What Happens When You Mix Xanax and Cocaine?
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It shouldn’t be surprising to learn that someone who enjoys cocaine might also like experimenting with other substances. Cocaine is often combined with heroin, meth, fentanyl, and alcohol in the quest to experience an enhanced desired effect.
Cocaine is also used with benzodiazepines, such as Xanax. Combining Xanax and cocaine is risky, though, and can result in serious side effects. Read on to learn more about what happens when you mix Xanax and Cocaine.
What Is a Poly-Substance Use Disorder?
Recreational drug users often combine two or more substances to extend, enhance, or adjust their high. As a result, the person can develop more than one substance use disorder, termed poly-substance use disorder. One example of a poly-substance use disorder is when someone uses Xanax and cocaine and becomes addicted to both.
A poly-substance use disorder is difficult to treat and should be managed by a professional addiction treatment center. To detox off of Xanax requires the careful management of a detox doctor who will slowly taper the person off the benzo.
This will be going on at the same time as the same person goes through cocaine detox. There are safety issues involved, thus the need for a team of medical professionals that will oversee the withdrawal process.
Xanax and Cocaine are Two Distinct Types of Drugs
Let’s take a look at the two drugs in question.
Xanax is a sedative from the Benzo family of drugs. It slows the neural activity in the central nervous system by increasing GABA levels in the brain. This action causes the person taking Xanax to feel relaxed and even sleepy. Xanax is used to treat anxiety disorders, seizures, muscle spasms, and insomnia. Xanax is psychologically addicting, as those taking it begin to believe they cannot handle any stressful situation without it.
Cocaine is a central nervous system stimulant. It is a popular drug of abuse because of its many desired effects. These include heightened energy, crisper focus and thinking, increased confidence, and euphoria. Cocaine works directly on the brain’s reward system through the effects of dopamine. The brain imprints these effects as a positive experience and one that should be repeated.
Recreational Abuse of Xanax and Cocaine
Xanax and cocaine are often abused together, but the reason is unclear. At first glance, you might assume that the Xanax would take the edge off the cocaine high, but it doesn’t. Or, you might assume that the cocaine would help increase energy levels while using Xanax, but it doesn’t.
Instead of these two substances canceling out the effects of the other, they only intensify the adverse effects of each. This is why using Xanax and cocaine together is so risky. The person will increase the dosing of one drug in hopes of reducing the effects of the other. In reality, using the drugs together will only enhance both substances’ negative effects.
The way these two drugs interact may cause increased irritability, restlessness, paranoia, depression, and suicidal thinking. Taking both of these drugs can be very hard on the cardiovascular system and can harm the heart. And of course, regular use of Xanax and cocaine can result in a poly-substance addiction. Worse, it could lead to an overdose.
Increased Risk of Xanax and Cocaine Overdose
There is a risk of taking too high a dose of either or both of the cocaine and Xanax. When the drugs reach a toxic level in the bloodstream an overdose can occur. The symptoms of a Xanax/cocaine overdose include:
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Confusion
- Loss of coordination.
- Irregular heartbeat.
- Deep sedation.
- Trouble breathing.
- Seizures
If there are signs of an overdose present, it is crucial to seek immediate medical help.
Help for Xanax and Cocaine Abuse or Addiction
Xanax and cocaine are potent and highly addictive drugs. If you or a loved one has developed an addiction or dependency on these drugs, expert treatment is needed. Because of the powerful effect they have on the brain’s reward system, only professional treatment can help you break free.
The rehab program you select should customize your treatment plan to address the specific substances, Xanax and cocaine. This is achieved during the intake and assessment process. Once a tailored treatment plan is ready, you will engage in the following:
- Detox. Recovery starts with a closely monitored detox and withdrawal process. To address the Xanax addiction, a tapering schedule is helpful in managing withdrawal symptoms. Psychological support is provided to help the mental health effects of cocaine detox.
- Psychotherapy. You will engage in one-on-one talk therapy sessions that use CBT and/or DBT. These evidence-based therapies guide you toward making positive changes in thought patterns and behavioral responses.
- Group therapy. Peer group sessions are led by a counselor and provide a chance to discuss recovery topics with others.
- Family therapy. It’s a known fact that addiction impacts the whole family. For this reason, family sessions are included in rehab as these help the family members heal.
- 12-step program. A.A.’s 12-step program provides a useful roadmap for moving the recovery journey forward.
- Holistic elements. The healing process should include all aspects of the being, mind, body, and spirit. Holistic methods are techniques that induce a calm mind state and reduce stress. Examples are yoga, meditation, and massage.
- Education. While in rehab, you will learn how drugs like Xanax and cocaine affect the brain and lead to addiction. You will also form your own relapse prevention plan.
Xanax and cocaine are powerful drugs that when taken together may result in serious outcomes, such as addiction or death. If you are using these drugs, there is help available. Reach out today to take back control over your life.
Annandale Behavioral Health
California Addiction Treatment for Xanax and Cocaine
Annandale Behavioral Health offers a wide range of expertise to help someone that’s struggling with a Xanax and cocaine addiction. Our program keeps the focus on wellness, using evidence-based therapies and holistic methods. Call us with any questions at (855) 778-8668.
