Drinking alcohol is a common activity, with alcoholic beverages readily available, even in convenience stores. Though moderate or social drinking is relatively acceptable, there are still a large number of people who drink excessively. This, combined with being on prescription medications, can lead to dangerous results. Choosing sobriety will always be the healthiest choice, even more so if additional mental or health issues require medications that may negatively interact with alcohol. One of the most dangerous combinations is Ativan and alcohol. If you are looking for alcohol rehab in Fort Worth, Texas for yourself or a loved one, Fort Behavioral Health is one provider to consider.
Fort Behavioral Health offers a wide variety of alcohol addiction treatment programs that can be tailored to address each patient’s unique needs. Our co-occurring disorder treatment programs can address both alcohol addiction and any other substance use disorders that may also be present. Contact us at 844.332.1807 today to start your journey on the road to sobriety.
What Is Polysubstance Abuse?
Polysubstance abuse is when someone uses multiple substances at the same time. Someone may start abusing multiple drugs to enhance the effects of each substance or to prolong their high. Individuals with depression or anxiety may self-medicate with substance combinations that help them feel calm or upbeat. However, mixing intoxicants can lead to unpredictable negative consequences. Here are a few dangers of polysubstance abuse:
- Increased severity of side effects for each substance – While using any one substance can result in negative symptoms, taking substances simultaneously does not necessarily result in just adding all the side effects together. Polysubstance abuse can increase side effects exponentially or even result in unique, more severe side effects.
- Increased risk for health problems – Drug interactions can reduce metabolism, boosting the toxicity of the ingested substances. People who take multiple substances are at a higher risk for diseases such as hepatitis C, heart attack, and other chronic diseases.
- Aggravated co-occurring mental health issues – It is not uncommon for someone with an undiagnosed mental health disorder to self-medicate with a combination of alcohol and drugs. Polysubstance abuse can amplify symptoms of underlying mental health issues, which can contribute to worsened substance use disorder symptoms.
One of the drugs that are commonly used to boost the effects of alcohol or opioids is Ativan, a benzodiazepine that is used to treat anxiety.
What Are the Risks of Mixing Ativan and Alcohol?
Mixing Ativan with alcohol is popular because when they are taken together, the combination multiplies the effects of each on the brain and body, resulting in faster intoxication. Both alcohol and Ativan work on the GABA receptors in the brain, and their sedative effects are enhanced when they are taken together. However, there are a host of negative side effects that are associated with taking alcohol and Ativan together. A few of them are:
- Dry mouth, nausea, or vomiting
- Clammy skin, low body temperature
- Muscle weakness, tiredness, or slurred speech
- Decreased blood pressure, which may result in dizziness
- Extreme drowsiness caused by slowed, irregular, shallow, or difficult breathing and erratic or lower heart rate
- Low blood oxygen levels, which can damage various parts of the brain and body
- Impaired balance and physical control, loss of coordination
- Impaired cognitive function, confusion, difficulty concentrating, memory loss
- Unusual behavior, severe mood swings, delusions, mania, depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation
- Seizures, heart or circulatory disease, liver damage, or respiratory arrest
- Loss of consciousness, coma, or death
When Ativan and alcohol are combined, it increases how effectively alcohol can cause intoxication. Alcohol’s increased bioavailability can increase the possibility of damage to the heart, stomach, liver, and brain.
Fort Behavioral Health Offers Alcohol Rehab in Fort Worth
Recovering from alcohol addiction can be difficult, and withdrawal can be dangerous. When trying to detox from any substance, it is best to seek the help of experienced medical professionals. Here at Fort Behavioral Health, our master-level clinicians are prepared to support patients through every stage of detox and recovery. If you or a loved one is suffering from alcohol or polysubstance abuse, contact us at 844.332.1807 today to learn more about how we can help.
