Alcohol is one of the most commonly misused substances in America. According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), nearly 30 million people struggled with alcoholism in 2022.[1]
If you frequently misuse alcohol, you might not consider whether it interacts with any of the prescription medications you take. Unfortunately, alcohol can be incredibly dangerous when combined with a variety of prescription drugs. For example, if you are taking a benzodiazepine like Ativan, you should refrain from alcohol consumption.
There are many dangers associated with mixing Ativan and alcohol, such as central nervous system depression, which can cause symptoms like slowed breathing, extreme drowsiness, coma, and even death. Combining these substances can lead to a life-threatening overdose that requires immediate medical intervention.
If you or a loved one frequently mixes alcohol and Ativan, a drug rehab program can help you learn how to maintain long-term sobriety.
What is Ativan (Lorazepam)?
Ativan is the brand name for a prescription drug known as lorazepam. Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine that is used to treat conditions like anxiety disorders, insomnia, and seizures. This medication successfully manages those conditions as it slows down activity in the central nervous system.
While Ativan can be useful for short-term use, using it long-term can lead to dependence and addiction. Many people intentionally abuse the substance to experience a drowsy and euphoric high.
The side effects of Ativan include:[2]
- Dizziness and drowsiness
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Unsteadiness
- Nausea
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Changes in appetite
- Restlessness
- Blurry vision
- Changes in sex drive or ability
Why Do People Mix Alcohol and Ativan?
Some people might mix alcohol and Ativan without thinking about the side effects, which can be dangerous, as it could lead to an accidental overdose. However, others might mix the substances on purpose to cause a more intense high.
When people abuse substances, experimentation is bound to happen. If a person who regularly drinks alcohol gets a prescription for Ativan, they might take them together to see what effects they experience. Unfortunately, this could cause them to experience dangerous side effects and even life-threatening overdoses.
What are the Dangers of Mixing Alcohol and Ativan?
Since alcohol and Ativan are both central nervous system depressants, mixing them can cause life-threatening complications. When your central nervous system is severely depressed, you can experience symptoms like slowed or stopped breathing, coma, and even death. This level of respiratory depression is associated with overdosing.
Signs of an Ativan and alcohol overdose include:[3,4]
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Lack of control over muscle movements
- Slurred speech
- Vomiting
- Low body temperature
- Clammy skin and sweating
- Low blood pressure
- Slowed heart rate
- Slowed or stopped breathing
- Respiratory depression
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Coma
- Death
There are other dangers to mixing alcohol and Ativan aside from overdosing. First, you could become addicted to both substances. Additionally, long-term abuse of these drugs can lead to memory loss, a movement disorder called Ataxia, decreased muscle tone, and passing out in dangerous situations such as while driving.
Alcohol and Ativan both lower your inhibitions, so you might also be at risk of engaging in behaviors you wouldn’t while sober. This could result in risky sex, driving while under the influence, or aggressive behaviors. As a result, combining Ativan and alcohol is never advised.
How to Tell if Your Loved One is Mixing Ativan and Alcohol
If you are worried that your loved one is mixing alcohol and Ativan, being aware of the signs and symptoms can help you determine whether they need support from a drug and alcohol rehab program.
When someone is abusing both alcohol and Ativan, you might find pills or alcohol bottles lying around their room or home. Additionally, if you are prescribed Ativan, you might notice that some of your pills are missing. It is also common for people who combine these substances to begin isolating themselves from friends and family or lose interest in previously enjoyed activities.
The physical symptoms of combining alcohol and Ativan include:
- Feelings of grogginess
- Being unable to concentrate
- Muscle weakness and lack of coordination
- Slurring words or speaking slowly
- Slowed heart and breathing rate
- Losing consciousness
- Not being responsive to stimuli
- Changes in sleeping and eating habits
- Experiencing frequent overdoses
If your loved one is displaying the signs of alcohol and Ativan abuse, they must receive assistance from a professional addiction treatment center. Long-term abuse of these substances can lead to life-threatening overdoses, coma, and death.
Finding Help for Ativan and Alcohol Abuse
If you or a loved one frequently mixes alcohol and Ativan, it’s time to seek help. Drug rehab programs like Arise Treatment Center can help you recover from addiction to both Ativan and alcohol.
At Arise Treatment, we deliver evidence-based treatment for all types of drug and alcohol addiction. Our multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, and addiction experts have decades of combined experience in helping people just like you get sober and stay sober. Our newly updated addiction treatment center in Vista, California can provide you with a relaxing, comfortable, and luxurious experience.
To learn more about our addiction treatment programs, contact us today.
References:
- The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in the United States: Age Groups and Demographic Characteristics, Retrieved January 2024 From https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-topics/alcohol-facts-and-statistics/alcohol-use-disorder-aud-united-states-age-groups-and-demographic-characteristics
- Medline Plus: Lorazepam, Retrieved January 2024 From https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682053.html
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Ativan Label, Retrieved January 2024 From https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/017794s044lbl.pdf
- The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): Understanding the Dangers of Alcohol Overdose, Retrieved January 2024 From https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-dangers-of-alcohol-overdose