Mixing Xanax and alcohol can intensify the effects of both drugs on your body. However, it can cause health issues and complicates your journey to recovery. Learn more about the impact of using these drugs at the same time and how addiction treatment can help you kick both habits for a healthier lifestyle. If you or a loved one struggle with addiction to Xanax, seek out a Xanax detox center in Houston, Texas that can guide you to lasting recovery.
Using Xanax and Alcohol Together
When you mix alcohol and Xanax, you feel the effects of both. However, the main effects will depend on how much of each you have consumed. For example, if you drink more alcohol, you’ll feel its impact more than Xanax, and vice versa.
Larger amounts of alcohol generally result in lethargy. Mixing these drugs causes a synergistic effect. If you take a significant amount of Xanax and alcohol, you are likely to experience a state of euphoria. This heightened sense of relaxation and reduced anxiety can trigger a dual addiction.
Those who consume a lot more alcohol than Xanax are likely to pass out quickly — in rare cases, this can lead to a coma.
How Is a Co-occurring Alcohol and Xanax Addiction Treated?
Co-occurring Xanax and alcohol abuse may require a medically monitored detox. You will have medical and counseling staff with you every step of the way. Using these drugs together may create a dependency on both that your body must be weaned off slowly.
When your body is dependent, it reacts as if it needs these substances to function properly. The detox period prevents some of the more severe symptoms of withdrawal. This has a couple of advantages. First, it makes your recovery much more comfortable. Second, it decreases the chance that you will revert to using either drug while in detox or recovery.
Withdrawal from Xanax and alcohol sometimes leads to one of the following:
- Psychomotor agitation
- Coma
- Seizures
It can even be life-threatening. However, medically assisted Xanax and alcohol treatment reduce these risks. Going through detox may seem intimidating, but it’s necessary before you begin your recovery. Fortunately, you won’t be alone. A medical team monitors your vital signs and administers the appropriate medication. Also, counselors and support staff help you along the way.
Types of Treatment Available
If you are experienced concurrent alcohol and Xanax dependency, your therapists may recommend one or more of programs. including:
- Inpatient treatment: This is a structured environment that helps those with severe addiction. Based on your needs, inpatient settings may dual diagnosis treatment for any psychiatric conditions that existed before you started using alcohol and Xanax. In addition, detox from these substances generally works more effectively with inpatient care.
- Residential rehab: Clients reside at a treatment center for a specified period of time, often 30, 60, or 90 days. During your stay at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston’s residential treatment program, you will receive comprehensive treatment that gives you the support for lasting recovery.
- Outpatient treatment: This is treatment that doesn’t involve living at the center. It could include a few hours a week or several hours a day. Outpatient treatment works best if you have a strong home support system. It’s extremely important to avoid stress factors that may trigger drug use.
Outpatient treatments may include both individual and group therapy sessions, as determined by you and your therapists. If you have a dual diagnosis, some aspects of your treatment will focus on mental health and help you understand why you turned to Xanax and alcohol. You return home with new ways to control your behavior and work through your thoughts and feelings.
12-step programs are peer-based treatment plans that lean on fellowship and mentoring, using guiding principals, to maintain sobriety.
Xanax Detox Center in Houston, Texas
Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston helps you let go of your substance abuse disorder and face the future with more strength and hope than ever before. Contact us at 866.516.8356 today for more information on how to get started with your first steps away from Xanax and alcohol use.