It is so dangerous to mix Xanax and alcohol that physicians advise against drinking any alcohol, even if you have been prescribed Xanax and you are using it as directed. When individuals intentionally abuse this combination of substances, the risks are magnified for several reasons.
Alcohol and Xanax are both processed by the same liver enzymes. Since both substances need the same enzyme to break them down, it takes longer for the body to remove Xanax and alcohol when you ingest them together. As a result, these substances remain in your body longer, which can increase the risk of accidents and overdoses.
Xanax and alcohol also enhance the effects of each other, inhibiting the central nervous system and …show more content…
For example, using Xanax and alcohol concurrently can lead to coma and even death, if the symptoms of central nervous system depression and overdose are not treated promptly.
Long-Term Effects of Mixing Xanax and Alcohol
If you abuse mix Xanax and alcohol consistently and for an extended period of time, you are more likely to experience a number of long-term effects. These detrimental effects range from mental and physical to financial and interpersonal. Some of the most common long-term effects of mixing these substances include:
• Alcoholic hepatitis
• Arrhythmia
• Brain injury from repeated episodes of respiratory arrest
• Breast cancer
• Cardiomyopathy
• Cirrhosis
• Declines in performance at school or work
• Faint heartbeat
• Increased risk of accidents
• Increased risk of suicide
• Interpersonal problems
• Liver cancer
• Lower blood pressure
• Memory