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Xanax & Alcohol

Xanax and Alcohol

Xanax and alcohol are both widely used substances. In the United States, alcohol is legal for anyone over the age of 21. When used responsibly, alcohol is fine for many people. However, the potential for misuse, abuse, and addiction is high. Many people fail to even recognize when it turns into a problem. Anyone 18 or over is able to take Xanax (also known as Alprazolam) with a prescription. It is meant for short-term use and only under medical supervision. Nevertheless, the potential for addiction with Xanax is high even with use under proper guidance.

There are many reasons a person mixes Xanax and alcohol. Of course, there is a possibility that a person is unaware of the risks of doing so. However, if they have a prescription any medical professional should cover the dangers. Possibly they, and anyone using Xanax illegally, combines it with alcohol and does not perceive any significant dangers. In fact in the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), the study covers perceived risk. Separate groups of people, based on various factors, perceive the risk of misuse and abuse differently. Whatever the reasons a person misuses either or both substances, there is significant risk in doing so.

XANAX

Xanax is a short-acting benzodiazepine (benzo). It is primarily meant for short-term treatment of anxiety disorders. It carries a high risk for abuse and addiction, but the number of prescriptions are increasing. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “…between 1996 and 2013, the number of adults who filled a benzodiazepine prescription increased by 67%, from 8.1 million to 13.5 million.” Not all of those prescriptions are Xanax, but Xanax is one of the most prescribed benzos and one of the most prescribed medications overall. It is possible some people benefit from Xanax and use safely under supervision. However, there are a number of people who experience dependence and addiction. This can happen through intentional misuse and abuse, but even when following a doctor’s guidance. Addiction can set in quickly, and while unlikely to set in immediately, there is a risk. Anyone concerned about dependence should only stop use with a doctor’s help.

In order to help treat anxiety, Xanax works by suppressing an over-excited central nervous system. It provides a sense of calm and for some people who abuse Xanax, it provides what is called a “Xanax High”. For many, the Xanax high is a heightened feeling of happiness and euphoria. Xanax is a short-acting drug, which means it takes effect quickly and wears off quickly. This has the potential to lead to more severe withdrawal symptoms. Anyone misusing and abusing Xanax will feel the need to take more and more to feel the same effects. A person with a prescription should only stop use under a doctor’s supervision. Anyone misusing a prescription or using Xanax illegally will very likely find it impossible to withdraw without professional help.

Symptoms of Xanax withdrawal may include:

  • Sleep disturbance
  • Irritability
  • Increased anxiety
  • Panic attacks
  • Nausea

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