What Happens When You Mix Valium and Alcohol?

Generally speaking, alcohol tends to make people “feel good”. When used moderately, alcohol makes people feel relaxed and drops their inhibitions.

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This relaxation is caused by depressant effects of alcohol. The more you drink, the more obvious it is that your brain and body are slowing down. Some prescription drugs have similar effects that can be dangerous when mixed with alcohol.

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Valium is one of those prescription drugs, but how dangerous is it to mix Valium and alcohol?

What Is Valium?

Valium is a benzodiazepine that is often prescribed as an anti-anxiety medication. Benzodiazepines, or benzos, are also prescribed for treating seizures, muscle spasms, insomnia, or to help with alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

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Valium, the brand name for diazepam, can also be used before medical procedures to relax patients. It’s not meant to be taken long-term. Doctors only prescribe Valium for four weeks maximum.

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In a lot of cases, it’s a very helpful prescription. But when mixed with other substances it can become dangerous.

Can Valium be Addictive?

One of the reasons Valium is only prescribed four weeks at a time is because it’s easy to become dependent.

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Most benzos are quite addictive psychologically. They can relax you the same way alcohol does, but without the hangover. This increases the risk of dependence.

Why Depressants Can Be Dangerous

Benzodiazepines are depressants. They work by increasing the activity of a neurotransmitter called GABA. GABA is an inhibitory transmitter that stops signals from traveling through the brain.

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In other words, it quells anxiety by blocking anxiety neurotransmitters like norepinephrine. However, it also slows down your central nervous system. This is where things can get scary.

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When your nervous system slows down all of your unconscious functions slow down. These symptoms include:

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Slowed breathing
Slowed heart rate
Slowed decision making
Getting sleepy

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When we have depressants in our systems, we slur our words and have impaired motor functions. This is why you should never go swimming or driving while on depressants.

What Happens When You Mix Valium and Alcohol?

Just like Valium, alcohol is a depressant. That means it also stimulates GABA production and has similar side effects like slurred speech, slow movement, and reduced coordination.

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When taking alcohol and benzodiazepines, the effects of the depressants are exacerbated. If you typically feel tired after having a drink, then adding Valium to the mix will make you incredibly sleepy.

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Taking two depressants at once is dangerous. Valium or other common prescription depressants like Xanax should never be combined with alcohol. Your decreased coordination and slower reaction times mean you’re at risk of:

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Falling and injuring yourself
Not giving your body the oxygen it needs

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Both alcohol and Valium cause slowed heart rate and respiratory depression. When these get low enough, they can bring oxygen and blood levels to a dangerously low point.

Symptoms of Mixing Valium and Alcohol

Common symptoms of mixing Valium and alcohol include:

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Confusion and disorientation
Respiratory depression
Loss of consciousness
Blurry vision
Delayed or loss of motor control and coordination

What To Do If You Mix Drugs

Valium should be taken on its own. If you are prescribed Valium, stay away from other substances altogether, and ask your doctor for specific instructions. It’s too dangerous to be mixing drugs without medical guidance.

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Combining Valium and alcohol increases the chance of overdosing significantly. The combined depressant effects can be deadly.

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If you happen to mix Valium and alcohol, get to a hospital quickly.

If You’re Abusing Alcohol and Valium, Get Help

Substance abuse of any kind is hard to overcome. In most instances, there are underlying mental health issues that need to be addressed. There’s also the difficult road of detoxifying your body. Seeking help and receiving medical help will increase your likelihood of quitting.

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In the case of Valium and alcohol, quitting cold turkey can be dangerous. When a dependence is created, your body “needs” the substance despite the negative consequences. Depending on how long and how regularly you use Valium and alcohol, you may be dependent.

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You may be unaware of how these drugs have affected your brain and the important functions of your body. This is why the important first step of recovery is a supervised medical detox.

Begin the Road to Recovery at Sequoia

Pushing your limits is a risky game that can lead to a fatal overdose. Keep within your limits and follow your doctor's instructions.

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If you do find yourself in a place of dependence, there is help available. Addiction treatment and other treatment programs are always an option.

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Sequoia Behavioral Health offers an individualized approach to care. Using a wide array of treatment modalities, our highly trained therapists and staff will mix and match to find the best fit for you.

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We’re a treatment center that focuses on treating any underlying mental health issues. Polysubstance abuse is often related to other mental health disorders that can be treated alongside addiction.

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