Prescription drug use remains to be one of the public health concerns globally. In the UK, there is a rising concern about the non-medical use of Xanax, with most users belonging to the younger population ages 16 through 24. A lot of individuals nowadays turn to substances such as Xanax and alcohol to manage stress and anxiety. Although these may give temporary relief, taking both substances together can result in harmful consequences to one’s overall health; in more severe cases, it may even lead to dependence or fatal overdose.
What is Xanax?
Xanax is the brand name of Alprazolam, one of the most commonly prescribed psychiatric medications in the UK. It is used to treat conditions such as panic attacks and anxiety disorders. In addition to this, off-label uses of Xanax include treatment for depression, pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) and chronic pain.
Xanax is a benzodiazepine, which is a class of medications that act on the brain as a depressant. This means they slow down brain activity by increasing the neurotransmitter levels called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This results in the calming and relaxation effects of the drug.
It can only be dispensed with a doctor’s prescription; however, some people often misuse it because of its calming effects. Without a doctor’s prescription or medical advice, taking it in higher doses, using it more frequently than recommended or mixing it with other substances can be fatal.
Is Xanax only Prescribed for Anxiety?
Xanax is only available through private prescription in the UK and not through the NHS. It is approved as an anti-anxiety medication, but it has several off-label uses for other conditions. This simply means that it can be prescribed outside its approved use, and these conditions include depression, insomnia, and pre-menstrual syndrome.
Can Xanax Relieve Stress?
The medication class benzodiazepines, which Xanax belongs to, are primarily prescribed for short-term relief of anxiety and panic disorders. Xanax can help relieve stress due to its calming effects on the brain.
What are the Dangers of Mixing Xanax and Alcohol?
In general, Xanax is considered to be safe as long as it is taken as recommended by your doctor. However, taking this medication with alcohol might cause harm. The reason being is that both Xanax and alcohol are depressants of the nervous system, meaning they work to slow down brain activity resulting in feelings of relaxation. When these substances are used together, the effects can be synergistic, and the severity of the negative effects will largely depend on how much of each substance is consumed. Regardless of the amount, both may cause lethargy and sedation. These individuals can become unconscious or pass out quickly, and even worse, they could end up in a coma. Hence, taking both in high doses can lead to life-threatening consequences.
Other milder effects, but equally dangerous due to the increased risk of accidents, are relaxation, euphoria, fatigue and lightheadedness. In some cases, cognitive issues and mood problems are also observed. These cognitive issues include loss of inhibition, which can result in bodily harm or, worse, death.
Interactions with the Body
The combination of Xanax and alcohol can lead to various types of interactions within the body. These interactions can lead to sedation, mood changes, behavioural effects and other physical effects on the body.
Drowsiness or Sedation
If you take these two substances together, the effect would significantly increase sedation, leading to extreme drowsiness and lethargy. As mentioned, these two work to depress the nervous system, increasing the sedative effects of each. This can negatively impact one’s daily functioning and put an individual at risk of accidents and injury.
Mood Changes
Unpredictable emotion shifts may be observed, making it difficult for users to regulate their moods. They can also experience feelings of extreme sadness, increased irritability or even aggression in worse cases.
Behavioural Effects
Several behavioural changes may be manifested, including poor decision-making, impulsiveness, and lack of inhibition. In some cases, loss of sexual inhibition can also occur. These consequences result from the combined impact of both substances on the brain’s reward system and functioning, which might lead to social issues and criminal behaviours.
These behavioural changes may include poor decision-making, impulsiveness and lack of inhibition. Loss of sexual inhibition can also be manifested. All of these result from the impacts of Xanax and alcohol on the brain’s reward system and functioning, which sometimes leads to social issues and criminal behaviours.
Memory Impairments
People who combine both substances may experience having a hard time concentrating on tasks, confusion and may experience issues with short-term memory. They may also have difficulty retaining focus and important information in their day-to-day life.
Physical Effects
These effects can range from respiratory depression or slow, ineffective breathing, shortness of breath, and headaches. Taking Xanax and drinking too much alcohol can also cause gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhoea and vomiting.
Is There a Limit on How Much Alcohol Can Be Consumed?
According to the World Health Organisation, no level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health. However, alcohol is still a legal substance, and if it really cannot be helped, the NHS has guidelines in place for alcohol consumption. In a healthy adult, it is recommended to have 14 units of alcohol weekly. This equals six pints of average-strength beer or ten small glasses of lower-strength wine. The guideline further states to spread your drink-free days throughout the week. Remember always to check labels on alcoholic beverages and refer to the Standard Drinks Guide, or better yet, do not drink alcohol at all.
