Benzodiazepines and Alcohol Abuse

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Benzodiazepines and alcohol are both substances that can be abused, have harmful side effects and can lead to a substance abuse disorder. Using these substances separately can be problematic, but combining them is even worse. Find out what the dangers of mixing alcohol and benzodiazepines can be and discover the best route for treatment.

Benzodiazepines and Alcohol Risk for Memory Impairment

Taking benzodiazepines on their own can lead to memory impairment. Anyone who has ever consumed far too much alcohol also knows that alcohol abuse can lead to a “blackout” where short-term memory disappears. When you combine benzodiazepines and alcohol, the negative effects are even greater. It is common for people who mix benzos and alcohol to struggle to remember recent events. There may be long periods where a person is under the influence where there are no memories at all. Over time, this could even lead to long-term memory impairment. This is typically irreversible, making it an incredibly serious side effect of substance abuse.

Overall Depressant on the Nervous System

Most addictive substances can be classed as either depressants or stimulants. Although some people might think that alcohol is a stimulant, it is actually a depressant. The same is true for benzodiazepines. Taking them both at the same time depresses your central nervous system substantially. The central nervous system is responsible for our body’s movement as well as brain function. If it is depressed, then it can’t work like it is supposed to. Other systems of the body can slow down, as a result, leading to overdose symptoms and even fatalities.

Rise in Risky Behaviors

When a person is under the influence of alcohol and benzodiazepines, they are also more likely to engage in risky behaviors. This can mean more accidents and injuries, and it can also mean an increased risk for sexually transmitted diseases. Under the influence of this dangerous combination of substances, people can act in ways that are very different from their typical behavior. Individuals may fight with loved ones or get violent. They might steal or drive a vehicle dangerously. Even if they would never engage in these behaviors while sober, their reasoning and logic goes out the window thanks to these dangerous substances.

Greater Risk of Addiction

Anytime that you abuse alcohol or use benzodiazepines, there is a risk of developing an addiction. By mixing the two substances, there is an even greater risk of addiction. Individuals can become addicted to just one substance or specifically to the combination of both substances. Either way, it will take treatment and professional addiction therapy services in order to overcome a substance abuse disorder. Once addiction develops, the use of the substances will naturally increase. As your tolerance grows, there is also an increased risk of an overdose. Worse still, mixing benzos and alcohol makes it hard to know the impact of consumption. Often, overdoses are accidental.

Overcoming Benzodiazepines and Alcohol Addiction

Overcoming any addiction is tough. When you’re addicted to more than one substance, however, it is especially important that you don’t attempt to detox on your own. Benzo withdrawal symptoms can be severe, but a program at Acqua Recovery Center can help. Clients can expect a full continuum of support and a range of treatment methods that can include all of the following:

Mixing benzodiazepines and alcohol is incredibly dangerous, and it can quickly lead to addiction. Fortunately, recovery is possible at places like Acqua Recovery Center near Salt Lake City, Utah. Call 866.830.4628 to learn more about your options and to take the next step toward sobriety today.

Benzodiazepines and Alcohol Abuse

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Dr. Daniel Pickrell

Dr. Daniel Pickrell
Medical Reviewer

Dr. Pickrell is a board-certified psychiatrist with interests in addiction and psychiatry. He strives to identify the underlying cause of substance use. His understanding of addiction as the overlapping symptoms of biopsychosocial development is the foundation to his care model. He is committed to helping both patients and families understand that addiction is a treatable medical illness. He has been involved in the treatment of addiction for the last 17 years and completed his residency training at the University of Utah.

By: Acqua Recovery

Posted Date: Jan 26, 2023

Updated Date: Nov 5, 2024

Benzodiazepines and alcohol are both substances that can be abused, have harmful side effects and can lead to a substance abuse disorder. Using these substances separately can be problematic, but combining them is even worse. Find out what the dangers of mixing alcohol and benzodiazepines can be and discover the best route for treatment.

Benzodiazepines and Alcohol Risk for Memory Impairment

Taking benzodiazepines on their own can lead to memory impairment. Anyone who has ever consumed far too much alcohol also knows that alcohol abuse can lead to a "blackout" where short-term memory disappears. When you combine benzodiazepines and alcohol, the negative effects are even greater. It is common for people who mix benzos and alcohol to struggle to remember recent events. There may be long periods where a person is under the influence where there are no memories at all. Over time, this could even lead to long-term memory impairment. This is typically irreversible, making it an incredibly serious side effect of substance abuse.

Overall Depressant on the Nervous System

Most addictive substances can be classed as either depressants or stimulants. Although some people might think that alcohol is a stimulant, it is actually a depressant. The same is true for benzodiazepines. Taking them both at the same time depresses your central nervous system substantially. The central nervous system is responsible for our body's movement as well as brain function. If it is depressed, then it can't work like it is supposed to. Other systems of the body can slow down, as a result, leading to overdose symptoms and even fatalities.

Rise in Risky Behaviors

When a person is under the influence of alcohol and benzodiazepines, they are also more likely to engage in risky behaviors. This can mean more accidents and injuries, and it can also mean an increased risk for sexually transmitted diseases. Under the influence of this dangerous combination of substances, people can act in ways that are very different from their typical behavior. Individuals may fight with loved ones or get violent. They might steal or drive a vehicle dangerously. Even if they would never engage in these behaviors while sober, their reasoning and logic goes out the window thanks to these dangerous substances.

Greater Risk of Addiction

Anytime that you abuse alcohol or use benzodiazepines, there is a risk of developing an addiction. By mixing the two substances, there is an even greater risk of addiction. Individuals can become addicted to just one substance or specifically to the combination of both substances. Either way, it will take treatment and professional addiction therapy services in order to overcome a substance abuse disorder. Once addiction develops, the use of the substances will naturally increase. As your tolerance grows, there is also an increased risk of an overdose. Worse still, mixing benzos and alcohol makes it hard to know the impact of consumption. Often, overdoses are accidental.

Overcoming Benzodiazepines and Alcohol Addiction

Overcoming any addiction is tough. When you're addicted to more than one substance, however, it is especially important that you don't attempt to detox on your own. Benzo withdrawal symptoms can be severe, but a program at Acqua Recovery Center can help. Clients can expect a full continuum of support and a range of treatment methods that can include all of the following:

Mixing benzodiazepines and alcohol is incredibly dangerous, and it can quickly lead to addiction. Fortunately, recovery is possible at places like Acqua Recovery Center near Salt Lake City, Utah. Call 866.830.4628 to learn more about your options and to take the next step toward sobriety today.

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