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Understanding the Risks of Mixing Xanax and Heroin

Man outside looking serious

Both heroin and Xanax work as central nervous system depressants.

That means both drugs can induce feelings of calm and well being (which is why people take them), but they can also have much more serious—and detrimental—effects beyond just the threat of addiction.

What Happens When You Use Heroin and Xanax Together?

Before we answer this question, it’s important to point out that there is no safe amount of heroin to consume, especially since fentanyl-laced heroin hit the scene.

Xanax, on the other hand, is a prescription drug that can be safe when prescribed by a doctor and taken exactly as directed. It should never be crushed or chewed, for example and should be taken at the time and in the amount prescribed by your doctor.

Combining the two drugs is extremely risky—and can be life threatening. Heroin, as we said, is a depressant. In particular, heroin can cause slow and shallow breathing, coma and death. Because Xanax is also a depressant, taking both drugs at the same time increases the likelihood of breathing simply stopping altogether.

Heroin and Xanax Overdose Symptoms

Signs of a heroin and/or Xanax overdose include the following:

• Slow breathing or no breathing
• Cannot be woken up or extreme drowsiness
• Chocking, coughing or gurgling sounds
• Dizziness or disorientation
• Discoloration of lips and nails
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Confusion
• Fainting
• Muscle Weakness

What’s important to remember is that there is a way to break free from both anxiety and addiction. Even more importantly, there is a way to live the life you always wanted.

Launching Your Recovery at The Raleigh House

At The Raleigh House, getting you off heroin or Xanax is only half our goal. The other half is to teach you how to live a full and good life without numbing yourself to the challenges of life. When you walk through our doors, our first goal is to make you feel safe and comfortable. You’re then assigned your own master’s level therapist who will work with you to come up with a plan for rehab—and to rebuild your life. Contact us today to learn more about the heroin addiction treatment program at The Raleigh House.