Key takeaway
Xanax (alprazolam) and alcohol both slow the central nervous system. Together they can cause extreme sedation, blackouts, slowed or stopped breathing, and death. Stopping both suddenly can also cause dangerous withdrawal. Call 911 if someone cannot be woken, or call or text (800) 653-9376 to find help.
Last updated: Wed Oct 07 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Xanax (alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine prescribed for anxiety and panic disorder. Alcohol is also a central nervous system depressant. Each one slows breathing and judgment on its own. Together, the effects stack, and the combination is a common factor in emergency visits and overdose deaths.
If someone has mixed them and cannot be woken, is breathing slowly, or has blue or gray lips, call 911 now. For a crisis, call or text 988.
What happens when you mix them
Both substances boost GABA, the brain's main "slow down" signal. Combined, they can cause:
- Heavy sedation and confusion
- Blackouts and memory gaps
- Poor coordination, falls, and driving crashes
- Slowed or stopped breathing
- Choking on vomit while sedated
- Fatal overdose, especially if opioids are also involved
The NIAAA lists benzodiazepines among the medications that should not be mixed with alcohol, and the prescribing information for alprazolam warns about combining it with alcohol and other sedating drugs. In 2020, the FDA strengthened its boxed warning on benzodiazepines to address misuse, dependence, and withdrawal.
Warning signs of an overdose
Call 911 if someone who has used Xanax and alcohol:
- Cannot be woken or answers only briefly
- Has slow, shallow, or irregular breathing
- Makes snoring, gurgling, or choking sounds
- Has blue or gray lips or fingertips
- Is limp or has a seizure
Put them on their side, stay with them, and give naloxone if opioids or counterfeit pills could be involved. Naloxone does not reverse alcohol or benzodiazepines, but it will not hurt and can reverse a hidden opioid.
Why quitting both needs a plan
People who use Xanax and drink heavily are often physically dependent on both. Withdrawal from either can cause seizures, and stopping both at once raises that risk. Do not stop suddenly on your own. A medical detox team can use a gradual taper and monitoring to keep withdrawal safe, then connect you to ongoing care for anxiety and alcohol use.
Call or text (800) 653-9376 to find detox and treatment that handles both, or use this form:
Calling is free; the referral service is paid for by treatment providers, and we check your benefits before you commit.
You can also search findtreatment.gov for detoxification and co-occurring disorder treatment near you.
If Xanax is prescribed
You do not have to choose between untreated anxiety and a dangerous combination. Tell the prescriber how much you drink. They can adjust the medication, add non-sedating anxiety treatment, and help with alcohol use. See Xanax withdrawal for what a supervised taper involves.
Additional Resources
Sources cited on this page:
- NIAAA - Harmful Interactions: Mixing Alcohol with Medicines
- DailyMed - Alprazolam (Xanax) prescribing information
- FDA - Boxed warning updated to improve safe use of benzodiazepine drug class (2020)
- SAMHSA FindTreatment.gov
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Common Questions
Is it dangerous to mix Xanax and alcohol?
Yes. Both are central nervous system depressants, and together they can cause extreme drowsiness, confusion, blackouts, falls, slowed or stopped breathing, and fatal overdose. The risk is higher at larger doses, with other sedatives or opioids, and in older adults.
How long after taking Xanax can I drink?
There is no safe rule of thumb that fits everyone. Alprazolam stays active for many hours, and regular users have it in their system most of the time. Ask the prescriber directly; the safest answer for most people taking Xanax is not to drink.
What are the signs of a Xanax and alcohol overdose?
Signs include being hard or impossible to wake, very slow or shallow breathing, blue or gray lips, choking or gurgling sounds, and limpness. Call 911 right away, keep the person on their side, and give naloxone if opioids could also be involved.
Can I quit Xanax and alcohol at the same time on my own?
No. Withdrawal from both benzodiazepines and alcohol can cause seizures, and stopping both at once raises the risk. A medical detox team can manage withdrawal safely and set up a gradual plan.
Where can I get help if I am mixing Xanax and alcohol?
Talk to the prescriber or an addiction-medicine clinician, or call or text (800) 653-9376 to find medical detox and treatment that handles both. For a crisis, call or text 988.