The Dangers of Mixing Xanax and Cocaine

Prefer to listen? Play the audio version below:

 

 

Millions of people in the United States struggle with drug abuse or addiction. People with substance use disorder (SUD) can benefit from the support of holistic medical detox and treatment programs.

Combining addictive substances can have dangerous, sometimes life-threatening effects. Some cocaine users may take Xanax to help them avoid withdrawal symptoms or a “crash.” However, this can be very dangerous. People who mix Xanax and cocaine are at risk of overdose, addiction, and other severe complications.

This article will explore the dangers of using Xanax and cocaine together. You will learn:

  • The effects and risks of cocaine
  • The effects and risks of Xanax
  • The dangers of mixing Xanax and cocaine
  • How to recognize and treat polysubstance abuse
  • Where to find treatment for addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions

If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse, you are not alone. Contact the intake team at Moving Mountains Recovery to learn about our treatment and recovery support programs. Reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.

 

Risks and Dangers of Mixing Cocaine and Xanax - Infographic

The Effects and Risks of Cocaine

Cocaine is an illegal stimulant drug. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies cocaine as a Schedule II drug, meaning it has a high risk for abuse and addiction.

There are two forms of cocaine. One is a white powder, which people snort. The other is a solid known as crack cocaine. Both forms work by causing the brain to release more dopamine, a neurotransmitter related to the brain’s pleasure systems.

 

Unwanted Side-Effects of CocaineSome immediate effects of cocaine include:

  • Heightened senses
  • Increased alertness
  • Euphoria
  • Elevated blood pressure
  • Faster heart rate
  • Increased energy

Users may also experience unwanted side effects, including:

  • Psychosis
  • Vertigo
  • Irritability
  • Agitation
  • Restlessness
  • Muscle twitches
  • Panic attacks
  • Anxiety
  • Unpredictable or violent behavior

Cocaine’s side effects are typically short-lived. People may use it often in a short period, increasing the risk of addiction.

The Effects and Dangers of Xanax Abuse

Xanax is the brand name for a prescription benzodiazepine called alprazolam. Xanax is a central nervous system depressant that can relieve the symptoms of panic and anxiety disorders, as well as other mental health disorders. It works by enhancing the effects of a brain chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Unwanted Short-Term Side Effects of Xanax

Dangerous side-effects of Xanax

Xanax can cause unwanted short-term side effects, including:

  • Euphoria
  • Drowsiness
  • Slurred speech
  • Excessive sleeping
  • Dry mouth
  • Lightheadedness
  • Nausea
  • Headaches
  • Difficulty focusing

Some of the effects of Xanax can be more dangerous. Dangerous side effects of Xanax include:

  • Racing thoughts
  • Double-vision
  • Feeling faint
  • Agitation
  • Slow or shallow breathing
  • Risk-taking behaviors
  • Fast-talking
  • Decreased need for sleep
  • Seizures
  • Hallucinations
  • Jaundice
  • Physical dependence

People may misuse Xanax by taking higher doses than prescribed or taking it recreationally (without a prescription).

What are the Risks of Mixing Cocaine and Xanax?

People may combine Xanax and cocaine for different reasons. Some cocaine users may use Xanax to help them gently come down from a high. Xanax may reduce some of the unpleasant emotional and physical side effects of a cocaine “crash.”

Mixing cocaine and Xanax can be very dangerous. Xanax and cocaine have opposing effects. People may not feel the effects of cocaine or Xanax as strongly when using them together.This can result in people taking higher doses of either drug and increases the risk of overdose.

People may also have dangerously high blood pressure and other hazardous physical symptoms when combining Xanax and cocaine. Using more than one addictive substance also increases the risk of physical dependence on either drug.

People who become addicted to multiple drugs may also have more complex withdrawal symptoms. They may face a higher risk of seizures and other dangerous complications as their bodies withdraw from each substance.

