The Center for Substance Abuse Research at the University of Maryland states that benzodiazepines are a commonly prescribed depressant, which reduce the amount of function in the central nervous system, causing a relaxing feeling. Benzodiazepines, like diazepam, while prescribed for anxiety treatment, are often abused. Alcohol is also an abused depressant, leading to alcoholism. Because both alcohol and benzodiazepines act on the same receptor in the brain, they can lead to addiction and severe withdrawal symptoms when abruptly stopped.
Function
Benzodiazepines act on the gamma aminobutyric acid, or GABA, receptor in the brain, which releases the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, according to the Center for Substance Abuse Research. The GABA released by the drug causes either a sedative effect or an anti-anxiety effect. The GABA receptor is the same receptor that alcohol acts upon, thus resulting in similar effects as benzodiazepines.
Signs of Alcoholism
The Mayo Clinic states that an alcoholic becomes psychologically or physically dependent on alcohol. Signs of alcoholism include the person having a compulsion to drink, drinking alone or blacking out from drinking too much alcohol. An alcoholic will also typically deny that he has a problem with alcohol, or become combative when confronted. An alcoholic will also put his drinking before other obligations, and lose interest in activities he once enjoyed.
Effects of Benzodiazepines
Low doses of benzodiazepines can result in drowsiness, confusion, depression, tremors and nausea. A large dosage of benzodiazepines can cause over-sedation, which can result in problems for the user. Many long-term effects of the drug resemble the effects of alcohol, such as slurred speech, impaired thinking, lack of coordination, confusion and disorientation.
Withdrawal Symptoms
The withdrawal symptoms from alcohol and benzodiazepines can be severe, especially if the user is ingesting large quantities of either drug. The Mayo Clinic notes that physical withdrawal symptoms are possible, like shaking, nausea and sweating.
Combining Benzodiazepines and Alcohol
Usually, benzodiazepines are not given to a person with a history of substance abuse, as she is at high risk for becoming addicted. Dr. Hugh Myrick and Dr. Raymond F. Anton, authors of the 1998 National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism article "Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal," state that benzodiazepines can be given to a patient with severe alcohol withdrawal. In monitored doses, benzodiazepines can reduce the severity of the alcohol withdrawal symptoms. If the patient has liver damage, long-acting benzodiazepines can result in further problems, such as coordination issues and confusion. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that while benzodiazepines are the treatment of choice for alcohol withdrawal, addiction to the benzodiazepines is possible. An alternative is acamprosate, which the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration explains is safe for patients with liver damage and does not carry the risk of addiction.
References
- University of Maryland: Benzodiazepines
- Mayo Clinic: Alcoholism Symptoms
- "Alcohol Health & Research World"; Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal; Dr. Hugh Myrick and Dr. Raymond F. Anton; 1998
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Alcoholism Treatment
- SAMHSA: Acamprosate--A New Medication For Alcohol Use Disorders