How Much is a Lethal Dose of Xanax and Alcohol Together?
Doctors usually prescribe Xanax, ranging from 0.75 to 3 milligrams per day, for anxiety and panic disorders. Prescribed doses may vary depending on the individual and form of Xanax.
The toxicity depends on factors such as the body’s ability to metabolise both Xanax and alcohol, weight, age, sex, other health issues, or other medications the patient is on. Overdosage, which is beyond the recommended dose, can be lethal and can be manifested as drowsiness, slurred speech, impaired coordination, respiratory depression, and coma.
The danger is multiplied when Xanax is taken together with alcohol, which has the same effects on the brain. In line with this, fatalities have been reported in patients who have overdosed on Xanax and alcohol, and the alcohol levels seen in some of these patients have been lower than those usually associated with alcohol-induced death.
Signs of Help for Xanax and Alcohol Use
The signs that you need help include the following: struggling to control use, especially with prescription medications, noticing negative impacts on relationships, money problems, health complications, neglecting personal hygiene and appearance, and inconsistencies at work or not showing up for work entirely. These red flags should be recognised early to help improve the chances of long-term recovery.
What to Do in an Emergency
In the case of emergency, home remedies are never an option because this could delay and worsen the patient’s situation. Maintain a patent airway and call emergency services right away. Stay with the patient while help is on the way.
Struggling With Xanax and Alcohol Addiction
These substances have high addictive potential, and access is not a problem for some individuals, especially for alcohol. The short-term and long-term effects of alcohol or Xanax addiction can be overwhelming and damaging over time. Recognising when to seek help is of utmost importance. You can find an accountability partner in a family member, a loved one or a friend. Moreover, a mental health or addiction specialist can lay down all options available for personalised treatment. Sobriety can be achieved with proper support and treatment.
Effects and Risks
It is essential to understand that Xanax is a potent medication, and misuse could lead to addiction. The combination of Xanax and alcohol is dangerous and could result in serious health consequences or even death. Take your prescription medication as advised by your doctor, and remember not to drink alcohol with any medication, especially Xanax.
Withdrawal Symptoms
With the abrupt cessation of the substance, Xanax and alcohol can cause a wide range of withdrawal symptoms, including abdominal cramps, muscle spasms, diarrhoea, extreme panic attacks, headache, hypersensitivity to light (photophobia), insomnia, irritability, restlessness, sweating, tension, tremors, and vomiting. For Xanax, even with tapering the dose, it is still possible to experience such symptoms.
Severe life-threatening signs and symptoms of withdrawal manifest in the form of delirium tremens, depression, hallucinations, mania, psychosis, seizures and suicidal ideation and behaviour.
Alcohol and Xanax Addiction Treatment
Treatment of Xanax or alcohol addiction involves a comprehensive examination because it should address dependency on substance use, psychological aspects and any underlying medical condition.
Benzodiazepine substitution is a common approach in treating dependence on Xanax. This involves the substitution of Xanax with longer half-life drugs, such as Diazepam.
For alcohol use, medications such as Naltrexone and Acamprosate reduce cravings and restore the chemical imbalance in the brain, respectively. Disulfiram may also be used to deter drinking while in rehab.
Behavioural therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), is the most common therapy for clinical approaches, but other therapies can still be utilised. It is a type of talk therapy that helps individuals recognise themselves, as well as their thoughts, and gain control over their addiction.
Aftercare and Relapse Prevention
Aftercare is an important aspect of long-term recovery. It provides a clear view of what you want to achieve in your journey to recovery. It offers support through outpatient programmes, family therapy and more, and these programmes are tailored to your needs, depending on what stage you are in rehab.
Recover from Xanax Use and Alcoholism
Are you or someone you know struggling with Xanax misuse or alcoholism? Support is always at hand. There are communities and online support groups that can help you navigate the complexities of addiction. Rehab facilities also offer comprehensive treatment for both Xanax and alcohol addiction. Here at Sierra Recovery, our experienced professional team are equipped to manage the signs and symptoms of prescription drug misuse and alcoholism.
Should you require information or need guidance, our knowledgeable staff can advise you, or perhaps you would prefer to make an appointment for a consultation. You can contact us by email if you prefer this method rather than a telephone call; either way, you are assured of our professionalism at all times.
At Sierra Recovery, we understand and appreciate how difficult it is to make the first move, and a few attempts may be required to take action. That is absolutely OK and understandable. When you feel the moment is right and would like our support, we are always here to help you at any time.
