Mixing Xanax & Alcohol: Effects, Dangers, and Getting Help

Xanax (alprazolam) is a prescription medication in a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines and is commonly used to treat specific anxiety disorders such as panic disorder as well as sleep disorders.¹ This prescription medication is generally safe when taken short-term, as prescribed by a doctor; however, mixing Xanax with alcohol can be dangerous as both substances are central nervous system (CNS) depressants and the combined effects can include extreme drowsiness, respiratory depression, coma, and death.^1,2

What Happens When You Mix Alcohol and Xanax?

When Xanax and alcohol are combined, the CNS depressant effects of both substances are increased.² CNS depressants work by increasing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical in the brain that inhibits activity in the brain.^3,4 This leads to feelings of drowsiness and relaxation.^3,4

Dangerous Effects of Mixing Xanax and Alcohol

Because alcohol and Xanax affect the same areas of the brain, combining them can enhance the effects of both substances.^5,6 In addition to drowsiness and relaxation, these effects can include:^2-4,6

According to the Food and Drug Administration, you should generally not use alcohol while taking benzodiazepines such as Xanax.² It’s important to talk honestly with your doctor about any alcohol that you consume so that they can adjust your treatment plan accordingly.²

Why is it Dangerous to Mix Alcohol and Xanax

Xanax is a fast-acting benzodiazepine with a relatively short half-life for most adults (around 11 hours).² However, various factors can influence this, including age, weight, and health issues, especially kidney or liver problems.² Since benzodiazepines remain in your system even after the effects wear off, it can still be dangerous to drink alcohol if you are taking benzodiazepines.

If you are taking a medication and aren’t fully aware of the effects, avoiding alcohol is the best way to protect yourself. If you plan to drink alcohol, speaking openly and honestly with your healthcare provider or your pharmacist first can help you avoid dangerous consequences.

Getting Help for Xanax and Alcohol Addiction

If you or someone you care about is struggling with alcohol or substance misuse, treatment is available. Addiction can be treated effectively, and there are alcohol addiction treatment facilities that also offer Xanax addiction treatment. If you struggle with both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder, some facilities can provide co-occurring disorder treatment that can help address your needs simultaneously.

Studies have shown that people with mental health disorders are more likely to use substances to self-medicate their symptoms, which may provide temporary relief, but can ultimately worsen symptoms over time.¹⁰ Mental health disorders can also change the way the brain looks and works, making substance use more rewarding and increasing the risk that you will continue to use and develop a substance use disorder.^{10, 11}

You can use our directory to find a rehab near you or out of state. You can learn more about treatment options by contacting your primary care physician (PHP) or a mental health practitioner.

Does Insurance Cover Alcohol and Xanax Addiction Rehabs?

For those who have insurance, using health insurance to pay for rehab should cover at least some of the cost of addiction treatment. Depending on your individual insurance plan, treatment at a specific facility may or may not be covered. It’s important that you know what is covered prior to attending a rehab. Use the free online insurance coverage checker tool below to find out if your health insurance provides coverage for addiction rehab and other rehabilitation treatment plans for substance abuse recovery.

Coverage may vary depending on your needs and insurance plan. To find out if your policy covers rehab, click here, or fill out the form below. Your information is kept 100% confidential. You can also click here to find a rehab near me.

American Addiction Centers maintains a strong partnership with a large group of insurance companies at our addiction treatment facilities. Start the journey to recovery and find out instantly using the form below if your health insurance provider may be able to cover all or part of the cost of rehab and associated therapies.

If you would like more information about addiction treatment options available in your area, contact American Addiction Center’s helpful admissions navigators at for a free, private consultation today. AAC has treatment facilities across the U.S. and is a leading provider of evidence-based addiction treatment, including:

• California: Laguna Treatment Center
• Florida: Recovery First Treatment Center
• Florida: River Oaks Treatment Center
• Nevada: Desert Hope Treatment Center
• Mississippi: Oxford Treatment Center
• Texas: Greenhouse Treatment Center

Our admissions navigators can answer questions you may have about treatment options, verify your insurance, and help you with the admissions process once you’re ready.