Triazolam and Alcohol Substance Abuse
With so many medications on the market, it’s essential to know the dangers of mixing them with alcohol. One such medication is triazolam, which treats anxiety and insomnia. While triazolam is generally safe when taken as prescribed, mixing it with alcohol can be dangerous.
Are you looking for a confidential treatment program that can help you overcome prescription drug addiction or get your alcohol consumption in check? Zinnia Health can help. Call our team today at (855) 430-9439 to learn more about our treatment options.
What Are the Dangers of Mixing Alcohol With Triazolam?
Mixing triazolam with alcohol can lead to the following dangerous side effects:
- Extreme drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Memory problems
- Lack of motor skills
- Impaired cognition
A person may feel heavily intoxicated when they first drink alcohol on triazolam, but the combined effects on the central nervous system can lead to loss of consciousness, overdose, or even death.
Can You Drink on Triazolam?
You should never combine alcohol with benzodiazepines like triazolam. More commonly known under the brand name Halcion, triazolam is a benzodiazepine medication used to treat anxiety and insomnia.
Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that work by depressing the central nervous system. Triazolam is thought to work by increasing the activity of GABA, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate nerve cell activity in the brain. Alcohol is also a central nervous system depressant, and the combination of these substances slows down and impedes essential bodily functions too far.
If you have been prescribed triazolam or any other medication, speak with your healthcare provider before consuming alcohol to avoid harmful drug interactions.
How Long After Taking Triazolam Can You Drink Alcohol?
You should wait at least 24 hours after taking triazolam to drink alcohol. This is to give your body enough time to process the majority of the drug before you add alcohol to the mix.
The exact amount of time it takes for your body to process triazolam will depend on factors like:
- Dosage
- Age
- Height
- Weight
- Gender
If you have accidentally mixed alcohol with triazolam because you didn’t know you were not supposed to take them together, it can lead to sudden and severe impairment. Reach out to your doctor right away for advice on what you should do to stay safe.
Why Do People Mix Alcohol With Triazolam?
The primary reason why people mix triazolam with alcohol is to intensify the effects of these substances on the central nervous system (CNS). CNS depressants like triazolam and alcohol lead to drowsiness, sedation, and loss of inhibitions.
When combined, this can lead to a feeling of heavy intoxication without drinking as much. However, because of the way they slow down nerve activity in the body, this sensation can quickly turn dangerous. With the potential for significant effects on the heart and respiratory system, drinking alcohol with triazolam can be deadly.
If you or someone you know is abusing triazolam and alcohol, it’s essential to recognize the signs and get immediate treatment help as soon as possible from a qualified healthcare provider. At Zinnia Health, we offer a comprehensive treatment program for those struggling with benzodiazepine abuse and addiction. Call our team today at (855) 430-9439 for more information.
Why Is It Dangerous to Mix Triazolam With Alcohol?
When you mix triazolam and alcohol, the two substances interact on a chemical level. The stages of drug interaction are as follows:
- Alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream and binds to GABA receptors
- Triazolam is metabolized by the liver and also binds to GABA receptors
- The binding of triazolam and alcohol to GABA receptors increases the sedative effects of both substances
The binding of triazolam and alcohol to GABA receptors causes an increase in the frequency of chloride ion channel opening. This leads to an influx of chloride ions, which makes neuron membranes more polarized. This increased polarization makes it harder for neurons to fire, leading to decreased brain activity, a slower heart rate, and a feeling of relaxation.
What Can Happen if You Drink on Triazolam?
Both triazolam and alcohol can cause drowsiness and impair your judgment, cognition, and response time. These side effects can increase your risk of accidents and injuries.
With long-term use of these substances, you’re at risk of developing a dependence (addiction) on one or both substances. This means you’ll need to keep using the substances to feel “normal” and you’ll have to go through a challenging period of withdrawal symptoms when you try to quit.
Withdrawal occurs when your body has developed a physical dependence for a substance and you suddenly stop prolonged or repeated use. Triazolam and alcohol withdrawal can cause severe symptoms that may require medical supervision.
Symptoms of triazolam and alcohol withdrawal can include:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Irritability
- Seizures (in extreme cases)
Lastly, combining triazolam with alcohol can lead to rapid liver damage since both substances strain your liver when you consume them. Over time, this can lead to irreversible conditions and liver failure.
What Are the Symptoms of Drinking Alcohol With Triazolam?
When you mix alcohol with triazolam, the dangers can be potentially life-threatening. Triazolam is a sedative-hypnotic medication that is prescribed to treat insomnia. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that slows down brain activity.
Together, these substances can lead to:
- Memory problems
- Slurred speech
- Loss of coordination
- Slowed reflexes
- Respiratory depression
- Loss of consciousness
- Overdose
How to Get Help For a Triazolam Addiction
Many treatment options are available if you or a loved one is addicted to triazolam, including:
- Inpatient or outpatient rehab programs: Rehab centers provide structure and support while you detox and recover from addiction. Typically, inpatient programs are more intensive and require you to stay at the facility for a period of time. Outpatient programs allow you to live at home while attending treatment during the day.
- Support groups: While they can’t provide medical advice, support groups can provide peer support and accountability as you recover from addiction. They can play an important part in helping you overcome drug abuse, especially when they are medically reviewed, monitored, or led by a professional.
- Working with a therapist: A therapist can help you address the underlying causes of your addiction and develop healthy coping mechanisms. They can also help with any mental health concerns you’re facing, such as depression or anxiety.
- Medication: Sometimes, prescription medication may help manage withdrawal symptoms and potentially serious side effects of dependence. Prescription drugs commonly used in addiction treatment include buprenorphine, naltrexone, and disulfiram.
- Alternative therapies: Some people find that alternative therapies, such as yoga or acupuncture, help them recover from substance use. The goal of these therapies is to promote relaxation and healing.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, we can help. At Zinnia Health treatment center, we know that having a tailored treatment plan increases your chances of success in recovery. Contact us today by phone at (855) 430-9439 or visit our site to learn more about our program and how we can help you start on the path to sobriety.