Xanax is a commonly prescribed medication that is used to treat panic disorders, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. It is classified as a benzodiazepine, a common sedative, which tends to suppress nervous system activity and have a calming effect on patients. Many patients enjoy the temporary relief that Xanax provides from symptoms of their mental health issues. Unfortunately, as effective as it is, it is also highly addictive. Unfortunately, when taken in combination with alcohol, the effects are intensified and can have deadly consequences. At BrightView, our addiction specialists are aware of the “buzz” that individuals receive when consuming both Xanax and alcohol. They also know the devastating impact that it can have on the body. If you or someone you love needs support for their alcohol and drug addiction, find out how BrightView can help by calling 888.501.9865.
Why Alcohol and Xanax Can Be Dangerous
Although an exact cause is not yet known as to why Xanax and alcohol’s side effects are intensified, it is believed that alcohol maximizes the concentration of the main ingredient, alprazolam, into the bloodstream. The liver needs to work harder, increasing side effects, therefore, increasing the risk of a life-threatening overdose. Physical and psychological dependence and addiction are common when Xanax and alcohol are used simultaneously. Because both Xanax and alcohol have sedative qualities, leaving users feeling sleepy, fatigued, and impaired. Other side effects may include:
- Lack of muscle control, coordination, and balance
- Slurred speech
- Irritability and confusion
- Negative thoughts
- Feelings of sadness
- Lowers inhibitions and encourages risky behaviors
The combination of Xanax and alcohol can have dangerous consequences and serious long-term effects. Those who consume alcohol while taking prescribed and/or abused benzos not only run the risk of experiencing these side effects, but addiction is often a natural outcome. Drug addiction does not go away on its own, and patients cannot simply stop using. When drugs and alcohol are involved, the brain is no longer in control, even though a person may desire to control it and stop using. The only effective solution to get a person back on track to a sober lifestyle free of drugs and alcohol is a drug addiction treatment program.
How Medication Assisted Treatment Can Help
When a patient has become addicted to Xanax and alcohol, alleviating the body’s dependence is nearly impossible without addiction treatment. Medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, effectively helps patients ease withdrawal symptoms while addressing the addiction’s psychological aspects. The cravings and compulsions associated with addiction will gradually decline as patients engage in treatment services such as counseling and both individual and group therapy. MAT can successfully treat alcohol and drug addiction disorders and help patients achieve and sustain long-term sobriety. Addiction specialists at BrightView are trained in the risks and consequences of alcohol and Xanax. They are compassionate to the side effects and withdrawal symptoms they will experience as their addiction is treated.
Learn More About Outpatient Treatment in Ohio
Addiction is a serious disease that, if left untreated, can lead to devastating outcomes. People who find themselves in need of addiction treatment had no intention of becoming addicted, nor did they understand the dangerous side effects of Xanax and alcohol consumption. Outpatient treatment programs are designed to provide patients with the care they need to overcome their addiction while still maintaining their relationships, family, and livelihood. Our goal at BrightView is to make addiction treatment available to all and provide a safe, comfortable environment for patients to embark on their journey toward lifelong recovery. Our specialists are available 24/7, and appointments can easily be scheduled online. We believe in treating everyone who is faced with addiction with respect, and we work diligently to ensure that we provide the best service possible to our patients. Learn more about how you or a loved one can recover at one of our 22 medication assisted treatment centers throughout Ohio by calling 888.501.9865 or using our online form. Recovery can begin today.
