Increased side effects can occur when you mix a benzo with an alcoholic drink. These side effects can be fatal, so understanding the risk factors could save a life.
Article at a Glance:
- Heavy drinkers are more likely than others to take benzodiazepines, or benzos.
- Mixing benzos and alcohol can increase your risk of side effects, some of which are serious.
- Cognitive problems that are linked to benzos can be worsened if you drink heavily.
Mixing Benzodiazepines and Alcohol
Combining benzodiazepines, or benzos, with alcohol can be dangerous. Not only do you run a higher risk of side effects from using the substances together, but you also have ahigher chanceof overdose and death. For this reason,doctors recommend avoidingbenzo use with alcohol.
Drug overdoses can be fatal. If you suspect someone is experiencing alcohol poisoning, call 911 immediately.Do NOT be afraid to seek help. If you do not have access to a phone, contactWeb Poison Control Servicesfor online assistance.
Related Topic:Benzo Overdose Treatment
What Are Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepinesare psychoactive depressants prescribed to treat mental health disorders such as anxiety, and physical issues like seizures and muscle spasms. Some common benzos areXanax,Ativan,Klonopin,LibriumandValium. Benzos should only be taken as prescribed for a legitimate medical condition, as they can be addictive and therefore could lead to a substance use disorder.
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| Drug Properties | Benzodiazepines |
|---|---|
| Medical uses | Sedation, relieving anxiety, preventing muscle spasms, and reducing seizures |
| Drug type | Depressant |
| Controlled substance status | Schedule IV Controlled Substance |
| Common side effects | Sleepiness, relaxation, memory problems |
| Habit-forming | Yes |
Benzos and Alcohol Side Effects
When you mix benzos with alcohol, you increase yourrisk of side effects like:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Problems thinking
- Impaired judgment
Cognitive problems from mixing benzos and alcoholcan worsenif you frequently drink a lot. Those who drink heavily are alsomore likely to use more benzosthan those who drink moderately or do not drink.
How Long After Taking a Benzo Before You Can Drink?
The amount of time that lapses before you can safely drink alcohol depends on the benzo that you are taking. This is because benzos lastdifferent lengths of time in your system. It is best to wait until a benzo has completely left your system before you drink.
- Benzos that last 11 to 20 hours: Alprazolam (Xanax), Lorazepam (Ativan), Estazolam (Prosom) and Temazepam (Restoril)
- Benzos that last 1 to 3 days: Chlordiazepoxide (Librium), Clonazepam (Klonopin), Diazepam (Valium), Flurazepam (Dalmane) and Quazepam
If you have other medical conditions like poor kidney or liver function, the benzo may last even longer in your body.
Related Topic:How Long Do Benzodiazepines Stay in Your System?
Benzodiazepines for Alcohol Withdrawal
Benzodiazepines are afirst-line treatment for alcohol withdrawal symptomsbecause they can reduce withdrawal symptoms like delirium and seizures. Generally,long-acting benzoslike diazepam or chlordiazepoxide are preferred for preventing withdrawal symptoms. If a person in withdrawal has an alcohol withdrawal seizure,quick-acting benzoslike lorazepam or diazepam are preferred.
If you are struggling with an addiction toalcohol,benzosor both, The Recovery Village can help. Our addiction specialists can develop a personalized, evidence-based treatment plan that addresses co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders simultaneously.Contact ustoday to discuss treatment options that can meet your needs.
Related Topic:Medications for Alcohol Abuse
