Benzodiazepines, or benzos, are medications that help with anxiety, insomnia, muscle spasms, and seizures. Doctors also use them for alcohol withdrawal and panic disorders. These drugs work by calming the brain and nervous system, making a person feel relaxed or sleepy. Around 3.7 million people over age 12 misused prescription benzos last year, with the highest use among young adults aged 18 to 25.
There are different types of benzodiazepines, classified as short-acting and long-acting. Short-acting benzos, like Xanax, Ativan, and Halcion, take effect quickly but wear off fast. They are often used for panic attacks or sleep problems. Long-acting benzos, such as Valium, Klonopin, and Librium, stay in the body longer and provide extended relief. Doctors may prescribe them for chronic anxiety or seizure disorders.
Although benzos help many people, they can be highly addictive. Taking them for too long or in high doses can cause dependence. Stopping suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms like shaking, panic, or seizures. At Arkview Recovery, we provide safe, medically supervised detox to help individuals withdraw from benzos. Our team offers therapy and ongoing support to help people regain control of their lives.
What Happens if an Individual Mixes Benzos and Alcohol?
Mixing benzos and alcohol is extremely dangerous. Both substances slow brain activity, breathing, and heart rate, increasing the risk of overdose, coma, and death.
This combination also puts a heavy strain on vital organs. Long-term use can cause liver disease, heart damage, and cognitive decline. Alcohol worsens the memory issues caused by benzos, making blackouts and confusion more likely.
The effects of mixing them can be unpredictable. Some people may pass out, while others may become agitated or aggressive. Since both substances amplify each other, overdose can happen suddenly, even with small amounts.
Dependence can develop quickly, making it harder to stop without medical support. Professional treatment is the safest way to recover from benzos and alcohol.
Do Benzos and Alcohol Have the Same Effect on the Body?
Benzos and alcohol both depress the central nervous system, making a person feel calm, drowsy, or less anxious. However, they affect the body in different ways.
Benzodiazepines are prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, and seizures, while alcohol is used socially or for relaxation. Alcohol impairs judgment, increases emotional instability, and raises the risk of reckless behavior more than benzos do.
Both substances slow reaction time and reflexes. This can make driving, operating machinery, or even walking dangerous. Alcohol also dehydrates the body and irritates the stomach, while benzos primarily affect brain function.
Although they may feel similar, mixing them increases the risk of overdose, unconsciousness, and long-term damage to the brain and organs.
Benzos slow brain activity, helping people feel calmer and reducing anxiety. They are commonly prescribed for panic attacks, insomnia, and muscle spasms.
Drowsiness and poor concentration are common side effects. Some people may struggle to stay alert, making work and daily activities harder.
Higher doses can dangerously slow breathing, leading to respiratory depression. This risk is even greater for older adults or those with lung conditions.
Benzos can also cause memory issues, dizziness, and loss of coordination. These effects increase the risk of falls, especially in elderly patients.
Long-term use can lead to physical dependence. Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, tremors, seizures, and, in severe cases, life-threatening complications.
Alcohol affects the brain and body based on how much and how often a person drinks. It lowers inhibitions, impairs judgment, and slows reaction time.
Short-term effects include drowsiness, slurred speech, nausea, and loss of balance. Drinking too much can cause blackouts, vomiting, and unconsciousness. Over time, heavy drinking weakens the heart, leading to high blood pressure and an increased risk of stroke or heart disease.
The liver works to remove alcohol from the body, but excessive drinking can lead to fatty liver disease, hepatitis, or cirrhosis. Alcohol dependence can develop, leading to withdrawal symptoms like shaking, sweating, anxiety, and, in severe cases, seizures or delirium tremens (DTs).
Mixing benzos and alcohol is extremely dangerous because both substances slow the brain and body. This combination greatly increases the risk of serious health problems. People who mix them often feel extremely drowsy and may struggle to stay awake or even lose consciousness.
Breathing can become dangerously slow, and in some cases, it may stop entirely. Memory loss is common, and people may forget events or wake up confused. Coordination suffers, making simple tasks like walking or standing difficult, which increases the risk of falls. The most serious risk is overdose, which can be fatal if medical help is not received in time.
When Is It Safe to Drink Alcohol After Taking a Benzodiazepine?
