Approximately 14.4 million Americans struggle with alcohol use disorder at some point in their lives. But alcohol abuse often leads to the use of more drugs such as Xanax to relieve some effects such as anxiety. Enrolling in an alcohol addiction treatment program is the best way to help patients struggling with alcoholism. Without treatment, the individual gets addicted to using both drugs simultaneously. This worsens an already bad situation and increases the risk of the patient suffering Xanax and alcohol overdose symptoms.
The Interaction Between Xanax and Alcohol
Xanax is an anxiety drug belonging to the drug category of Benzodiazepines. The drug can be very addictive especially when an individual develops a dependence. Xanax use has become very common because it reduces anxiety and helps patients feel calm. This has increased the risk of overdose significantly and many patients end up consuming more Xanax pills than those indicated in their prescription.
Xanax addiction is best addressed by attending a Xanax addiction treatment center. Many people often use alcohol and Xanax together. But the interaction between the two drugs can be extremely dangerous. Both alcohol and Xanax cause an increase in the activity of the Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA). This is a chemical found in the brain which causes a sedative effect. The intake of alcohol and Xanax may cause over-sedation.
Xanax and Alcohol Overdose Symptoms
As Xanax dependence grows, the individual may develop tolerance. This usually makes them increase the dosage or combine it with alcohol. Doing this poses a risk to the individual – they may lose count of the Xanax pills they took, resulting in an overdose.
Xanax and alcohol overdose symptoms include:
- Reduced breathing which can lead to respiratory failure
- Reduce or hamper brain activity
- Slowing or even stopping one’s heart
- Seizures
- Coma
- Brain impairment
Reasons Why People Consume Both Xanax and Alcohol
The main reason people take Xanax and alcohol is to experience a more intense feeling of intoxication. Individually, Xanax treats patients with various types of anxiety disorders such as social anxiety disorder. Patients require a written prescription to get Xanax. But this is often not the case since many people obtain Xanax illegally from street dealers.
Many patients also consume both alcohol and Xanax when they have a dual diagnosis. For instance, a patient with a diagnosed anxiety disorder may consume alcohol as a way to cope with their symptoms. But alcohol may not be as effective and most resort to consuming both alcohol and Xanax to achieve a more relaxed state. Such patients need help from dual diagnosis treatment programs.
Patients with an alcohol addiction may also begin using Xanax as a way of dealing with their withdrawal symptoms. Anxiety is one of the main withdrawal symptoms from alcohol consumption. But one intake may turn into an addiction when the drug is easily available. Patients who have gone through addiction treatment and relapse into alcohol use may also use Xanax. This puts them at risk of experiencing Xanax and alcohol overdose symptoms.
Effects of Using Xanax
Some of the effects of Xanax include:
- Sedation
- Feeling detached from one’s emotions
- Euphoria
- Increased relaxation
Experiencing Xanax and Alcohol Overdose Symptoms? Seek Help from a Reputable Addiction Treatment Program
Quitting Xanax and alcohol use may be extremely difficult especially after years of dependence. This is because there are withdrawal symptoms that might make the process hard to the point of endangering the life of the patient. The good news is that you or your loved one don’t have to recover alone if you’re suffering from Xanax and alcohol overdose symptoms. Look for great addiction treatment programs and take the first step to live a happier, healthier life.