Concurrent Alcohol and Xanax Abuse

About Alcohol and Xanax

Xanax – the trade name for alprazolam – is an anxiolytic prescription medication, meaning that it is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs and is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant.

CNS depressants slow brain activity and produce a calming effect, but can also have harmful effects when misused or abused. These negative effects are enhanced when Xanax is taken with alcohol, which also acts as a CNS depressant. The combined sedation from these two addictive substances can lead to life-threatening respiratory depression and coma.

If you or a loved one is suffering from an addiction to alcohol and Xanax, there are a number of treatment options available.

Alcohol and Xanax Abuse question 1

Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol with Xanax

There are several signs and symptoms of concurrent Xanax and alcohol abuse  that are important to be aware of. When abused, Xanax can cause feelings of intense relaxation and, even, a euphoria. This feeling of euphoria acts as positive reinforcement for Xanax abuse and increases one’s risk of developing an addiction. When taken with alcohol, the effects of both Xanax and alcohol are amplified.

Individuals taking both drugs at once are at risk for:

Because Xanax and alcohol potentiate the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter known as gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA. Heightened GABA activity leads to widespread inhibition of a number of neural processes, and results in sedation. When combined, over-sedation can occur, and can result in a complete shut-down of a few vital functions. At the top of the list for potentially fatal effects is profound respiratory depression, which is commonly experienced by concurrent benzodiazepine and alcohol users.

If someone exhibits signs of concurrent alcohol and Xanax addiction, call 1-888-744-0069Who Answers? to speak with a treatment specialist about recovery options.

Alcohol and Xanax Abuse question 2

Combined Effects of Xanax and Alcohol Abuse

When taken together, the effects of each drug compound and build upon one another, leading to an increased risk of dangerous consequences.

Alcohol and Xanax work independently yet interactively to reduce overall activity in the brain. They affect the same type of inhibitory brain communication chemical, effectively reducing signals in the central nervous system (CNS). This is why both drugs have a relaxing, sedative effect on users. When taken together, the effects of each drug compound and build upon one another, leading to an increased risk of dangerous consequences.

Reduced activity in the CNS can lead to dangerous side effects, and drinking while under the influence of Xanax heightens the risk of overdose due to the dangerous, synergistic effects of each drug.

Long-Term Effects

For those who concurrently abuse Xanax and alcohol consistently and for an extended period of time, risk increases for experiencing a number of detrimental long-term effects, such as:

The combined effects of the drugs are extremely dangerous, and patients taking either are advised against using the other. Find out how to help a Xanax addict by calling our helpline at 1-888-744-0069Who Answers?.Alcohol and Xanax Abuse question 3

Treatment for Co-occuring Alcohol and Xanax Addiction

Treatment for co-occurring alcohol and Xanax abuse often necessitates an initial period of medically monitored detoxification. When a person co-abuses these drugs over an extended period of time, they may become dependent on them. When physiologic dependency develops, the body behaves as if it needs the substances in order to function normally. Without the presence of Xanax and alcohol, the user may experience symptoms that range from mild discomfort to dangerous medical conditions. Withdrawal from either substance can be risky, but the combined effects can be even more life-threatening. Complications can include:

• Psychomotor agitation.
• Seizures.
• Coma.
• Death.

Attempting to quit a period of long-standing alcohol and Xanax abuse without medical monitoring is never advisable. Medically assisted detox and withdrawal helps minimize the risk of experiencing potentially dangerous symptoms. A medical team, which may include physicians and nurses, will monitor the patient’s vital signs and administer appropriate medication if necessary. Completion of detox is essential for recovery to begin, yet many fear going into it because of the risks. Medically assisted detoxification can help allay these fears, ensure safety and minimize discomfort.

There are many different programs for patients suffering from concurrent alcohol and Xanax addiction. These addictions can be treated in a variety of recovery settings, such as:

• Inpatient treatment: Patients suffering from a severe addiction often enroll in inpatient or residential programs due to the structured environment they provide. Based on the needs of the individual, inpatient settings can include inpatient psychiatric care to address psychological issues associated with use or inpatient medical care to manage physical symptoms. For example, detox from alcohol and benzodiazepines is commonly completed on an inpatient basis.
• Residential rehab: Residential treatment is a type of inpatient treatment, but generally foregoes the hospital setting sometimes seen there. Here, patients reside at a facility for a designated period of time based on their status and the recommendation of the treatment team. Rehab center stays tend to be 30 days, 60 days, or 90 days but may be longer. While living in the center, the patient will receive a range of mental health and physical health treatment efforts to assist in their recovery process.
• Outpatient treatment: Outpatient treatment is a blanket term for all professional treatment options that do not occur in an inpatient or residential setting. Treatment may consist of one hour per week or several hours daily. Outpatient treatment is most successful for those who have a strong support system at home since established triggers will confront the individual each day. Outpatient treatments include:
  • Individual therapy: Patients meet one-on-one with a therapist to discuss their current status of recovery, any concerns they may have, and measures to maintain their recovery. In some cases, the therapy will focus on issues from the past that precipitated substance use.
  • Group counseling: These sessions include meeting with a professional group facilitator and several other individuals. The group members are gathered based on their recovery status or drug of choice. Here, the individual will benefit from the information provided by the therapist as well as the other group members.
  • Dual diagnosis: Whereas some programs will only focus on mental health or substance use issues, dual diagnosis treatment will target the entire person to understand how all of the issues interact. With this understanding, the patient will find new ways to cope with current and future stressors.
  • 12-step programs: 12-step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, are based on peer relationships, fellowship, and mentoring within the guiding principles of the program to find and maintain sobriety. For those who do not want to participate in the 12-step model, other programs such as SMART Recovery, are potential group treatment options.

