Most Insurances Accepted!
Call Ardu Recovery Center Today
Written by Brandon Okey. Mina Draskovic, B.Psy., reviewed this content for accuracy.
Mixing benzodiazepines with alcohol can kill you. Both substances slow your brain and breathing, and their combination amplifies these effects to dangerous levels. In 2010, more than a quarter of all benzodiazepine-related emergency room visits and over 20% of benzodiazepine-related deaths involved alcohol (Hirschtritt, et. al.).
People often mistakenly believe they can safely drink alcohol by timing it around their benzodiazepine dose, or think that having a tolerance to either substance makes the combination less dangerous. In reality, the calming properties of benzodiazepines become unpredictable when alcohol (another central nervous system depressant)enters the mix.
Discover hope and healing at Ardu Recovery Center. Our compassionate care meets proven drug and alcohol rehab programs to empower your recovery journey. Take the first step toward lasting change in a supportive environment focused on your well-being.
Benzodiazepines and alcohol target gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain. GABA is your brain’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter; it reduces neural activity and promotes calmness. Alcohol and benzos engage the same neurological pathway to produce similar sedative effects, although they reach this destination through different routes.
Benzodiazepines are prescription drugs prescribed for anxiety disorders and panic disorders. They attach to specific sites on GABA receptors to enhance their sensitivity. When your GABA binds to these receptors, it produces a stronger calming effect than usual.
Benzos are amplifiers—they don’t create the calming effect themselves but rather boost your brain’s natural calming system. This effect reduces anxiety, relaxes muscles, and causes drowsiness, which is why healthcare providers prescribe them for a wide range of conditions, from severe anxiety to muscle spasms.
Alcohol acts as a less precise, more widespread central nervous system depressant than benzodiazepines. While benzos target specific GABA receptor sites, alcohol floods through the brain, enhancing GABA activity and disrupting other neurotransmitter systems.
This broad impact explains the experience of drinking:
The brain’s delicate balance gets thrown off because alcohol boosts inhibitory signals and blocks excitatory ones, which makes alcohol’s effects more unpredictable.
When alcohol and benzodiazepines hit the same GABA receptors at the same time, they don’t just add their effects; they multiply them.
When benzodiazepines and alcohol coexist in your system, they trigger a unique and dangerous interaction at the GABA receptor sites. Rather than each substance taking turns activating these receptors, they work simultaneously to force the receptor channels to stay open longer than nature intended. This prolonged opening allows a flood of calming signals that your brain’s natural safety mechanisms can’t control.
Your body can’t protect itself from this interaction through timing or tolerance. Even if you wait several hours between taking benzos and drinking, benzodiazepines remain bound to their receptor sites, priming them for an enhanced reaction when alcohol arrives. This explains why even small amounts of alcohol can trigger severe reactions in someone who took benzos earlier that day or even the previous day.
A 2019 study suggests that the interaction between alcohol and benzodiazepines becomes more dangerous because your liver prioritizes breaking down alcohol first, leaving benzodiazepines active in your system longer than usual. Any additional alcohol consumption further amplifies the combined depressive effects. This creates a vicious cycle where your body can’t efficiently clear either substance while their combined impact keeps mounting.
Many people intentionally mix benzodiazepines with alcohol to amplify their sedative effects. This dangerous practice shows a widespread misunderstanding of how these drugs interact. In a 2020 study, nearly half of participants regularly combined benzos with alcohol to intensify their intoxication, despite the increased risk of respiratory failure and overdose.
The study also reveals that one-third of participants used benzodiazepines in an attempt to manage or reduce alcohol’s effects, viewing benzos as a way to control their level of intoxication.
Most dangerously, developing a tolerance to either substance doesn’t protect you from this interaction. While you might feel like you can handle each substance separately, tolerance doesn’t extend to their combined effect on respiratory depression.
Benzodiazepine use without medical supervision is dangerous and can lead to life-threatening consequences. If you notice withdrawal symptoms of benzo use or signs of dependence in someone you care about, encourage them to seek professional help. Our benzodiazepine detox center offers expert care for a safe and effective withdrawal.
