Mixing Xanax and alcohol can cause dangerous side effects and long-term health problems. If you are addicted to both substances, you may be at risk of severe medical issues. Read below to find out more about the dangers of alcohol and Xanax and what you can do about your addiction.

What is Xanax?

Xanax contains two primary substances: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. These two drugs combine to form a stimulant that ‘super-charges’ your brain. The neurotransmitters in your brain experience increased activity. As a result, you feel amazing. You may have more focus and energy for longer periods.

While Xanax can help with mental disorders such as ADHD, it can also be addictive. Furthermore, if you take it with alcohol, you increase the risk of Xanax overdose.

Mixing Xanax with Alcohol

You may have heard that when you mix alcohol and Xanax, the two substances ‘cancel each other out.’ Xanax is a stimulant. Alcohol has both stimulant and depressant properties. When you drink, the alcohol stimulates your dopamine neurotransmitters. Therefore, you feel euphoric.

The alcohol depressant will make you drowsy, slow you down, and cause you to lose any inhibition. Xanax can mask or ‘cancel’ depressant intoxication. You can drink more and not feel drunk. Naturally, you may want to continue drinking. However, binge drinking can lead to alcohol poisoning.

Side Effects of Xanax and Alcohol

Both Xanax and alcohol already come with their own set of side effects. When you mix the two, you increase the risk and severity of these side effects such as: 

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Hallucination or delusions
• Seizures
• Anxiety or panic attack
• Insomnia or hypersomnia

Prolonged use of both substances can lead to a wide range of health problems in your central nervous, digestive, or circulatory system. It can also lead to ongoing depression and lack of motivation to get out of bed.

Treatment for Drug and Alcohol Addiction

If you are addicted to Xanax and alcohol, you can seek professional help for your condition. An alcohol addiction rehab center in Illinois can provide extensive treatment, including: 

• Dual diagnosis treatment
• 12 step programs
• Medication-assisted treatment
• Psychotherapy
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Dialectical behavior therapy 

With the right treatment in place, you can finally get off of Xanax and alcohol for good. A treatment program includes inpatient detox, rehab, and ongoing aftercare. A treatment center in Illinois provides care for every stage of your recovery. So, no matter how addicted you are to Xanax or alcohol, you can overcome your addiction.

Dual Diagnosis for Co-Occurring Disorders

Addiction is usually a sign that you are dealing with deeper mental issues. You may have never addressed these issues before, even if you are taking Xanax for them.

Dual diagnosis helps a therapist identify both your mental disorder, your addiction, and the connection between the two. When you understand why you drink or take drugs, then you can get the right treatment to help you manage your mental health issues. Dual diagnosis provides the path to greater awareness for everything going on inside of you. 

Dual diagnosis also allows you to tackle the real issues instead of just changing your behavior. It provides a more comprehensive treatment and gets you on the road to greater healing. It is the ideal treatment when you are suffering from an addiction to both alcohol and Xanax.

Contact Northern Illinois Recovery Center for Addiction Treatment

If you are addicted to both Xanax and alcohol, we can help. Northern Illinois Recovery Center provides complete treatment and care for substance abuse. Call us today at 855.786.1978, and let us help you get started with your treatment plan. We offer detox, rehab, and aftercare services.