Polysubstance abuse is a dangerous and, unfortunately, common behavior. What’s polysubstance abuse, and what makes it so concerning? Educate yourself about the dangers of mixing alcohol and Xanax®, along with other forms of polysubstance abuse, so that you can avoid the risks.
Prescription drugs like Xanax® can be highly addictive and even more so when combined with other substances like alcohol. If you’re having challenges with your prescription medication and find it difficult to cut back or quit, you may need the help of Promises Brazos Valley’s prescription drug addiction treatment programs.
What Is Polysubstance Abuse?
Polysubstance abuse refers to the concurrent use of two or more substances, like alcohol, prescription drugs, or illicit drugs. This behavior can be intentional, such as when people smoke marijuana and drink alcohol at parties to enhance the euphoric effects. However, some people engage in polysubstance abuse unintentionally. For example, a person who has a bottle of beer with dinner each evening may not think to curtail drinking after being prescribed an opioid pain medication. Either way, polysubstance abuse can put you at risk of a long list of adverse effects.
What Happens If You Mix Alcohol and Xanax?
One common example of polysubstance abuse is mixing alcohol and Xanax®. Both of these substances are central nervous system depressants, meaning they slow down brain activity, leading to drowsiness, slow breathing, and impaired coordination. When you mix two depressants like these, the effects are amplified, and you may experience:
- Loss of consciousness
- Memory impairment
- Dangerously slow breathing
- Confusion
- Loss of coordination
Mixing alcohol and Xanax® also increases the chances of overdosing, which can be fatal.
What Are the Long-Term Consequences of Mixing Alcohol and Xanax?
Beyond the immediate dangers of mixing alcohol and Xanax®, there are additional consequences of engaging in this type of polysubstance abuse over a long period. Continued use of both substances simultaneously can introduce some of the following consequences.
Liver Damage
Your liver has to work overtime to process alcohol and Xanax® together. Repeated use of both substances can result in inflammation, scarring, and eventually liver failure.
Worsened Mental Health
Xanax® is typically prescribed to alleviate symptoms associated with anxiety and panic disorders. Chronic alcohol and Xanax® misuse can work against you, exacerbating anxiety and depression symptoms. Long-term polysubstance abuse can also lead to psychosis in some.
Impaired Cognitive Function
When mixing alcohol and Xanax®, you may experience blackouts or periods of memory loss. If you combine these substances over an extended period, the memory loss can become permanent due to cognitive impairment.
Increased Risk of Addiction
Alcohol and Xanax® are both addictive, so they can quickly become habit-forming. The more you use these substances simultaneously, the more likely you are to develop a dependence on them. You might notice your usual dose doesn’t have the same relaxing or euphoric effect as before, indicating a tolerance. You’d need to take larger doses to achieve the same effects and may experience withdrawal symptoms when not using Xanax® or alcohol.
Increased Risk of Overdose
Since taking Xanax® and alcohol together intensifies the effects of each, your breathing can slow to dangerous levels or stop altogether. This makes you susceptible to coma, brain damage, or even death.
Call Promises Brazos Valley to Get Started on Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment Today
The practice of polysubstance abuse is of great concern since the risks are even higher than misusing a single substance on its own. If you’re dealing with challenges involving multiple substances, Promises Brazos Valley is here to help you regain control. Our prescription drug addiction treatment program offers medically monitored detox, individual and group counseling, and mindfulness modalities to help guide you toward the sober lifestyle you deserve. To learn more about our residential and outpatient treatment options, reach out at 979.426.0086 or fill out our online form today.