptions are coming out every year for multiple cures and illnesses. Some may help a person get out of bed in the morning and function generally in life. Whether it be for pain or to think clearly, new and improved drugs are coming out all the time. Sometimes prescription drugs can become addictive, and doctors try to come up with less addictive versions. However, benzodiazepines and opioids are always addictive if you take too much or are on them for too long.
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What is Xanax?
Avery’s popular prescribed drug, often mixed with alcohol, is called Xanax, which is a brand name for alprazolam. It was supposed to be a replacement for the drug Valium, and just like Valium, Xanax is a potent benzodiazepine or benzo that is only recommended for use for up to six weeks. This drug usually is for those who suffer from anxiety and get relief when used as prescribed.
According to the National Health Statistics Reports from 2014–2016, benzodiazepines were prescribed at approximately 65.9 million office-based physician visits. The rates for women prescribed the drug were also higher than the men (at 34 visits per 100 women).
Side Effects of Mixing Xanax and Alcohol
Xanax is taken by individuals who need it for panic attacks or anxiety and those who want to get “high” and take It recreationally. Both users can be at risk when mixing it with other drugs. This can happen by accident or intentionally to get a “higher high. ” This frequently happens with alcohol.
Like alcohol, Xanax is a depressant, and that means it slows down nervous system activity.
Serious side effects of Xanax abuse can often include:
- Memory problems
- Seizures
- Loss of coordination
- Withdrawal symptoms
Serious side effects of drinking too much alcohol can include the following:
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
- Impaired coordination
- Alcohol poisoning
What Happens When You Mix Xanax and Beer
Mixing both Xanax and alcohol can increase dangerous side effects and may cause an overdose. It happens all over the world to all different kinds of people. The Centers For Disease Control (CDC) reports that drug overdose deaths have spiked 102 percent from 1999 to 2000. In 2010, over 38,000 deaths from drug overdoses, and 60 percent of those deaths involved prescription drugs (as opposed to heroin or cocaine). Of the 22,000 deaths involving prescription drugs, 30 percent involved benzodiazepines such as Xanax.
When combined, Xanax and alcohol can cause various side effects, some of which can be fatal, including:
- Fainting
- Slow breathing
- Drowsiness
- Slurred speech
- Slow pulse
- Impaired coordination
- Nausea
- Memory loss
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Delirium
- Seizures
With these side effects in mind, mixing alcohol and Xanax is never a good idea. No matter if you are a modest drinker and don’t take more than you’re prescribed, and whether it’s Xanax and beer, wine, or any other alcoholic beverage, these two substances should never be combined in any way.
We Can Help You Overcome Addiction
At Allure Detox, we can help. Xanax addiction is a severe chemical dependency and alcohol that requires clinical supervision to ensure that a person can safely detox. At Allure Detox, we have medically-assisted detox programs that provide replacement and comfort medication to ease withdrawal symptoms.
Our Xanax and alcohol detox in West Palm Beach, Florida, is overseen by an experienced clinical staff specializing in Xanax and alcohol addiction. Every person admitted into our comfortable Xanax and alcohol detox unit will be under the care of state-licensed clinicians, psychiatrists, counselors, and therapists. Each staff member of our cross-disciplinary team works to ensure that our clients are monitored around the clock. Call us and begin healing safely from addiction today.