How Dangerous is Mixing Alcohol and Ativan?
Many people drink alcohol while also taking the prescription anxiety drug Atavan. Both are depressants, and together they can double the pleasurable effects users get. But combining Ativan and alcohol is a potentially deadly combination that should be avoided. Here’s how the two work together and why you should avoid using them both at once.
Combining Ativan and alcohol is very dangerous because Ativan and alcohol both depress the central nervous system, which means that your heart and breathing rates are lowered. Taken together, they double these effects.
So when you drink alcohol while also taking Atavan, you’re causing your system to slow down to a dangerously sluggish rate. The results can range from severe drowsiness and breathing problems to coma and even death, which makes treatment critical.
What Is Ativan and How Does it Affect the Body?
Ativan is the brand name for lorazepam, which is in the benzodiazepine class of drugs. Other well-known benzodiazepines include Valium (diazepam), Xanax (alprazolam), Librium (chlordiazepoxide), Klonopin (clonazepam), Restoril (temazepam) and Halcion (triazolam). Atavan is used to treat anxiety but also is prescribed for insomnia and seizure disorders. In surgery, it can be used as a sedative before the patient is given anesthesia.
When it is ingested, Atavan binds to neurotransmitters in the brain, which affect feelings of anxiety. It reduces those feelings while also slowing breathing and heart rate. The user may feel lightheaded and tired and may find it difficult to concentrate. The drug can even impair physical coordination.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse or addiction, it’s essential to seek professional help. Muse Treatment Center, an alcohol detox center in Beverly Hills, provides comprehensive treatment programs to address addiction and promote recovery. Our team of experts can guide you through the process of detoxification and addiction treatment to help you achieve lasting sobriety. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support and assistance on your journey to recovery.
How Does Alcohol Affect the Body?
The body absorbs alcohol in much the same way as Atavan. It’s transported through the bloodstream to the brain, where it binds to neurotransmitters that affect feelings of anxiety. It also increases the brain’s production of dopamine, a chemical that creates feelings of pleasure. This makes drinking an attractive pursuit, and the drinker may seek to repeat those pleasant feelings until addiction results. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, consider seeking help at an alcohol detox center Los Angeles. Professional assistance can make a significant difference in your journey toward recovery.
Drinking to excess causes mood swings, poor concentration, drowsiness, slurred speech, and poor coordination. It lowers inhibitions and reduces the drinker’s ability to think clearly, leading to accidents and other secondary effects.
What Happens When You Combined Ativan and Alcohol?
On their own, these two substances already cause severe short-term problems leading to addiction. When combined, they can double the adverse effects. They have the same depressive impact on the brain and central nervous system, so the result of combining them can be deadly. When combining Ativan and alcohol, you will find your breathing and heart rate slowing down to a dangerous level. You may also have problems with physical and mental coordination, which can cause accidents.
Recognizing an Ativan Alcohol Overdose
The signs of an alcohol-Ativamm overdose stem from how the two drugs depress bodily functions, especially the central nervous system. You may be experiencing or observing an alcohol-Ativan overdose if you feel sleepy, your breathing slows, speech is slurred. You may find it hard to control your physical movements. Your body temperature may drop and your skin may feel clammy. The most severe signs include seizure, respiratory arrest, loss of consciousness, coma, and, finally, death.
Call Muse Treatment Center for Addiction Treatment
No one should try to treat their addiction alone. Still, in the case of alcohol-Ativan addiction, it’s even more important to seek professional help. Muse Treatment offers expert help by caring professionals who understand addiction and take a comprehensive approach to addiction treatment Los Angeles. If you or someone you know needs help fighting addiction to alcohol, Ativan or any other substance, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (800) 426-1818 today.
