Benzodiazepines, also known as benzos, are prescription drugs for disorders like anxiety. Insomnia, stress, and acute alcohol withdrawal. Along with being a helpful medicine, this drug also has a downside-they are extremely addictive.
Another most addictive substance is alcohol. It is commonly used and easy to obtain, which makes it easier for people to develop an addiction to it. However, some aren’t just satisfied with the effects of alcohol alone and end up mixing both these drugs. Combining alcohol and benzos to increase the effectiveness of both is extremely dangerous. It can cause various health hazards to the user’s mind and body.
How do Benzodiazepines Work?
Benzodiazepines’ job is to reduce anxiety and stressful feelings by releasing GABA, a neurotransmitter. This prevents the neurons from responding which results in reduced brain activity and physiological nerve impulses. This drug is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance and has a potential for abuse.
Benzos are especially dangerous for individuals who have a history of substance abuse or other addictive substances.
Risks of Mixing Benzos And Alcohol
Benzos and alcohol are a deadly combination. Benzos are effective when taken as per the prescription, but they can cause negative effects when taken along with alcohol.
Combining both these substances affects the central nervous system and the immune system of your body. It can lead to severe organ failure and even death in certain cases. You can also easily become addicted to both of these and begin taking more of each substance. This can lead you to overdose.
Another dangerous effect of this combination is that you might engage in some risky activities and end up spoiling your relationships with your loved ones.
Common Side Effects of Mixing Benzos and Alcohol
As said earlier, alcohol and benzos are a deadly combination and can have certain dangerous effects on the body. Those effects are:
- Organ failure
- Unconsciousness
- Severe nausea
- Increased chances of accidents
- Lack of coordination
- Memory loss
- Depression
- Mood swings
Mixing these two substances even occasionally is dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.
Can this Combination Lead to Overdose?
There is a high chance of overdosing when consuming a combination of alcohol and benzodiazepines. It can lead to some irreparable damage to your cognitive functions like catastrophic organs and memory damage.
Anyone overdosing on these two substances will show the following signs:
- Slow breathing
- Impaired movement
- Extreme drowsiness
- Organ failure
- Coma
- Death
If you find anyone overdosing on benzos and alcohol, immediately call for medical help before the situation worsens.
Treating Addiction at Sugar Land, Texas
Not just alcohol and benzos, but addiction to any such substances are harmful to the human body and brain. Hence, if you are addicted to any such substance, consider going for treatment at Skyward Treatment in Sugar Land, Texas. The center is equipped with the latest treatment methods and qualified staff members. Contact the center now to book an appointment with the experts.