People who abuse cocaine and Xanax must receive comprehensive addiction treatment. Comprehensive substance abuse and mental health treatment programs can treat cocaine and Xanax addiction. These treatment programs can also help people find effective ways to treat anxiety and panic disorders to reduce the risk of relapse.

Recognizing and Treating Polysubstance Abuse

Polysubstance abuse occurs when a person abuses more than one substance. Sometimes, a person may have a preferred substance and use other substances to enhance its desirable effects. For example, people may take Xanax to dull the discomfort of a “crash” that can happen after heavy cocaine use.

People who combine drugs may experience immediate, life-threatening health emergencies, including:

  • Depressed breathing (most common when people mix multiple CNS depressants)
  • Dangerous changes in heart rate
  • Hazardous increases or decreases in blood pressure

People who abuse multiple drugs need comprehensive addiction treatment programs to help them safely stop using them.

Polydrug abuse treatment programs provide evidence-based and holistic therapies that allow people to address the roots of their substance abuse. These therapies include:

  • Individual, family, and group therapy
  • Relapse prevention education
  • Medical care and medications
  • Mental health treatment
  • Holistic therapies like nutrition support, mindfulness, and yoga to soothe the mind and body

After completing a rehab program, people must stay engaged in their recovery by following an aftercare program. A supportive aftercare program may include sober living, 12-step meetings, mental health and medical care, and other activities that support lifelong addiction recovery.

Find Treatment Now

If you or someone you love struggles with cocaine abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the intake team at Moving Mountains Recovery to learn about our holistic addiction treatment and recovery support programs. Reach out with questions, to verify your insurance, or to schedule an intake appointment.

References:

  1. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Cocaine
  2. National Institute of Health (NIH): Effects of alprazolam on intravenous cocaine self-administration in rats
  3. NIH: A Review of Alprazolam Use, Misuse, and Withdrawal
  4. NIH: Benzodiazepine and Stimulant Prescriptions Before Overdose in Youth

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The Dangers of Mixing Xanax and Cocaine

Prefer to listen? Play the audio version below:

 

 

Millions of people in the United States struggle with drug abuse or addiction. People with substance use disorder (SUD) can benefit from the support of holistic medical detox and treatment programs.

Combining addictive substances can have dangerous, sometimes life-threatening effects. Some cocaine users may take Xanax to help them avoid withdrawal symptoms or a “crash.” However, this can be very dangerous. People who mix Xanax and cocaine are at risk of overdose, addiction, and other severe complications.

This article will explore the dangers of using Xanax and cocaine together. You will learn:

  • The effects and risks of cocaine
  • The effects and risks of Xanax
  • The dangers of mixing Xanax and cocaine
  • How to recognize and treat polysubstance abuse
  • Where to find treatment for addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions

If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse, you are not alone. Contact the intake team at Moving Mountains Recovery to learn about our treatment and recovery support programs. Reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.

 

Risks and Dangers of Mixing Cocaine and Xanax - Infographic

The Effects and Risks of Cocaine

Cocaine is an illegal stimulant drug. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies cocaine as a Schedule II drug, meaning it has a high risk for abuse and addiction.

There are two forms of cocaine. One is a white powder, which people snort. The other is a solid known as crack cocaine. Both forms work by causing the brain to release more dopamine, a neurotransmitter related to the brain’s pleasure systems.

 

Unwanted Side-Effects of CocaineSome immediate effects of cocaine include:

  • Heightened senses
  • Increased alertness
  • Euphoria
  • Elevated blood pressure
  • Faster heart rate
  • Increased energy

Users may also experience unwanted side effects, including:

  • Psychosis
  • Vertigo
  • Irritability
  • Agitation
  • Restlessness
  • Muscle twitches
  • Panic attacks
  • Anxiety
  • Unpredictable or violent behavior

Cocaine’s side effects are typically short-lived. People may use it often in a short period, increasing the risk of addiction.

