Dangers of Mixing Cocaine and Xanax

Cocaine and Xanax at face value appear to have nothing in common. One is a stimulant and one is a depressant. These two drugs, however, are often misused together to achieve a certain desired effect.

It is always risky to mix substances. The use of both cocaine and Xanax together is no exception. It isn’t what it might seem, that they would cancel each other’s effects out. Instead, using these two drugs together can lead to serious adverse effects. Keep reading to learn more about the dangers of mixing cocaine and Xanax.

About Xanax

Xanax is a central nervous system depressant in the benzo family of sedatives. Xanax is often prescribed for the treatment of anxiety and panic disorder. This fast-acting drug can provide relief from tension, nervousness, and anxiety symptoms.

Xanax is also used for other health issues, such as seizures, Xanax is a central nervous system depressant that is often prescribed for anxiety and panic disorder.  This fast-acting drug can provide relief from tension, nervousness, and anxiety symptoms.  Xanax is also used for other issues, such as seizures, insomnia, and muscle spasms.

Xanax works by increasing the GABA neurotransmitter levels in the brain, which can reduce excitability. The sedating effects are a direct effect of boosting the release of the GABA levels in the nervous system.

Xanax, as with other benzos, is a highly addictive substance. It is not unheard of for someone to develop a Xanax addiction in just a couple of weeks. As tolerance increases, so does the dosing, and that can lead to addiction.

About Cocaine

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug that is derived from the coca plant in South America. Cocaine is listed as a Schedule II Controlled Substance by the DEA, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and addiction.

Cocaine is a very strong central nervous system stimulant. This causes an increase in the heart rate and breathing rate. In turn, cocaine produces the desired effects. These include euphoria, high energy, more stamina, less need for sleep, a razor-sharp focus, and a heightened mood state.

As with all substance use disorders, tolerance increases with repeated cocaine use. Over time, cravings ensure that the person feels a need to use the drug more often. Some may begin to use cocaine in other ways, such as injecting it. This is an attempt to achieve a more intense high.

As the brain adapts to the drug, the effects of cocaine will lessen. Even though intense cravings drive continued use, the effects have changed. The prior effects of euphoria and energy are replaced with fatigue, depression, and mood swings.

About Cocaine and Xanax Abuse

It is a fact that cocaine and Xanax are often abused together. What is not so well understood is why. People may assume that the cocaine would help increase energy while using the sedative, Xanax, but it doesn’t. They may also think that Xanax may curb some of the manic effects of cocaine, but it doesn’t.

In reality, these drugs do not cancel out the effects of the other. Instead, they only intensify the adverse effects of each. This is why using cocaine and Xanax at once is so dangerous. It can lead to increased dosing of each drug in the hopes of reducing the effects of the other. In fact, using the drugs together will only enhance the negative effects.

This can lead to increased irritability, restlessness, paranoia, and depression, and both drugs can increase suicidal thoughts. The drugs can be very hard on the cardiovascular system and end up taxing the heart. Also, using cocaine and Xanax together can lead to addiction or even an overdose.

Cocaine and Xanax Overdose

There is a risk of taking too high a dose of either or both 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.

Treatment for Cocaine and Xanax Addiction

Both Xanax and cocaine are very potent and addictive drugs. You or a loved one may have acquired an addiction or dependency on either or both of these drugs. If so, this will require expert treatment.

When you approach a treatment program, make sure it is one that tailors treatment plans to address your unique polysubstance issue. After an intake interview and assessment, the clinician should present a treatment plan that includes the following:

• Detox. The recovery process starts with a medically monitored detox and withdrawal. If a Xanax addiction is involved, the detox will be prolonged using a taper schedule to better manage the withdrawals.
• Psychotherapy. Talk therapy sessions are the backbone of addiction treatment. Using such therapies as CBT or DBT can help you make needed changes in thought patterns and behaviors.
• Group therapy. Peer group sessions provide a chance to discuss recovery topics with others.
• Family therapy. Because addiction impacts the whole family, these sessions can provide guidance and healing for all members.
• 12-step program. A.A.’s 12-step program provides a roadmap for the recovery journey.
• Holistic elements. Healing must involve all aspects of the being, mind, body, and spirit. Holistic methods are techniques that induce a calm mental state and reduce stress.
• Education. It is helpful to have a basic knowledge of how drugs affect the brain and lead to addiction. Forming a relapse prevention plan is also part of the education piece of treatment.

If you are struggling with cocaine and Xanax misuse, and need help breaking free, reach out for help today.

Elevation Behavioral Health Provides Residential Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Elevation Behavioral Health is a residential mental health and dual diagnosis treatment center. Our premier recovery program uses a blend of evidence-based and holistic approaches to guide the healing from addiction. Reach out to us today at (888) 561-0868.