Xanax is a prescription benzodiazepine that is used to treat anxiety conditions like panic disorder.[1] While it helps manage anxiety, taking it long-term increases the risk of experiencing addiction. Some people might abuse Xanax to experience a drowsy and euphoric high.
If you abuse Xanax, you might be tempted to mix it with other drugs to increase your intoxication. One drug that you should never combine with Xanax is heroin.
Heroin is an illicit opioid that acts as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant.[2] Because Xanax also depresses the CNS, mixing these drugs can slow down the respiratory system too much, potentially leading to life-threatening overdoses. Even if you do not overdose, you could develop a variety of long-term health issues from combining these drugs frequently.
What you will learn:
- What is Xanax
- What is Heroin
- What are the dangers of mixing Xanax and heroin
What is Xanax (Alprazolam)?
Xanax is the brand name for a prescription drug known as alprazolam. This prescription medication is considered a benzodiazepine and has a calming effect on your brain and body, making it effective for treating anxiety. Despite this, long-term or frequent use of Xanax can lead to dependence and addiction.
The side effects of Xanax may include:[1]
- Dizziness and drowsiness
- Lightheadedness
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Talkativeness
- Dry mouth or increased salivation
- Changes in sex drive or ability
- Muscle relaxation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Changes in appetite and weight
When taken in excess, Xanax can cause dangerous side effects including slowed breathing or heart rate. If you or a loved one abuse alprazolam, you should seek help from a drug rehab program.
What is Heroin?
Heroin is an illegal drug that is considered an opioid and can lead to short-term symptoms like euphoria, drowsiness, sedation, and slowed heart rate or breathing. It is potentially dangerous to abuse, as taking too large of a dose could lead to respiratory depression and drug overdoses.
The side effects of heroin might include:[2]
- A rush of euphoria
- Twilight state of sleep and wakefulness
- Dizziness and drowsiness
- Small, pinpointed pupils
- Nausea and vomiting
- Warm flushing of the skin
- Itchiness
- Dry mouth
- Feeling like your limbs are heavy
- Respiratory depression
If you take too much heroin, you will experience an opioid overdose. The symptoms of an overdose may include pale and clammy skin, gurgling noises, blue-colored fingernails or lips, and slowed or stopped breathing.[3] Call 911 immediately if you believe someone is overdosing on heroin.
What are the Risks of Combining Heroin and Xanax?
Heroin is an opioid while Xanax is a benzodiazepine. While they are different drugs, benzodiazepines and opioids share similar effects. Both types of substances can lead to CNS and respiratory depression.
Taking heroin might enhance the effects of Xanax. This could cause you to experience a life-threatening overdose. It also puts you at a higher risk of developing an addiction or experiencing the long-term health risks of abusing both drugs.
The main risks of mixing Xanax and heroin include:
Addiction
When you combine two addictive drugs like heroin and Xanax, your brain is flooded with serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). As a result, you will experience an incredibly euphoric high. Unfortunately, this will only increase your chances of becoming addicted to both substances at once.
Suffering from an addiction to multiple substances is known as polydrug abuse. Thankfully, drug rehab centers like Alamo Behavioral Health can help you recover from both of your substance use disorders.
Overdose
Once you have a physical dependence on Xanax and heroin, you might begin increasing the doses that you consume. Taking large amounts of heroin and Xanax together will make it extremely likely that you experience an overdose. Sadly, overdoses can be life-threatening, requiring emergency medical assistance.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), nearly 14% of overdoses involving opioids also included benzodiazepines in 2021.[4]
The symptoms of a Xanax and heroin overdose might include:
- Shortness of breath or inability to breathe
- Loss of coordination and weakness
- Tremors
- Blurry or double-vision
- Cold and clammy skin
- Confusion and agitation
- Respiratory depression
- Coma
Long-Term Effects on the Brain and Body
When you are abusing Xanax and heroin, you will eventually experience the long-term health consequences of both drugs.
The long-term effects of Xanax might include:[5]
- Mental health issues like depression
- Trouble breathing
- Cognitive impairments
- Cardiac issues
- Liver damage
- Increased risk of injuries and falls
- Long-term memory loss
The long-term effects of heroin abuse may include:[6]
- Low blood pressure and irregular heartbeat
- Weakened heart valves
- Heart attack and stroke
- Increased risk of cancers
- Poor kidney and liver functioning
- Memory loss and mood swings
- Pain sensitivity
Find Help for Heroin and Xanax Abuse
If you or a loved one abuses heroin and Xanax, it’s time to seek help. Mixing these drugs can lead to life-threatening overdoses and long-term health complications. Thankfully, drug rehab centers like Alamo Behavioral Health can offer the tools and support you need to recover.
Contact us today for more information on our opioid and benzodiazepine addiction treatment center.
References:
- Medline Plus: Alprazolam
- The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Heroin
- Science Direct: Heroin Overdose
- The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Benzodiazepines and Opioids
- The American Family Physician: Risks Associated with Long-Term Benzodiazepine Use
- The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): What are the long-term effects of heroin use