The Effects and Dangers of Xanax Abuse

Xanax is the brand name for a prescription benzodiazepine called alprazolam. Xanax is a central nervous system depressant that can relieve the symptoms of panic and anxiety disorders, as well as other mental health disorders. It works by enhancing the effects of a brain chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Unwanted Short-Term Side Effects of Xanax

Dangerous side-effects of Xanax

Xanax can cause unwanted short-term side effects, including:

  • Euphoria
  • Drowsiness
  • Slurred speech
  • Excessive sleeping
  • Dry mouth
  • Lightheadedness
  • Nausea
  • Headaches
  • Difficulty focusing

Some of the effects of Xanax can be more dangerous. Dangerous side effects of Xanax include:

  • Racing thoughts
  • Double-vision
  • Feeling faint
  • Agitation
  • Slow or shallow breathing
  • Risk-taking behaviors
  • Fast-talking
  • Decreased need for sleep
  • Seizures
  • Hallucinations
  • Jaundice
  • Physical dependence

People may misuse Xanax by taking higher doses than prescribed or taking it recreationally (without a prescription).

What are the Risks of Mixing Cocaine and Xanax?

People may combine Xanax and cocaine for different reasons. Some cocaine users may use Xanax to help them gently come down from a high. Xanax may reduce some of the unpleasant emotional and physical side effects of a cocaine “crash.”

Mixing cocaine and Xanax can be very dangerous. Xanax and cocaine have opposing effects. People may not feel the effects of cocaine or Xanax as strongly when using them together.This can result in people taking higher doses of either drug and increases the risk of overdose.

People may also have dangerously high blood pressure and other hazardous physical symptoms when combining Xanax and cocaine. Using more than one addictive substance also increases the risk of physical dependence on either drug.

People who become addicted to multiple drugs may also have more complex withdrawal symptoms. They may face a higher risk of seizures and other dangerous complications as their bodies withdraw from each substance.

People who abuse cocaine and Xanax must receive comprehensive addiction treatment. Comprehensive substance abuse and mental health treatment programs can treat cocaine and Xanax addiction. These treatment programs can also help people find effective ways to treat anxiety and panic disorders to reduce the risk of relapse.

Recognizing and Treating Polysubstance Abuse

Polysubstance abuse occurs when a person abuses more than one substance. Sometimes, a person may have a preferred substance and use other substances to enhance its desirable effects. For example, people may take Xanax to dull the discomfort of a “crash” that can happen after heavy cocaine use.

People who combine drugs may experience immediate, life-threatening health emergencies, including:

  • Depressed breathing (most common when people mix multiple CNS depressants)
  • Dangerous changes in heart rate
  • Hazardous increases or decreases in blood pressure

People who abuse multiple drugs need comprehensive addiction treatment programs to help them safely stop using them.

Polydrug abuse treatment programs provide evidence-based and holistic therapies that allow people to address the roots of their substance abuse. These therapies include:

  • Individual, family, and group therapy
  • Relapse prevention education
  • Medical care and medications
  • Mental health treatment
  • Holistic therapies like nutrition support, mindfulness, and yoga to soothe the mind and body

After completing a rehab program, people must stay engaged in their recovery by following an aftercare program. A supportive aftercare program may include sober living, 12-step meetings, mental health and medical care, and other activities that support lifelong addiction recovery.

Find Treatment Now

If you or someone you love struggles with cocaine abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the intake team at Moving Mountains Recovery to learn about our holistic addiction treatment and recovery support programs. Reach out with questions, to verify your insurance, or to schedule an intake appointment.

References:

  1. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Cocaine
  2. National Institute of Health (NIH): Effects of alprazolam on intravenous cocaine self-administration in rats
  3. NIH: A Review of Alprazolam Use, Misuse, and Withdrawal
  4. NIH: Benzodiazepine and Stimulant Prescriptions Before Overdose in Youth

Get Addiction Help Now

Call Us Now (973) 315-6121

Table of Contents
Scroll to Top
Skip to content