If you’re struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD), our alcohol detox services provide the same level of professional support for a smooth and secure recovery process. Our medical detox team offers 24/7 support, creates personalized treatment plans, and takes a compassionate approach to healing.
Trust Ardu to help you or your loved one regain health and stability.
The interactions between alcohol and benzodiazepines can quickly escalate from mild symptoms of anxiety to life-threatening emergency department visits. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can mask or intensify these dangerous effects. Watch for these warning signs:
If you notice any of these warning signs, seek immediate medical attention. Alcohol consumption combined with benzodiazepines can quickly progress to fatal overdose.
Cross-tolerance occurs when regular use of one substance creates tolerance to similar substances, a common risk in alcohol use disorders. When you regularly use alcohol or prescribed benzodiazepines, your brain adapts to compensate for their sedative effects on your nervous system. This adaptation doesn’t distinguish between the two substances, creating a dangerous pattern where tolerance to one drug automatically creates partial tolerance to the other.
This cross-tolerance triggers a destructive cycle: as one substance becomes less effective, people with alcohol-use disorders often alternate between the two drugs to achieve the desired effects. This pattern frequently leads to the use of both substances, significantly increasing the abuse risk and leading to dependence on alcohol and benzodiazepines.
Since benzos and alcohol affect the same brain systems, someone addicted to alcohol may develop an addiction to benzos when trying to manage alcohol withdrawal or anxiety, or vice versa. Cross-tolerance often progresses to cross-addiction, where physical and psychological dependence on one substance leads to dependence on the other.
This dual addiction is particularly dangerous. Attempting to quit either one without professional help can trigger severe, potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. At Ardu, we specialize in comprehensive treatment for cross-addiction and provide personalized care to address the unique challenges of alcohol and benzodiazepine dependence.
Contact Ardu today, and learn about your options.
A benzodiazepine’s half-life determines how long it stays in your system. Short-acting benzos such as Xanax clear from your system in about 4 days, while long-acting ones such as Valium can stay active for 10 days or more.
Besides half-life, other physiological factors influence how long benzos stay in your system:
Importantly, benzos can still be active in your system even when you no longer feel their effects. This creates a dangerous situation for alcohol-use disorder patients, as the interaction remains hazardous even if you think the medication has worn off.
If you’re struggling with Xanax misuse, Ardu is ready to provide the support you need. Our specialized Xanax rehab services equip you with the tools to regain control and rebuild your life.
For those dealing with Valium addiction, our Valium rehab center is tailored to your needs. We help you break free from dependency and create a path toward lasting recovery.
There is no safe waiting period between taking benzodiazepines and alcohol. This dangerous combination remains risky regardless of timing. Benzos remain active in your system for days or even weeks, and their interaction with alcohol can increase the risk of overdose even when you think the medication has worn off.
Benzo overdose is a dangerous side effect that becomes even more hazardous because many people with alcohol addiction underestimate how long benzodiazepines stay active in their bodies. Even small amounts of alcohol can interact with the remaining benzos in your system, potentially requiring immediate medical attention.
Ardu Recovery Center offers expert care that addresses the challenges of dual addictions. With our integrated approach, you’ll receive safe, comprehensive detox services and the support needed to overcome alcohol and benzodiazepine dependence.
Ardu specializes in drug and alcohol rehab services for anyone struggling with benzodiazepine, alcohol, or any other type of dependence. These substances are particularly dangerous when combined. Without professional care, the withdrawal process can lead to serious mental health disorders and physical complications. Our medical professionals pave the way for a safe, supportive environment where they address the psychological and physical aspects of addiction.
Detox is the first step in overcoming addiction. Through carefully managed tapering protocols, we gradually reduce benzodiazepine use, minimizing the risk and severity of withdrawal symptoms. Our medication-assisted treatment helps alleviate anxiety, reduce cravings, and stabilize physical and mental health.
