Benzodiazepines and Alcohol.
What are Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, once known as ‘Mother’s Little Helper’ are tranquilizers. Becoming common in the 1960s, these are a class of prescription medications. They are commonly referred to as Benzos. Benzos so common now that they are one of the most prescribed and abused forms of tranquilizers.
Benzos do serve a purpose. They are commonly prescribed for many conditions, but they can also be highly addictive. Treated conditions include anxiety, seizures, insomnia, and even muscle tension. Benzos are also used to relax someone prior to surgery or other medical procedures. They act on the central nervous system to reduce anxiety, relax muscles, and lead to sedation. Benzos come in both short and long acting forms. They fall under the common names of Versed, Halcion, Xanax, Ativan, Valium, and even Librium. They are abused for their sedating effect and often taken without a prescription. While Benzos alone do not typically lead to devastating consequences, when mixed with something such as alcohol the effects can be deadly.
Benzodiazepines and Alcohol
Alcohol is also a commonly abused drug. It generally provides a depressant to the central nervous system when used in large quantities. The problem is that amount may vary from person to person. When alcohol is consumed with other drugs or medication, the combination of the two can be deadly. This is true of a common combination, Benzodiazepines and alcohol. Combining the two often intensifies the effects of at least one of the drugs. Many who use both feel that mixing prescription drugs with a legal substance such as alcohol is safer. Additionally, those with prescriptions to Benzodiazepines may find it much easier to obtain alcohol. This can happen during parties, or simply buying it as an appropriately aged adult. Some studies also show that those with alcohol abuse problems experience enhanced effects from Benzodiazepines. Even more so than those that occasionally drink with the medications.
Risks
The risks of pairing these two are varied, but each is dangerous. In fact, there is a warning on all benzos not to combine them with alcohol. Abusing the two substances together is much more problematic than having an addiction to either one singularly, though any addiction is a problem. One major concern is overdose. When someone mixes two central nervous system depressants, there is a risk of overdose on both. This happens due to the system being overly depressed. If overdose occurs there can be major organ failure, breathing suppression, and death. This can occur with a minimal amounts of alcohol when paired with Benzos.
Additionally, reductions in both cognition and physical reactions have been noted. This is dangerous as the person may be unable to think or respond clearly or effectively. Imagine trying to drive when on both substances. Stop lights are easily ignored, and even no reactions to unexpected objects on the road. Your overall ability is impaired. Continued use of the pairings can also cause an increase in mental health disorders. There is also a risk for long term physical conditions that include heart attack, stroke, seizures, and even suicidal tendencies. Most of all, mixing any forms of medication, especially alcohol and Benzos can produce unpredictable effects. There is no way to know what the first or next combination can do to the body. It is better to be safe and use Benzos responsibly.
Treatment
If you have been mixing Benzos and alcohol, or have an addiction to any substance, then seek help right away. DARA offers numerous centers around the world that are just a call away. Your life is worth saving and your condition worth treating. So pick up the phone and change the world for you or your loved one.
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If you take and have become addicted to your prescription of Oxycodone or Hydrocodone, seek help. These are not medications that can be stopped cold turkey, nor should they be continued not monitored. Help can be found at centers such as DARA for any addiction. Whether to a prescription medication or otherwise. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if needed, you are worth the effort.
When most people think of over the counter medications, they think they are safe. It would seem to be common sense that a medication that is sold in nearly every store would be totally safe for use. While most will realize you should not drive after taking a night time medication, many do not realize that day time medications such as cold medications, can also alter your ability to function properly. In fact, each over the counter medication has a drug fact area on it that reminds you of the possible side effects of operating machinery. Including cars, if taking that particular brand. It may seem odd to say, but OTC medications are serious and their risks can increase if not used exactly as indicated on the label.
If these signs sound like you or a loved one, help is available. Don’t leave it too late when you feel like it’s time for drug and alcohol rehab. Whether you have been using consistently or are just starting, but know you need help, pick up the phone and make a call that could change your life for the better. Addiction does not happen in a vacuum and healing cannot be accomplished alone. Call DARA to start getting the help you need right away,.
If you are a parent of a teen then this data may be troublesome. However, it can be impossible to keep teenagers off of social media when it has become such a part of everyday life. So how do you deal with the inundation of social media into their lives? The answers are pretty simple. Talk to your teenagers about social media, about drugs and alcohol, and monitor accounts.
