Is It Safe to Drink While Taking Benzos?

[Stu1983]

Is it safe to drink while taking Benzos? If so, how much/often? If not, why not?

I understand everyone's body is different and mileage will vary. But what do you think given your experience?

Love and respect,
Stu

PS.
@linearb, hey bro I hope you're well.

I was wondering if if you'd be able to help me bro with the above, as I respect your opinion in general but especially regarding Benzos.

 

[Simon85]

@Stu1983, my understanding is that it's not recommended to drink while taking Benzos. A combination of Benzos and alcohol may increase the effects of these substances. Suppose you have one beer and think you're ok to drive... this may not be the case if you also have benzos in your system. Just my 2c and I'd be interested to hear what others say.

 

[glynis]

All medication that works on the brain can be affected by alcohol as alcohol affects the brain also.

Alcohol can be enjoyable at the time but gets in the way of medication that works on the brain.

Odd drink in moderation.

Love,
Glynis

 

[Stu1983]

Thanks @Simon85 and @glynis. I appreciate the feedback, and agree with both.

 

[Moss]

I have never experienced any problems but then I never drink very much as I can't handle more than maybe a pint and a half at the most, and never close to sleeping (which is when I take the sleep meds, and I do take quite a bit of those).

 

[Lilah]

I don't think it is worth the risk, to take benzos and drink alcohol at the same time (during the evening, etc.). Time it so that both are many hours apart.

 

[Chadilac]

Drinking alcohol while on benzos increases your risk of tolerance and given that benzos are already highly addictive I would highly suggest abstaining from drinking.

 

[Stu1983]

Thank you @Moss, @Lilah and @Chadilac for the feedback. Any words of wisdom from you @linearb as you seem to have a lot of experience and knowledge regarding Benzos.

 

[Luman]

People have died from drinking and taking benzos. I've had a drink or two while taking benzos before I stopped taking them 3.5 years ago, and it definitely increases the effect by leaps and bounds.

 

[Stu1983]

People have died from drinking and taking benzos. I've had a drink or two while taking benzos before I stopped taking them 3.5 years ago, and it definitely increases the effect by leaps and bounds.

Thank you Luman for your advice, I appreciate it.

 

[Lane]

Is it safe to drink while taking Benzos?

I'd say the operative word here is "careful". I was given a benzo prescription many years ago for some back pain. My roommates at the time thought valium was a great recreational drug, and would ask me for some (I had plenty, because doctors gave them out like candy back then).

A number of us took some valium one night and went to a bar. My brother was with us, and he said he remembered nothing after he got into the bar until the next morning. In other words, he completely blanked out. Another roommate woke up the next morning with a young woman sleeping next to him, who he had no recollection of meeting, and had no idea who she was!

Both benzos and alcohol affect gaba neurotransmitter receptors and their function, which is why people get a sedated feeling from both. Combining them together can lead to complications that you might not get with using just one of them. I have another brother who currently takes both to help him sleep--though he would likely quit doing that if he could sleep better some other way. I've (diplomatically) discouraged him from continuing this. There's evidence that benzos cause brain (and gaba receptor) damage, especially if used long term.

 

[Stu1983]

Thanks @Lane for the info.