Benzo misuse is a growing issue in Colorado. Many who misuse benzos, like Xanax, Ativan and Valium, also mix them with alcohol because the effects of both are intensified when they are used together. When their tolerance to alcohol increases, people may use benzos to feel a more euphoric experience.
For several reasons, however, mixing alcohol and benzos should be avoided.
1. Risk of Overdose
Both benzos and alcohol act as depressants to the nervous system. Using both together could depress the nervous system too much and cause breathing to slow down or stop. Overdoses can easily occur when both benzos and alcohol are used together.
2. Impaired Movements or Reactions
Benzos and alcohol are commonly used together in date-rape situations because they can make people incapable of resisting the attack. Even if they are still conscious, those who take benzos and alcohol together may not be able to move, or the motivation to resist may not be present. These impairments could cause injury in other situations as well. For instance, if your location becomes unsafe, you may not have the ability or motivation to leave.
3. Memory Loss
The combination of alcohol and benzos interferes with your brain’s ability to form permanent memories. Misusing these together may result in short- or long-term memory loss that may have been formed during substance misuse. You may not be able to remember events that occurred, as well as how or why they occurred.
4. Increased Aggression, Hostility and Irritability
Not everyone experiences these effects, but if you do, you could end up ruining relationships or even getting arrested as a result of your benzo and alcohol misuse. While you may imagine that you benefit from the high benzos and alcohol give you, your friends and family may have an entirely different view of your behavior if you treat them with hostility or become abusive toward them during your misuse.
5. Potentially Deadly Withdrawal Symptoms
If you become dependent on a benzo and alcohol mix, it is dangerous to try to detox from this combo without medical supervision. This is because withdrawal can cause seizures that could be fatal if not treated medically. These risks make the combination of alcohol and benzos dangerous even for people who try to stop their misuse.
The good news is that there is help in the form of Colorado addiction treatment resources including medical supervision during the detox process if you need it. Treatment and recovery are possible. Contact The Recovery Village Palmer Lake to learn about your treatment options today.
