What are the dangers of mixing Valium and alcohol? Zinnia Health tells you why this combo is never a good idea and outlines the benefits of a customized treatment program for Valium and alcohol dependency/addiction.
Mixing Valium and Alcohol Is Always a Bad Idea. Here’s Why.
Valium and alcohol are a dangerous combo that can bring serious health risks.
But why?
Because each one intensifies the other. Both Valium and alcohol are depressants, reducing functional activity in the brain and central nervous system.
Combining these substances overloads the body, resulting in symptoms like:
- Lethargy
- Impaired motor control
- A slow heart rate
- Difficulty breathing
- Memory problems
- Anxiety
In severe cases, mixing alcohol and Valium can cause an overdose.
Here at Zinnia Health, we help those dependent or addicted to Valium, alcohol, or both. Our range of treatment solutions identifies the root cause of addictive behavior and supports substance users on the road to recovery.
Withdrawing from Valium or alcohol is never easy. Learn more about the dangers of mixing Valium and alcohol below, as well as the benefits of a custom-made treatment program for dependency or addiction.
Valium vs. Alcohol
Valium and alcohol are very different substances. However, they share some characteristics.
1. Valium
Valium, or diazepam, is a type of drug called a benzodiazepine that enhances neurotransmitters in the brain. Doctors prescribe it for conditions such as anxiety, depression, alcohol withdrawal, and muscle stiffness.
People should only take Valium under the supervision of a medical professional. However, this drug is susceptible to abuse and often taken without a prescription. When that happens, someone might take too much of the substance or continue to take it for longer than recommended. In these scenarios, a person can become dependent on Valium or develop an addiction problem.
“Take Valium exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides,” says Drugs.com. “Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Never use diazepam in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed.”
2. Alcohol
Alcohol is a psychoactive drug found in many drinks. Like Valium, it affects the brain’s neurotransmitters and impacts the central nervous system.
Also, like Valium, alcohol is susceptible to abuse. Someone who drinks too much alcohol and becomes dependent on this drug can soon develop an addiction.
“Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism, is a disease that affects people of all walks of life,” says Healthline. Experts have tried to pinpoint factors like genetics, sex, race, or socioeconomics that may predispose someone to alcohol addiction. But it has no single cause. Psychological, genetic, and behavioral factors can all contribute to having the disease.”
Valium and alcohol are both depressants. That means they affect the central nervous system and reduce arousal and stimulation. A person might feel more relaxed or euphoric when taking one of these substances. That’s why combining Valium and alcohol is a bad idea.
They essentially have the same effect and ‘intensify’ each other.
What Are the Dangers of Mixing Valium and Alcohol?
Valium and alcohol are safe for adults at the recommended doses. However, there are dangers of mixing valium and alcohol that could lead to health risks. Some people purposely mix Valium and alcohol to intensify the effects of these substances. Others are unaware it’s dangerous to combine the two drugs.
Some of the health risks associated with mixing alcohol and Valium include:
- Sedation
- Confusion/disorientation
- Nausea
- Brain damage
- Coma
In extreme circumstances, someone who mixes alcohol with Valium might overdose, risking death.
There are other dangers of mixing alcohol and Valium. Both drugs can be addictive, and frequent use of these substances can lead to dependency and then addiction.
Here at Zinnia Health, we help patients overcome an addiction to Valium, alcohol, or both. Our custom treatment programs support individuals and their loved ones who battle dependency and addiction every day. Our trained team can personalize a treatment plan for someone who combines alcohol and Valium and provide them with the resources they deserve for successful recovery.
Why Is It Bad to Combine Valium and Alcohol?
Mixing Valium and alcohol is a bad idea. Because Valium is a benzodiazepine or ‘benzo,’ it has a potential for abuse. Mixing the substance with alcohol, another addictive substance, can increase the chances of addiction.
Combining Valium with other medicines can also prove dangerous. While Valium can be a safe drug when taken at the prescribed dose and under the supervision of a doctor, mixing the substance with other chemicals can increase the chances of overdose, coma, and death.
Someone should never take Valium with other narcotics. Mixing Valium with a stimulant like Adderall to balance out the effects of each drug can prove fatal.
“You shouldn’t drink alcohol while taking diazepam,” warns Medical News Today. “This drug can interfere with your judgment, thinking, and motor skills. It can also make you drowsy and cause your breathing to slow down or stop.
Also, your body processes alcohol and this drug in similar ways. That means that if you drink alcohol, this drug might take longer to leave your body. This may cause worse side effects.”
The number of emergency room visits by patients who combined prescription drugs with alcohol increased from 2005 to 2011, according to one study. Over the last ten years, the problem has got worse.
What is a Valium/Alcohol Overdose?
Someone can overdose on Valium, alcohol, or when combining both drugs. An overdose happens when the person consumes more than the recommended dose of either substance, putting their body at risk of damage.
During an overdose, someone consumes more Valium or alcohol than their body can process. The stomach and intestine attempt to absorb the substance before it enters the bloodstream. Then the liver will try to break down these drugs, but this proves difficult when someone has consumed too much.
Some people are at higher risk of overdose than others. These include:
- Older adults are more likely to overdose than younger people
- Men are more likely to overdose than women
- Someone with a small body frame is at a higher risk of overdose
- Those with certain health conditions are at greater risk
What is Valium/Alcohol Addiction?
People can become dependent on both Valium and alcohol in the following circumstances:
- They consume too much of either substance
- They consume either substance too frequently
- They have an underlying disorder that makes them susceptible to alcohol or drug abuse
Someone might be at a higher risk of Valium or alcohol abuse if they have had issues with other substances in the past. Or if there is a history of addiction in their family.
Both alcohol and Valium change the chemistry of the brain and central nervous system, often causing euphoria or a relaxed feeling. However, when those effects wear off, users might experience anxiety, stress, or even depression. Someone might consume more of these substances to achieve the same effects. Over time, this behavior might develop into an addiction.
Addiction to Valium, alcohol, or both brings various side effects.
Someone might focus their day-to-day activities around substance abuse, which can affect their work and social relationships. The compulsive behavior associated with drug abuse can also lead to financial problems.
There are also physical effects of substance abuse:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Reduced appetite
- Weight loss
- Slurred speech
- A lack of coordination
“Drugs are chemical compounds that affect the mind and body. The exact effects vary among individuals and also depend on the drug, dosage, and delivery method,” says Medical News Today.
Zinnia Health uses a holistic, evidence-based approach to treat the problem of Valium and alcohol addiction.
Some methods we incorporate into our programs include:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Medication-assisted therapy
- Family therapy
- Outpatient programs
- Art therapy
- Nutrition management
- Sober living arrangements
- Aftercare
How Zinnia Health Can Help
Zinnia Health helps patients, and their loved ones learn about the dangers of mixing Valium and alcohol. Here are some benefits of participating in our outpatient programs or staying overnight at our treatment center:
- We provide patients with a safe and intimate environment for discussing their issues and getting the help and standard of care they deserve.
- We judge no one who visits our treatment center.
- We provide ongoing support for patients and their loved ones. We believe this support reduces the risk of relapse after treatment.
- We work with most major healthcare providers.
Get in touch with us today at (855) 430-9439.
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