It's never too late to begin again.
Call 1-888-744-0069Who Answers? today and take the first step toward your journey of recovery.

Alcohol and Xanax Abuse question 4

Statistics for Alcohol and Xanax

The overconsumption of alcohol remains one of the biggest problems in the United States and when abused along with Xanax, the results can be disastrous. Below are some statistics associated with benzodiazepine and alcohol abuse.

One study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that:

• Almost twice as many women use benzodiazepines than men.
• About 25% of patients using benzodiazepines take them long-term.

Additionally, the following statistics paint an even more dire picture:

• 95% of those entering benzodiazepine treatment suffer from a co-occurring substance addiction, per the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
• According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), nearly 30 people die of alcohol-related car accidents each day, and more than $59 billion is spent on impaired motor vehicle crashes per year.
• The National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that over 16 million adults suffered from an addiction to alcohol in 2013.

Alcohol and Xanax Abuse question 5

Teen Drinking and Xanax Abuse

Nearly one in five high school students reports alcohol use in the past month, with 14% of them binge drinking—these are alarming numbers, especially when considering the dangers of mixing alcohol with prescription drugs like Xanax.

The use of prescription drugs by teenagers is a big problem, and teens that abuse prescription medications recreationally run the risk of lasting brain damage. 

The widespread abuse of prescription drugs by teens may stem from the manufactured nature of prescription drugs, as many feel they don’t carry the same dangers as illicit street drugs such as heroin or cocaine. However, prescription drugs can be extremely dangerous, especially when mixed with alcohol. Below are some statistics associated with teen and underage drinking as well as prescription drug abuse.

The NIH states that:

• Nearly 9 million people between the ages of 12 and 20 have consumed alcohol in the past month.
• More than 5 million people of this same population have reported binge drinking at some point throughout their lives.

Additionally, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) found that 4.5% of teens have reported abusing prescription depressants (such as Xanax or other benzodiazepines) in the past month.

Alcohol and Xanax Abuse question 6

Resources, Articles and More Information

For more information on alcohol and Xanax abuse and addiction, see the following articles:

• Alcohol Abuse
• Asking Yourself: Am I Addicted to Benzos?
• How to Help a Xanax Addict

Share your story today and support others by visiting our community forum.

Sources:

• Davies, M. (n.d.). The role of GABAA receptors in mediating the effects of alcohol in the central nervous system. Retrieved January 8, 2016, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC165791
• Benzodiazepines | CESAR. (n.d.). Retrieved January 8, 2016, from http://www.cesar.umd.edu/cesar/drugs/benzos.asp
• Alprazolam: MedlinePlus Drug Information. (n.d.). Retrieved January 8, 2016, from https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a684001.html
• Sacks, J. J., Gonzales, K. R., Bouchery, E. E., Tomedi, L. E., & Brewer, R. D. (2015). 2010 National and State Costs of Excessive Alcohol Consumption. American Journal of Preventative Medicine, 49(5). e73–e79.
• Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. (2015). Behavioral health trends in the United States: Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (HHS Publication No. SMA 15-4927, NSDUH Series H-50). Available at: http://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUH-FRR1-2014/NSDUH-FRR1-2014.pdf
• Emergency departments see increased visits involving the nonmedical use of sedative alprazolam. (n.d.). Retrieved January 8, 2016, from http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/press-announcements/201405220400
• Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5. (5th ed.). (2013). Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Association.
• Valenzuela, C. (1997). Alcohol and Neurotransmitter Interactions. Alcohol Health and Research World, 21(2), 145-145.
• Well-Known Mechanism Underlies Benzodiazepines' Addictive Properties. (2012, April 19). Retrieved January 20, 2016, from http://www.drugabuse.gov/news-events/nida-notes/2012/04/well-known-mechanism-underlies-benzodiazepines-addictive-properties
• Alcohol-Medication Interactions - Alcohol Alert No. 27-1995. (n.d.). Retrieved January 20, 2016, from http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/aa27.htm
• Alcohol's Effects on the Body. (n.d.). Retrieved January 15, 2016, from http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/alcohols-effects-body
• Substance Abuse Treatment Admissions for Abuse of Benzodiazepines. (2011, June 2). Retrieved January 20, 2016, from http://archive.samhsa.gov/data/2k11/WEB_TEDS_028/WEB_TEDS-028_BenzoAdmissions_HTML.pdf
• Olfson, M., King, M., & Schoenbaum, M. (2015). Benzodiazepine Use in the United States. JAMA Psychiatry, 72(2), 136. Retrieved January 25, 2016, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25517224
• Impaired Driving. (2015). Retrieved January 25, 2016, from http://www.cdc.gov/Motorvehiclesafety/Impaired_Driving/index.html
• Alcohol Facts and Statistics. (n.d.). Retrieved January 25, 2016, from http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/alcohol-facts-and-statistics
• Prescription Depressant Medications. (2015). Retrieved January 25, 2016, from https://teens.drugabuse.gov/drug-facts/central-nervous-system-cns-depressants
• Underage Drinking. (n.d.). Retrieved January 25, 2016, from http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/special-populations-co-occurring-disorders/underage-drinking

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