Mixing benzos and alcohol is always dangerous. Even if taken hours apart, they can still interact and cause serious harm.
Benzos stay in the system for different lengths of time. Short-acting benzos like Xanax and Ativan may take up to 24 hours to clear. Long-acting benzos like Valium, Klonopin, and Librium can stay in the body for several days. Factors like age, metabolism, and liver health can affect how long they last.
Since alcohol also lingers in the body, drinking too soon after taking a benzo can still cause dangerous effects. Both substances slow breathing and coordination, increasing the risk of falls, unconsciousness, and overdose. To stay safe, always follow a doctor’s advice and avoid alcohol when using benzos. If you’re struggling with alcohol or benzo abuse, professional help is available.
What Dangers Come With Mixing Benzos and Alcohol?
Mixing benzos and alcohol is extremely dangerous. Both substances slow down the brain and body, making it harder to think, breathe, and move. Combining them increases the risk of overdose, accidents, and long-term health problems.
- Severe Drowsiness and Confusion: A person may struggle to stay awake, think clearly, or respond to their surroundings.
- Breathing Problems: Both substances slow breathing, which can become dangerously shallow or stop completely.
- Memory Loss and Blackouts: A person may not remember events and may wake up confused.
- Poor Coordination and Falls: Walking and balance become difficult, leading to a higher risk of injury.
- Increased Overdose Risk: The combination can overwhelm the body, leading to unconsciousness, coma, or death.
- Heart Problems: Mixing them can cause an irregular heartbeat or dangerously low blood pressure.
- Liver Damage: The liver has to work harder to process both substances, increasing the risk of long-term damage.
- Higher Risk of Addiction: Using them together can increase dependence, making it harder to stop without medical help.
- Impaired Judgment and Risky Behavior: People may take dangerous risks, such as driving under the influence or engaging in unsafe activities.
- Weakened Immune System: Long-term use can make the body more vulnerable to infections and illnesses.
- Increased Mental Health Issues: Mixing them can worsen anxiety, depression, or mood swings, making emotional health more unstable.
- Dangerous Drug Interactions: If taken with other medications, the effects can be unpredictable and life-threatening.
- Choking Hazard: If the patient is unconscious or vomiting, there is a risk of choking, which can lead to severe complications or death.
Can a Person Overdose on Benzos and Alcohol?
Yes, a person can overdose when mixing benzos and alcohol. Since both substances slow breathing and heart rate, taking them together can be fatal.
Even small amounts can lead to unconsciousness, coma, or death. The risk is even higher for older adults, people with breathing problems, or those taking high doses. Many overdoses happen accidentally when people underestimate the strength of these substances.
Overdose symptoms include extreme drowsiness, slow or stopped breathing, weak pulse, and loss of consciousness. If these symptoms appear, get emergency medical help right away. Without treatment, overdose can cause permanent brain damage or death. If you or a loved one struggles with benzos and alcohol, professional support can help prevent a life-threatening situation.
Arkview Recovery Offers Benzo Detox in Mechanicsburg, PA
At Arkview Recovery, we provide safe and supportive treatment for people struggling with benzos and alcohol. Detoxing from these substances can be difficult, but our team is here to help every step of the way. We offer medically supervised detox to ease withdrawal symptoms, prevent complications, and keep you safe.
Our treatment programs include addiction therapy programs, counseling, and medication-assisted treatment when needed. We focus on healing the mind and body while helping you build a healthier future. Our team addresses underlying mental health conditions, trauma, and triggers that contribute to substance use. Whether you need inpatient care or outpatient support, we create a personalized plan that works for you.
Recovery is possible, and you don’t have to go through this alone. If you or a loved one is struggling with benzos and alcohol, Arkview Recovery is here to help. Call us today to take the first step toward healing.
Kyle is Lead Therapist at Arkview Recovery Center. He holds a Master of Social Work degree from Temple University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He has years of experience working directly with individuals who suffer from addiction and mental health disorders. Being in long term recovery himself, Kyle is very passionate about the recovery process. He is heavily involved in the local recovery community in which he enjoys his commitments to service and giving back. His specialty is in group therapy and developing clinical staff. Kyle brings to Arkview a holistic approach to recovery, specializing in mindfulness, reality therapy, and solution-focused therapy.
