Xanax and Alcohol: Why This Mix Is More Dangerous Than You Think

Xanax and alcohol are a dangerous mixture of substances that can have a fatal result. Because both substances work synergistically, they can over-sedate the body to the point of depressed breathing and a weak heartbeat. But once you begin mixing substances, it’s easy to develop an addiction to both. Mixing Xanax and alcohol isn’t a safe practice, and here’s why.

What Is Xanax?

Xanax is the brand name for a common benzodiazepine. Its generic name is alprazolam. This prescription medication can be used to treat panic disorders and anxiety disorders, which activate the central nervous system. Additionally, Xanax may be prescribed for depression, insomnia, or premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which have the same effect on the body. Benzodiazepines are depressants that slow down chemical messaging in the central nervous system to produce a calming effect. GABA receptors are the main inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain. Xanax works by increasing its efficiency in inhibiting excitatory signals. In effect, symptoms like anxiety and panic are reduced, and the brain and body feel relaxed.

Side Effects of Xanax

Because of the way Xanax works on the central nervous system, it can have a tranquilizing effect. Some people may simply feel calmer, while others may feel sleepy. Notably, Xanax is meant to be a short-term medication because it can be habit-forming. When prescribed by a doctor, an individual’s Xanax dosage will prevent them from developing an addiction. For one thing, their doctor may wean them off the drug after a set amount of time. But Xanax is a Schedule IV Controlled Substance because of its risk of dependency. The effects of a Xanax addiction can include:

• Weight changes
• Exhaustion/sleepiness
• Poor concentration
• Memory problems
• Mood swings
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Constipation

Why Do People Mix Xanax and Alcohol?

When people combine substances, such as Xanax and alcohol, they have a higher risk of experiencing adverse side effects. Sometimes, people unintentionally mix substances, like forgetting they have Xanax in their system when they start drinking. Other times, people mix benzos and alcohol because they want to have a greater depressant effect on their bodies. This is more common in those who try to self-medicate their pain and simply want to escape reality for a while. Also, recreational drug use can lead a person to combine substances. Yet, polysubstance abuse is very dangerous.

What Is Polysubstance Abuse?

Polysubstance abuse is abusing more than one substance. Understandably, it has greater negative results on your brain and body and can even be life-threatening. The more substances you have in your system, the more likely you are to overdose. People sometimes don’t realize that mixing substances means you can have less of each one before it becomes too much for your system to handle. Plus, polysubstance use can have devastating effects when drugs interact with each other.

What Are the Dangers of Mixing Xanax and Alcohol?

Taking Xanax with alcohol is not wise because the substances have a similar effect on the body. Combining both can lead to harmful Xanax and alcohol interactions. In fact, they work synergistically to exacerbate the sedative effects. Benzodiazepines like Xanax act as central nervous system depressants and slow the body down. Drinking alcohol while taking Xanax heightens the outcome of both substances to act like a powerful sedative combination. Some of the symptoms you might face include:

Depressed Breathing and Heart Rate

Respiratory depression, or hypoventilation, is when your breathing slows so much that not enough respiratory gas moves through the lungs. The combination of Xanax and alcohol can over-sedate the body, so you breathe too slowly and shallowly to function. Additionally, your heart rate can drastically slow, so you don’t pump enough blood through your veins.

Impaired Motor Functions

Motor functioning is the connection between your brain and body, telling your limbs how to move and respond. Combining benzodiazepines and alcohol can impair your motor function, so you can’t walk, speak, or move as normal. Undeniably, this can put you at risk of injury or assault.  

Increased Risk of Overdose

As mentioned, mixing substances largely increases your risk of overdosing. How much of each substance you can take before it becomes too much depends on a variety of factors centered on the individual. For instance, your weight, history of substance use, genetics, and health all contribute to your tolerance. Nearly 11,000 people in the U.S. overdosed from benzodiazepines in 2022, with greater numbers having mixed substances in their system.

Long-Term Consequences of Mixing Xanax and Alcohol

Along with immediate harm, there are possible long-term effects of Xanax and alcohol. These include impaired motor function, memory issues, brain damage, and liver or kidney failure.