Benzodiazepines, also known as benzos, are medications that act as sedatives to treat depression and anxiety. These medications, such as Klonopin, Valium, and Xanax, are prescribed by a medical profession and produce a calming effect to the central nervous system. Benzos are the most frequently abused drug and play a huge part in the drug addiction epidemic.
Effects of combining benzos with alcohol
Benzos are central nervous system (CNS) depressants that slow brain activity and produce a calming effect, but can also have harmful effects when they are misused or abused. Alcohol is a depressant and when combined with benzos, the effects are amplified. The combined sedation from these two addictive substances can lead to life-threatening respiratory depression, coma, or death. (Martin Davies, U.S. National Library of Medicine).
The effect benzos have on the physical and emotional state of a person increases the risk of growing a dependence on them. Drinking alcohol is harmful to a person’s physical, emotional, and mental health by itself when used in excess. If you drink alcohol while taking benzos, you are putting yourself in danger of developing severe health problems, overdose, and early death.
Some side effects of mixing benzos with alcohol include confusion, slurred speech, irritability, aggression and short-term memory loss. Some patients take more of the drugs than prescribed to get high. One of the greatest dangers of this lethal combination is that each substance makes the effects of the other more powerful. It is therefore easy for the user to lose track of the amount they are consuming. Mixing any two drugs together will increase the probability of hurting yourself or others and can cause fatal accidents.
Getting life-saving treatment
Prescription and over-the-counter medications usually have a warning label indicating the harmful effects they have when mixed with other medications or alcohol. Benzos are safe and effective when taken appropriately or as prescribed.
Mixing benzos with alcohol might make a person engage in more anti-social behaviors and become aggressive, hostile, and irritabile. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, do not wait to get help. Addiction is isolating, but you are not alone. Treatment is available and there is hope in recovery.
Cypress Lake Recovery specializes in addiction treatment and is located in a serene, remote, lush-green, oxygen enriched environment. The program encompasses holistic addiction therapy and offers yoga and meditation for the mind, body, and soul. The focus is on physical, mental, and emotional well-being by generating the balance of life-enriching treatment, wellness, and healthy, sober, sustainable relationships. Call us to get started: 409-331-2204
