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According to a recent study, Oregon is the 15th drunkest state in the nation. In this same study, over 60% of adults reported drinking regularly while 26% of adults reported habitual binge drinking. When we think of “substance use,” alcohol consumption might not even cross our minds. Because of this, many people might not realize they’re partaking in polysubstance use when they take another substance while drinking.
With over 700,000 adults in Oregon having a mental health condition and 42% of adults reporting feelings of depression or anxiety in 2021, polysubstance use between alcohol and depression or anxiety medications is more common than you might realize. So what about drinking while taking common anxiety medications like Xanax? Here at Serenity Lane, we believe in speaking openly about substance use as a whole, to both help destigmatize substance use and recovery, as well as help provide educational information for those who need it. Today we’re going to look at drinking and Xanax and what happens when you combine the two.
When you have two different substances in your system at the same time, this is called “polysubstance use.” It can occur without you consciously doing it, like in the case of drinking while on specific medications.
Any degree of substance use comes with risks, and polysubstance use is no different. When it comes to Xanax and alcohol, you’re mixing two depressants. This can double their effects and increase the risk of overdose.
Both alcohol and Xanax affect multiple parts of your body when consumed. Some of the effects it causes are the same, while others differ. We’re going to look more specifically at how it impacts your brain and how it impacts your body.
One of the primary places that Xanax and alcohol affect is your brain because they are both CNS depressants or central nervous system depressants. The central nervous system is the messaging system in your body. This impacts your reaction time to stimulation, and it can also majorly impact the control you have over your body.CNS depressants, in a medical setting, are primarily used to help with a few different things, from panic attacks to seizures to assisting in surgery. In these cases, slowing down the body’s response system in a controlled manner is a positive thing.
When taken outside of medical advice or in excess, however, it can lead to many negative side effects. Some of the side effects of Xanax and alcohol include:
The other part of your body that substances like Xanax and alcohol impact is your liver. Your liver is the processing center of your body, filtering out toxins like alcohol and Xanax. The liver, however, can only process so much at a time. When you have too much in your body for your liver to process, it can start to go into other parts of your body, like your bloodstream. When the liver is overwhelmed and the body starts to become too flooded with these excess substances, this can lead to poisoning from alcohol or an overdose.
When someone starts actively participating in polysubstance use, it’s usually for one of two reasons. The first reason is that they’re curious and want to try it. Maybe they heard of their friends or others mixing two or more substances to achieve a certain result, or maybe multiple substances are present when they’re partaking in one and they decide to try it out for themselves.
The other is because they’ve tried two or more substances together before and liked the results that came from it. In this instance, they’re choosing to seek out a specific combination because they want to feel the effects of it again. This is where it can start to devolve further into a substance use disorder.
What exactly does it look like when a loved one is participating in polysubstance use? Are there outward signs you can look out for?
As with any medication or substance, there are always side effects that can be felt. Some of these side effects include the “positive” results a person might be specifically hoping to achieve. There are other side effects of an alcohol use disorder, or a benzodiazepine use disorder, that can make themselves known over time, too.
Here are some of the long-term side effects that can occur with Xanax and alcohol use:
In addition, both alcohol and Xanax have a high withdrawal rate, with symptoms appearing as little as a few hours after your last consumption of either. Both Xanax and alcohol withdrawal come with many uncomfortable and deadly side effects, too. From intense cravings to hallucinations, paranoia, and even seizures, the worst of these symptoms tend to last about 72 hours, though withdrawal as a whole can persist for up to 3 weeks after your last dose.
Polysubstance use doesn’t just impact your body. It can change some very outward things about a person, too. Behaviors and personality can change from either the substances impacting their brain chemistry or from substance use itself.
If you start noticing your loved one becoming more aggressive, withdrawn, secretive, or reactive, these are all common signs of a substance use disorder. In addition, mental health can play a huge part in substance use. Sometimes this comes from people using substances as a way to self-medicate and manage their mental health. Other times, mental illnesses can form due to substance use and the situations around it.
With Xanax and alcohol in particular, depression is a common side effect, as is anxiety.
The most important thing to remember is to try to be open and judgment-free when approaching your loved one about potential substance use. If you start with accusations or judgment, they will be far less likely to open up to you or want to receive help. Remind them you love them and are here because you care.
Luckily, here at Serenity Lane we offer alcoholism treatment and benzodiazepine use disorder treatment, too. We offer a wide variety of services, from detox to residential and partial hospitalization programs. We even offer two levels of outpatient care for those who would like continued support outside of our facility.
Detox is especially helpful in the case of alcohol and benzodiazepines, as it puts you in a medical environment where you’re monitored by professionals who will help ensure your detox process goes safely. Since both benzos and alcohol pose the risk of seizures during withdrawal, medical supervision can be pivotal.
Detoxing is only the first step, however. Afterward, inpatient and outpatient programs can help teach you the skills you need to address your substance use in case future triggers pop up. We want to see you reach your healing goals, and we’re ready to help you along every step of the way.
If you have any questions about our treatment programs, detox, or anything else we offer here at Serenity Lane, feel free to give us a call at (800) 543-9905. We will happily answer any questions you may have.
How long after taking Xanax Can I drink alcohol?
Even when it’s not felt anymore, Xanax can still linger in the system for hours after it’s taken. If you have been prescribed Xanax and are taking it consistently, you shouldn’t drink.
Can you drink alcohol while taking any benzodiazepines?
Both alcohol and benzodiazepines are depressants. Taking the two together is unsafe, as it boosts the effects of both to the point that it could lead to an overdose.
Are there any drinks that interact with Xanax?
Any alcoholic drink will interact with Xanax within your body.
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