Mixing Benzodiazepines and Alcohol

Mixing Benzodiazepines and Alcohol is dangerous and should be avoided — TripSit rates this combination “Dangerous.” Low risk never means safe.

Ethanol ingestion may potentiate the CNS effects of many benzodiazepines. The two substances potentiate each other strongly and unpredictably, very rapidly leading to unconsciousness. While unconscious, vomit aspiration is a risk if not placed in the recovery position. Blacking out and memory loss is almost certain.

Benzodiazepines (also known as Xanax, Valium, Klonopin, Ativan) and Alcohol.

What to do

• Avoid this combination — the safest choice is not to mix them.
• Keep naloxone (Narcan) within reach. It reverses opioid overdose and is safe to give if you are unsure.
• Start with much less than usual and go slow — you can always take more, never less.
• Never use alone. If you do, call 1-800-484-3731 (Never Use Alone) so someone can send help if you stop responding.

Open the interactive combination checker

Related combinations

• Mixing Opioids and Benzodiazepines
• Mixing Benzodiazepines and Cocaine
• Mixing Benzodiazepines and Amphetamines
• Mixing Benzodiazepines and MDMA
• Mixing Benzodiazepines and Cannabis
• Mixing Benzodiazepines and Ketamine
• Mixing Benzodiazepines and GHB / GBL
• Mixing Benzodiazepines and Tramadol

This is educational information, not medical advice. "Low risk" never means "safe", and the potency of an unregulated supply is unknown.