Combining Xanax—-a sedative medication used to treat anxiety disorders—with cocaine—a powerful stimulant drug—can have serious and potentially deadly consequences.
This combination can increase the risk of overdose, respiratory depression, heart problems, and other health complications. Exploring the risks associated with combining Xanax and cocaine can help prevent someone from mixing these 2 substances and knowing when to seek help.
Xanax Stats
As of 2021, statistics show that Xanax is one of the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepines in the United States. According to data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), over 16 million prescriptions were written for Xanax in 2020 alone.
Additionally, a report published by IQVIA Institute for Human Data Science revealed that Xanax was ranked as the 24th most commonly prescribed medication in the U.S. in 2020.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) also reported that Xanax is 1 of the most commonly abused prescription drugs, with approximately 5.4 million people aged 12 and older reporting nonmedical use of benzodiazepines in 2021.
Cocaine Dangers
Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant drug that can have severe and potentially life-threatening effects. Regular cocaine use can lead to an increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and irregular heart rhythms, which may increase the risk of heart attacks or strokes.
Cocaine can also constrict blood vessels in the lungs, leading to difficulty breathing and even respiratory failure. Chronic cocaine use can contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, paranoia, and psychosis.
As tolerance grows to the drug, taking large amounts of cocaine to achieve the desired effects can result in an overdose, causing symptoms such as chest pain, seizures, tremors, and even death.
Xanax and Cocaine Risks
Combining Xanax with cocaine can have dangerous and potentially deadly consequences. When these 2 substances are used together, they can create a powerful and unpredictable interaction in the body.
Xanax depresses the central nervous system, slowing down brain activity and causing relaxation. Cocaine, on the other hand, stimulates the central nervous system and increases heart rate and blood pressure. Combining these contrasting effects can put excessive strain on the heart and cardiovascular system.
Their Combined Effects
Taking Xanax and cocaine can amplify each drug’s individual effects. This could lead to an increased risk of overdose, respiratory depression, heart attack, stroke, seizures, coma, or even death. Furthermore, the combination may impair judgment which may increase risky behaviors.
Mixing these drugs could also lead to psychological issues like paranoia or aggression. Since both substances are highly addictive individually, when taken together, it increases the likelihood of becoming addicted to both substances.
Who Do People Mix Them?
Some individuals combine Xanax and cocaine to enhance or prolong the desired effects. For example, using cocaine for its stimulating properties and taking Xanax to counteract any anxiety or agitation from stimulant use.
People with mental health disorders—such as anxiety or mood disorders—may self-medicate. They do this by combining Xanax and cocaine to manage their symptoms. Other individuals may mix Xanax and cocaine inadvertently in social settings while under the effects of one or the other.
Is Combining Xanax and Cocaine Fatal?
Yes, combining Xanax and cocaine can be fatal. The simultaneous use of these substances can produce dangerous interactions in the body, including severe respiratory depression, cardiovascular complications, overdose, seizures, coma, and death.
This combination is particularly risky due to the conflicting effects of each drug on the central nervous and cardiovascular systems.
Signs of Cocaine and Xanax Abuse and Addiction
Signs of cocaine and Xanax abuse may include:
- Increased tolerance requiring higher doses to achieve the desired effects
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using the substances
- Using the drugs in larger amounts or for longer than intended
- Spending a significant amount of time obtaining, using, or recovering from drug use
- Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home due to drug use
- Continuing to use drugs despite negative consequences such as relationship problems or legal issues
Signs of addiction may include:
- Loss of interest in other activities that were once enjoyable
- Changes in mood such as irritability, anxiety, and depression
- Financial difficulties related to supporting drug abuse habit
- Accidental overdose and potentially fatal consequences
- Isolation from friends and family while attempting to hide substance use
- Associating more with other people who also abuse substances
Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms from Xanax and cocaine vary depending on the frequency of use, amount used, and duration of use. Some common Xanax and cocaine withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Tremors
- Sweating
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Fatigue (“Crash”)
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Changes in appetite
- Vivid dreams or nightmares
- Cravings for Xanax and cocaine
Detox and Treatment
Detox and treatment for Xanax and cocaine abuse typically involve a personalized and comprehensive approach to address the physical, psychological, and social aspects of addiction. The first step is detox, where the body rids itself of the substances while withdrawal symptoms are safely managed under medical supervision.
Some individuals may benefit from medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Various forms of therapy are often started during detox as well, such as individual and group therapy. As detox nears completion, aftercare planning helps individuals determine their next treatment steps, such as transitioning to an inpatient or outpatient treatment program.
Compassionate Addiction Treatment in Nashville, TN
When you are ready to take the first steps to a new, drug-free life, Detox Nashville is here to help. We offer personalized and comprehensive detox and addiction treatment programs to help you overcome your addiction to Xanax and cocaine. Our caring and supportive team is with you each step of the way.
Contact us now to break free from addiction.
