{"id":1741,"date":"2022-01-18T09:46:00","date_gmt":"2022-01-18T14:46:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.therecoveryvillage.com\/?page_id=1741"},"modified":"2022-10-04T14:05:20","modified_gmt":"2022-10-04T18:05:20","slug":"mixing-benzodiazepine-alcohol","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.therecoveryvillage.com\/benzodiazepine-addiction\/mixing-benzodiazepine-alcohol\/","title":{"rendered":"Benzodiazepines (Benzos) & Alcohol"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Article at a Glance:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Heavy drinkers are more likely than others to take benzodiazepines, or benzos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mixing benzos and alcohol can increase your risk of side effects, some of which are serious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cognitive problems that are linked to benzos can be worsened if you drink heavily.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Mixing Benzodiazepines and Alcohol<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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 a higher chance<\/a> of overdose and death. For this reason, doctors recommend avoiding<\/a> benzo use with alcohol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drug overdoses can be fatal. If you suspect someone is experiencing alcohol poisoning, call 911 immediately.<\/strong> Do NOT be afraid to seek help. If you do not have access to a phone, contact Web Poison Control Services<\/a> for online assistance.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related Topic: Benzo Overdose Treatment<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are Benzodiazepines?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Benzodiazepines<\/a> are psychoactive depressants prescribed to treat mental health disorders such as anxiety, and physical issues like seizures and muscle spasms. Some common benzos are Xanax<\/a>, Ativan<\/a>, Klonopin<\/a>, Librium<\/a> and Valium<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drug Properties<\/strong><\/th>Benzodiazepines<\/a><\/th><\/tr>
Medical uses<\/strong><\/th>Sedation, relieving anxiety, preventing muscle spasms, and reducing seizures<\/th><\/tr>
Drug type<\/th>Depressant<\/th><\/tr>
Controlled substance status<\/th>Schedule IV Controlled Substance<\/th><\/tr>
Common side effects<\/th>Sleepiness, relaxation, memory problems<\/th><\/tr>
Habit-forming<\/th>Yes<\/th><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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FAQS<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tIs alcohol a benzodiazepine?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Alcohol is not a benzo. However, like a benzo, alcohol is a central nervous system depressant.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\tDoes alcohol work the same as benzodiazepines?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Alcohol and benzos work in some similar ways. For example, both substances impact the GABA<\/a> (gamma aminobutyric acid) in your brain. However, alcohol and benzos are different agents with different chemical structures, and therefore do not work identically.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\tCan you have one glass of wine while taking a benzo?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Doctors recommend<\/a> completely avoiding alcohol if you take a benzo. Your medical history and other medications can impact how safe it is for you to have even small amounts of alcohol while taking a benzo.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat drugs can potentiate benzos?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Other central nervous system depressants can potentiate benzos, making benzo side effects more pronounced. Depressants include<\/a> alcohol, sleep drugs, antipsychotics, and narcotics.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

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Benzos and Alcohol Side Effects<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you mix benzos with alcohol, you increase your risk of side effects like<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n