Problems Taking Ativan and Alcohol Together

Ativan is the brand name for lorazepam, which is a benzodiazepine. A doctor might prescribe it if you struggle with anxiety. Mixing Ativan and alcohol is exceedingly dangerous. Here’s what could happen.

Who Mixes Ativan and Alcohol?

Sometimes, it’s an accident. You forgot that you had a drink. Maybe you didn’t read the instructions. At other times, people mix Ativan and alcohol on purpose. They hear that it gives them a high. Since both substances depress the central nervous system, they create a collective effect. However, there’s a fine line between the high and a life-threatening overdose. You won’t know you’re in trouble until it’s too late.

Why Mixing the Benzo with Alcohol is a Bad Idea

Depending on the dosages, you’ll initially notice that your heart rhythm slows down. Besides that, you start to relax. You don’t realize it but your blood pressure is dropping dangerously low. Similarly, your breathing slows down, too.

You start to feel tired. You think of resting your eyes for a bit. When you wake up, you realize that you’ve been out cold for hours. You’re one of the lucky ones. You blacked out, but at least you survived. Others, who went over that fine line, overdosed and slipped into a coma. As breathing gradually stopped, oxygen saturation reached unsustainable levels, which resulted in death.

What’s Going on in Your Body?

Both substances affect gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This neurotransmitter induces sleepiness. However, the liver cannot metabolize an influx of Ativan and alcohol efficiently. Therefore, more of it reaches your bloodstream. You’ll start acting drunk a lot sooner. People who’re just beginning to reach the high will behave erratically. They slur their speech. They make wild remarks that you would associate with someone who’s on the verge of blackout drunk.

Getting Help

If you’re noticing that you mix these substances for the high you experience, it’s time to get help. You may have an alcohol or benzo problem. In some cases, you may be dealing with polysubstance abuse. That said, there’s help for you.

When the compulsion to use either one – or both – of these drugs is more than you can handle, rehab helps. Treatment starts with alcohol and benzo detox. Medical supervision takes the discomfort and pain out of the experience. After about a week, you’ll beat the physiological dependency.

Next comes rehab. Choose a treatment delivery method that works for you. Examples include:

• Residential drug rehab that lets you live at the facility
• Extended care for program participants who need extra time for healing
• Partial hospitalization program as a way to remain at home but receive full-time care
• Outpatient drug rehab for people with milder addictions or those wanting to step down care
• Sober living that creates a transition between residential care and independent living

Quit mixing Ativan and alcohol. Most importantly, there’s no shame in seeking help. Learn more about the alcohol and Ativan addiction treatment program in FL at Beaches Recovery. Call 866.605.0532 today.