5 Deadly Drug Combos

You imagine that taking medication as prescribed is safe but even that can be a hazard. When you start combining medications with alcohol, you run the risk of serious health issues and even death. So before you start taking these deadly cocktails, find out what can happen to you if you chase these highs. It may just stop you in your tracks.

Benzodiazepines and Alcohol

Benzodiazepines (benzos) are a class of prescription drugs used to treat anxiety, seizures and insomnia. Examples of these drugs include Xanax or Valium. They slow down the central nervous system. However, they can be dangerous if taken in excess because you can eventually stop breathing, have a stroke or die. Mixing benzos with alcohol is like having double depressants in the body. This can lead to a dangerous slowdown in breathing, coma or death. More about benzos.

Opiates and Alcohol

Opiates are a class of drugs used to relieve pain. Some examples of opiates are OxyContin and Vicodin. Opiates produce relaxation, slow breathing and decrease the feeling of pain. Combining these prescription drugs with alcohol can slow down your breathing to the point of not breathing at all. This can lead to death. More about opiates.

Antidepressants and Alcohol

Antidepressants are drugs that are used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. Well known drugs in this category include Prozac and Zoloft. If you drink alcohol and take antidepressants at the same time, you run the risk of becoming more depressed or even suicidal. This mix can also raise your blood pressure to dangerous levels and can lead to death. More about antidepressants.

Stimulants and Alcohol

Stimulants are drugs prescribed to treat attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sleep disorders or asthma. Two stimulant medications that are well known are Ritalin and Adderall. These can be very helpful but can have dangerous effects when you mix them with alcohol. The stimulants can cover up the effects of the alcohol. This can lead to an increase in blood pressure, heart problems, convulsions and stroke. More about stimulants.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers and Alcohol

Over-the-counter drugs are easily accessible at any drugstore and are used to treat minor aches and pains, headaches, etc. You probably have some bottles of Advil, Tylenol or aspirin. You probably wouldn’t imagine that a simple headache pill can harm you, but when you mix it with alcohol, it can be a deadly cocktail. These pills can intensify the effect of alcohol. They can cause pain and bleeding in your stomach and even cause liver damage. The health effects of alcohol are serious.

These drugs can be dangerous on their own if abused. If you start adding alcohol or other drugs, they can be potentially fatal. Although you may feel like you’re in control of things, you need to realize that you are not. You don’t know what reaction you will have if you combine drugs with alcohol. Don’t let this dangerous game take your life; you will lose.

Recovery Connection knows that prescription drug addiction is a difficult habit to kick on your own. That’s why they are here to help link you to drug rehab programs that can help you get back to living free of drugs and alcohol. Admission counselors are available 24/7 to answer your questions and get you into the right rehab center for you. Call Recovery Connection now and break free from addiction.