Valium, also known as Diazepam, is used to treat anxiety, seizures, alcohol withdrawal, as well as sedation before medical procedures. It works by calming the nerves and the brain. Valium belongs to the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines.
Benzos are central nervous system depressants, and so is alcohol, such as Vodka. These two substances work the same on the brain. So when they are mixed and taken at the same time, this can be very dangerous and can lead to overdose and death. According to SAMHSA:
In 2014, approximately 20.2 million adults aged 18 or older had a past year SUD. Of these adults, 16.3 million had an alcohol use disorder and 6.2 million had an illicit drug use disorder (Figure 1). An estimated 2.3 million adults had both an alcohol use disorder and an illicit drug use disorder in the past year. Of the adults with a past year SUD, 4 out of 5 had an alcohol use disorder, nearly 3 out of 10 had an illicit drug use disorder, and 1 out of 9 had both an alcohol use disorder and an illicit drug use disorder.
Because both vodka and Valium work on the Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain, they both stimulate similar effects especially when taken in high doses. Both vodka and Valium increase the bioavailability of the drugs so when they are taken together, it increases the risk of an overdose. When you mix them, it increases the potency of both substances.
Side Effects of Mixing Valium and Alcohol
Separately, both Valium and vodka create alarming side effects. When combined, this synergetic effect can be even more dangerous. Common side effects with Valium abuse include:
- Nausea
- Tremors
- Hyperactivity
- Restlessness
- Vertigo
- Fatigue
- Seizures
- Psychosis
- Panic attacks
Common side effects of alcohol abuse include:
- Memory loss
- Impaired muscle coordination
- High blood pressure
- Arrhythmias
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Unconsciousness/ blackouts
- Impaired judgment
- Vomiting
When vodka and Valium are mixed, there can be plenty of dangerous and unpleasant side effects such as:
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Disorientation
- Sedation
- Stumbling
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite
- Restlessness and/or excitement
- Memory problems
- Drowsiness
- Depression
- Decreased mental ability
- Loss of motor function
- Poor coordination
- Loss of consciousness
Is Valium Safe? What About Alcohol?
Valium is considered a relatively safe prescription drug when taken as prescribed. Some people mix Valium with vodka to purposely intensify the effects of the calming effects of each substance. It isn’t always easy to tell when someone is abusing these two substances. If you or someone you love are ready to take the steps to get sober, the best way is, to begin with, a medically assisted detox. The withdrawal symptoms from alcohol like vodka and Valium can be extremely dangerous and painful. These symptoms include muscle pain and cramps, seizures, and even coma, just to name a few. Medically assisted detox is very much recommended to safely get the substances from your system.
Once you’ve detoxed from Vodka and Valium, the best way to remain sober and avoid relapse is the use of one of our many treatment programs offered at Recreate Life Counseling. We offer many different treatment programs so we can ensure that you will find a program that fits best for you. We combine our treatment programs with therapeutic education and guidance to help each patient safely reintegrate into your life.
Overcome Addiction With Drug Treatment
Addiction isn’t an easy thing to face. Luckily you do not have to face it on your own. Our admissions counselors and professionals are available around the clock. We are ready to help you or a loved one overcome the disease of addiction. Now is the time to change your life. Let Recreate Life Counseling help you do it.
Published on: 2020-06-23
Updated on: 2024-04-18