We also incorporate holistic detox therapies, such as yoga and nutritional counseling, to promote overall well-being. For additional support, float spa and vibroacoustic therapy calm the nervous system, offering a more manageable detox experience.
Once detox is complete, rehab begins with a structured, 24/7 care environment, where individuals can focus on their recovery. Our residential program provides intensive therapy, group sessions, and holistic activities to help individuals heal. For those seeking more flexibility, outpatient programs offer continued support with regular therapy sessions, allowing individuals to manage daily responsibilities.
Family therapy helps loved ones understand the abuse risk associated with alcohol and benzodiazepine use. Our experts work with you and your loved ones to improve communication and rebuild relationships that may have been strained by addiction.
Many individuals with benzodiazepine and alcohol dependence also face mental health disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder or depression. At Ardu, we focus on dual diagnosis treatment and address addiction and co-occurring disorders simultaneously.
Our integrated approach includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to explore harmful thought patterns, individual therapy to uncover the root causes of addiction, and stress management techniques to build emotional resilience and cope with the challenges of long-term recovery.
Ardu combines expert care with personalized treatment to provide a comprehensive approach to healing. With support from medical professionals, you can overcome addiction and address mental health concerns, paving the way for a healthier, addiction-free future.
Reach out today to begin your journey to recovery.
Brandon Okey is the co-founder of Ardu Recovery Center and is dedicated to empowering people on their journey to sobriety.
You shouldn’t drink alcohol while taking oxazepam. This benzodiazepine is often prescribed for anxiety or alcohol withdrawal. Combining oxazepam with alcohol can lead to enhanced sedative effects, increasing the risk of dangerous side effects such as drowsiness, impaired motor coordination, respiratory depression, and even overdose.
Both substances depress the central nervous system, which can impair cognitive function and judgment. Concurrent alcohol consumption may interfere with the effectiveness of oxazepam in treating anxiety or withdrawal symptoms. Always consult your healthcare provider for guidance on alcohol consumption while using medications such as oxazepam.
You shouldn’t drink alcohol while on bromazepam. This benzodiazepine is used to treat anxiety and panic disorder. Alcohol can increase the sedative effects of bromazepam, resulting in heightened dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired coordination. This combination can suppress the central nervous system, leading to respiratory depression and a higher risk of overdose.
When alcohol is consumed concurrently with bromazepam, it can also increase the risk of benzodiazepine addiction or dependence. Follow healthcare provider recommendations and avoid alcohol during treatment with bromazepam to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Drinking alcohol 8 hours after taking clonazepam is not safe because clonazepam’s sedative effects can last well beyond this time. This benzodiazepine, prescribed for anxiety and seizure disorders, remains in the system for a prolonged period. When combined with alcohol, it significantly increases the risk of severe side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, impaired coordination, and potentially life-threatening respiratory depression.
Even though some effects of clonazepam may have worn off, alcohol can still interact with the medication, impairing judgment, and motor skills. Avoid alcohol until the medication has fully cleared your system, and always consult your healthcare provider.
After consuming alcohol, wait at least 24 hours before taking medication, particularly benzodiazepines or sedatives. Alcohol can interfere with the absorption and metabolism of certain medications, leading to potentially harmful interactions. The waiting period allows alcohol to clear your system, reducing the risk of adverse effects when combining alcohol with prescription drugs. In particular, medications such as benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and opioids may interact with alcohol, increasing the risk of overdose, sedation, or other serious side effects. Always seek advice from your healthcare provider regarding safe medication timing after alcohol consumption.
Benzodiazepines should generally be used for short durations, typically between 2 to 4 weeks, under careful supervision due to the risk of tolerance and dependence. Long-term use of benzodiazepines, especially in patients with chronic anxiety or pain, can lead to adverse effects such as cognitive impairment, memory problems, and increased risk of overdose.
In patients with chronic conditions requiring treatment with benzodiazepines, alternative non-benzodiazepine options should be considered to minimize the potential for dependency. Combining benzodiazepines with other substances such as alcohol or opioids increases these risks. Always follow your doctor’s guidance on the duration of treatment and explore safe alternatives.
