What Can Happen When You Mix Alcohol and Other Depressants?

What Are Depressants?

Depressants or Central Nervous System depressants are drugs that reduce or impair neurotransmitters in the brain. This impacts the body by decreasing stimulation in the brain and produces symptoms that will induce sleep, prevent anxiety, and prevent seizures. Many drugs are classified as depressants, such as sedatives, tranquilizers, or hypnotics. Common brand names people may recognize are  Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, and sleep medications like Lunesta.

Medications that impact the central nervous system produce GABA, a chemical that inhibits brain activity.

If a person takes CNS depressants long-term, the person may require larger doses to achieve the same therapeutic effects. Continued use can lead to dependence, and withdrawal symptoms become much more dangerous if stopped suddenly.

Common Withdrawal Symptoms of CNS Depressants: 

• Seizures.
• Shakiness.
• Anxiety.
• Agitation.
• Insomnia.
• Overactive reflexes.
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure.
• Hallucinations.
• Severe cravings.

Additionally, overdose is likely when a person becomes dependent on CNS depressants and consumes more in one sitting. When a person overdoses on a depressant, most often, breathing stops. If a person goes without oxygen for too long, they can become hypoxic, resulting in a coma or permanent brain damage.

Why Is Alcohol a Depressant?

Alcohol is a depressant because it slows down communication in the brain and primarily impairs the central nervous system. It inhibits, delays, or depresses the system so that everything is slower, heavier, and more relaxed.

As mentioned previously, alcohol interacts with GABA, a neurotransmitter primarily responsible for inhibiting communication in the brain. This effect of slowing the body down is why people seek out depressant drugs, as it helps relieve anxiety and increase feelings of sleepiness.

However, because a person can become dependent on alcohol and other depressants, there is a risk of overdose and long-term consequences of organ damage, sleep disruptions, and neurological impairment.

If you recognize that you are becoming dependent on alcohol for CNS-depressant drugs, please seek medical attention. One will require medical assistance with detoxication as there are far too many risks associated with withdrawal.

Treatment for Depressants & Alcohol

If a person is dependent on alcohol and CNS-depressant drugs such as sedatives, tranquilizers, or hypnotics, they will require medical detoxification. Medication Assisted Treatment, or MAT for short, is the method of using medication to ease withdrawal symptoms, lessen cravings, and decrease the chances of relapse. More often than not, withdrawal symptoms can be the most uncomfortable and daunting process of a person’s recovery. Because of the high risk of relapse and the severe health risks withdrawal can pose, attending a medical detox is crucial.

We offer our patients a comprehensive and comfortable detox program at Guardian Recovery. During detox, we conduct an individualized, in-depth evaluation, which helps us determine the length of our client’s stay, what kind of medical intervention is necessary, and the next steps for our clients once they become physically stabilized.

Guardian Recovery Detox Services: 

• Lead by the area’s top physicians, nurses, and addiction therapists.
• Dignified treatment with open communication and caring support.
• Use of safe, effective medical interventions to ease withdrawal symptoms.
• Clinically sophisticated therapy for substance misuse, mental health conditions, and dual diagnosis treatment.
• Individualized treatment plans, including stay lengths tailored to your needs.
• Supportive alternative therapies, including exercise and recreation, spiritual practices, and strategies to control cravings.
• Nutritional therapy and healthy chef-prepared meals.
• Modern, well-appointed living quarters.
• Opportunities for outdoor recreation.