On its own, Xanax can be used to safely treat certain medical conditions. If you suffer from panic attacks or anxiety, then a physician can prescribe you Xanax to reduce symptoms. However, there’s never a good reason to mix Xanax with other substances, especially alcohol. Xanax and alcohol are a dangerous cocktail with some seriously problematic effects.
Xanax and Alcohol: Tough on the Liver
One of the biggest jobs of the liver is to detoxify the body. Certain substances, like prescription drugs or alcohol, take a particular toll on the liver.
When you consume both Xanax and alcohol, you’re asking the liver to take on a serious task. Since the liver is only capable of so much at a time, it means that both substances stay in the body for longer. This intensifies the side effects and symptoms of both. Worse still, it can become so taxing that it causes liver damage or even complete liver failure.
The Lethal Cocktail Increases the Chance of Overdose
Taking Xanax in large doses means that you’re accepting the risk of an overdose. A Xanax overdose is incredibly dangerous, and it can lead to lifelong health problems. Some of the most common signs of a Xanax overdose include extreme drowsiness, a coma, difficulty breathing, and muscle weakness.
Although it’s possible to overdose while taking only Xanax, the risk increases if you consume both alcohol and Xanax at the same time. Xanax side effects are intensified thanks to an alcohol addiction. Plus, consuming alcohol can make individuals forget that they took Xanax earlier. Sadly, many people who are on prescription Xanax can still overdose due to alcohol-related dosage errors.
Addiction Risk Rises With Xanax and Alcohol Use
Taking Xanax for any extended period of time can lead to an addiction. This happens because the body and the brain become dependent on the drug. Taking it away can lead to withdrawal symptoms, worsening the cycle of dependence. Adding alcohol to the equation only makes the situation worse.
Xanax mixed with alcohol is truly a dangerous cocktail. Alcohol exacerbates all the symptoms of Xanax consumption, and it accelerates the development of an addiction. It also speeds up the rate of tolerance. This means that users will crave increasingly large doses of both alcohol and Xanax.
Overcoming Addiction Safely
To overcome a dependence on Xanax or on both alcohol and Xanax, there’s only one safe and effective solution. Medically supervised addiction treatment is the best way to ensure that all patients work through withdrawal safely. Plus, it allows for individuals to understand why they’re addicted and how to prevent relapse from taking hold.
Through addiction treatment, patients can begin living healthier and happier lives. Some of the tools and resources available during treatment are:
- Medical care that includes on-site alcohol and drug detox
- Holistic care
- Clinical care that includes individual and group therapy
- Treatment for co-occurring disorders
- Exercise, music and art therapy
Xanax and alcohol is a dangerous cocktail, and sobriety is the only solution. At Ashley Addiction Treatment in Havre de Grace, Maryland, you can break free from addiction once and for all. Contact us at 866-313-6307 to choose the right program for your recovery.