Alcohol is metabolized at an average rate of one standard drink per hour, though this can vary based on factors such as body weight, metabolic rate, and the amount of alcohol consumed. For example, 12 oz of beer or 1.5 oz of liquor takes approximately 1–2 hours to leave your system. Alcohol’s effects on cognitive function, judgment, and motor skills may persist even after it is metabolized. In heavy drinking scenarios or for individuals with slower metabolisms, alcohol may take longer to clear. Allow sufficient time for alcohol to leave your system, especially if you plan to engage in activities requiring full coordination and focus, such as driving.
Discontinuing benzodiazepines abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms, which may include anxiety, insomnia, tremors, seizures, and, in severe cases, life-threatening conditions such as delirium or cardiac issues. The withdrawal process from benzodiazepines can be particularly difficult for patients who have used the drug for a prolonged period or at high doses.
Tapering the dose gradually under the supervision of a healthcare provider is essential to reduce withdrawal symptoms and avoid dangerous complications. Patients should never stop taking benzodiazepines suddenly without consulting a healthcare provider because withdrawal can be severe and even fatal if not properly managed.
Drinking alcohol while taking Zoloft (sertraline), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) prescribed for depression and anxiety disorders, is not recommended. Alcohol can exacerbate the side effects of Zoloft, such as drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating, and may also decrease the medication’s effectiveness. Alcohol can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially fatal condition when combined with SSRIs such as Zoloft. Patients using Zoloft should limit alcohol intake and consult their healthcare provider to understand the risks and ensure the medication’s efficacy in managing their condition.
While 12 hours may be enough for alcohol to leave the system of some individuals, it depends on various factors such as the amount of alcohol consumed, body weight, and metabolic rate. On average, it takes 1–2 hours for the body to process one standard drink, but larger quantities of alcohol can take significantly longer.
Even if alcohol has cleared your bloodstream, residual effects such as impaired motor coordination and cognitive function may persist. Wait for full sobriety before engaging in activities such as driving or operating machinery. Always err on the side of caution, especially if you consume alcohol in large quantities.
Benzodiazepines should never be mixed with alcohol, opioids, or other central nervous system depressants. This combination can result in enhanced sedative effects, leading to increased risks of severe drowsiness, confusion, respiratory depression, and overdose. Furthermore, mixing benzodiazepines with other prescription medications, such as muscle relaxants, anti-seizure drugs, or certain antidepressants, may also be dangerous.
Avoid concurrent use of benzodiazepines with substances that depress the central nervous system. Always consult with your healthcare provider about potential drug interactions, and be cautious about combining benzodiazepines with alcohol or other sedatives.
False positives for benzodiazepines in drug tests can occur due to cross-reactivity with certain medications, such as antibiotics, antidepressants, and other sedatives. Over-the-counter cold medications, muscle relaxants, and non-benzodiazepine sleep aids may also trigger false positives.
Some people may have metabolic differences that lead to higher levels of certain substances in their system, causing confusion in drug screenings. If you suspect a false positive, inform the testing provider about all medications you’re taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements. Confirmatory testing, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), can help ensure accurate results.
Hirschtritt, M. E., Palzes, V. A., Kline-Simon, A. H., Kroenke, K., Campbell, C. I., & Sterling, S. A. (2019). Benzodiazepine and Unhealthy Alcohol Use Among Adult Outpatients. The American Journal of Managed Care, 25(12), e358. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7217068/
McHugh, R. K., Votaw, V. R., Taghian, N. R., Griffin, M. L., & Weiss, R. D. (2020). Benzodiazepine misuse in adults with alcohol use disorder: Prevalence, motives and patterns of use. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 117, 108061. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsat.2020.108061
Understanding substance use disorder
What does alcohol abuse do to the hormones?
Are benzos opioid pain relievers?
Natural ways to ease benzodiazepine withdrawal
Can I use benzos for alcohol withdrawal symptoms?
The tell-tale signs of alcoholism
