The Dangers of Mixing Benzos and Alcohol

The Problems With Mixing Alcohol and Benzos 

What happens when you mix benzodiazepines and alcohol? Many people who abuse these drugs may be unaware of the dangers associated with mixing the two substances or not understand the severity of this combination. While ignorance is temporarily blissful, it is best not to ignore the warnings. Benzos are dangerous when abused and adding the additional prospect of alcohol on top of that just spells trouble. 

Since benzodiazepines and alcohol are depressants, which slow down the central nervous system and the body’s organs, the combination may lead to severe health risks. Alone, benzodiazepines can cause lethargy, drowsiness, memory impairment, mental confusion, and depression. Mixing benzos and alcohol increases the intensity of the depressant effects and causes other problems, including: 

• Memory loss 
• Poor coordination 
• Mood swings 
• Severe depression 
• Increased possibility of accidents 
• Intense nausea 
• Unconsciousness 
• Organ failure 
• Coma 
• Death 

Unfortunately, up to 95% percent of patients admitted to a drug and alcohol rehab for benzos are also found to abuse another drug, and about 25% of the time, this drug is alcohol. In fact, one study found that those in the study who qualified as having unhealthy alcohol use were 15% more likely to use benzos than moderate drinkers or those who do not drink at all. For alcoholics who have yet to detox from alcohol and get sober, benzodiazepines can be especially hazardous. 

Benzodiazepines Overdose Symptoms 

When an individual mixes benzos and alcohol, the risk of an overdose significantly rises and may endanger the person’s life. High doses of the drug can cause extreme drowsiness and slow reflexes, mood swings, and erratic behavior. Not only is the level of dosage or being mixed with another substance matter but also if an individual has a co-occurring disorder present and how that person ingested the drug. Some signs of benzodiazepine overdose include: 

• Slurred speech 
• Altered mental status 
• Uncoordinated movement 
• Tremors 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Blue in the fingernails or lips 

Helpful Tips for Addressing a Person’s Benzo and/or Drinking Problem 

1. Though you can be part of the solution, you cannot save the alcoholic or drug abuser, as they must save themselves. The disease of alcoholism does not make sense, and you cannot rationalize it or reason with it. The user must WANT to get sober, and only professional addiction treatment can help. There are ways to taper off alcohol and benzos, but it is highly recommended that a medical professional helps with the detoxification and stabilization process. 
2. Seek the support of others going through the same thing with their family. Join Al-Anon family groups, which are open meetings in every county across the country. The organization was founded by Lois Wilson, wife of Alcoholics Anonymous co-founder Bill Wilson, and it offers a refuge for those who have been impacted by chronic drinkers. Al-Anon members are people, just like you, who are worried about someone with a drinking or narcotic problem. Visit al-anon.org to find a group near you.  
3. Do not, under any circumstance short of life-threatening scenarios (primarily a hospital stay for something serious), give or lend money to an alcoholic or drug user. This is commonly referred to as enablement. By providing money, which even includes money for bail, rent, or child support, you prevent alcohol and drug abusers from hitting rock bottom, which they need to experience to make a fundamental change. 
4. Be as genuine as possible and let them know you are there for them. Practicing empathy is crucial. It can help with the intense isolation that many addicted individuals will experience. It is important to remain calm even if he or she is difficult to deal with. Let them know how you address your own problems in healthy ways and that there are better ways to cope with stress and life problems. 
5. If drinking or continued benzo use escalates to the point of concern for his or her life, and the user remains resistant to treatment, engage the services of a qualified interventionist. At Banyan, we work with dozens of experienced and caring Interventionists who are licensed and trained to intervene and work with both the families and the users.