Mixing Ativan and Alcohol: Dangers and Risks

Mixing alcohol and benzodiazepines like Ativan can lead to several negative health outcomes. While generally safe when taken as prescribed, Ativan can pose potentially serious health risks when mixed with alcohol. Understanding the dangers of mixing alcohol and Ativan and how to seek help for addiction can be an important first step in achieving recovery.

What is Ativan?

Lorazepam, also known by its brand name Ativan, is a medication that falls in the drug category of benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants; they are used to calm an otherwise overexcited central nervous system. As a result, they can cause sedation and muscle relaxation.^1(Abstract) When taken per providers’ instructions, they can be used to manage insomnia, anxiety, and seizure disorders like epilepsy.¹

Like other benzodiazepines, Ativan has a potential for misuse and addiction, which is why drugs in this class are on Schedule IV of the list of controlled substances.^{2(Pg12, bottom)}

Effects of Ativan

Common acute effects of taking Ativan include:^{3, 12}

• Drowsiness.
• Slurred Speech.
• Poor concentration.
• Confusion.
• Dizziness.
• Problems with movement.
• Problems with memory.
• Lowered blood pressure.
• Slowed breathing.

Effects of Alcohol

While it is a commonly used recreational substance, alcohol has the potential for misuse and addiction.^4(top) If consumed in excess, alcohol consumption can cause:^{5, 13}

• Impaired balance and coordination.
• Slurred speech.
• Memory problems or blackouts.
• Impaired judgement, increasing the chance one engages in risky behaviors.
• Increased risk of injuries.
• Nausea or vomiting.

Many short-term effects of alcohol are dose dependent, meaning that the larger the dose the greater the dangers and risks. Binge drinking can be particularly problematic, and increase one’s risk of alcohol poisoning (overdose).¹³ Alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency, and one should contact 911 if they believe they or a loved one is experiencing alcohol poisoning.

Chronic, heavy alcohol consumption can result in more long-term symptoms, potentially including:⁵

• Heart-related problems like high blood pressure, stroke, and irregular heartbeat.
• Fatty liver.
• Different forms of cancer.
• Alcohol addiction.
• Cognition problems.

Health Risks of Drinking Alcohol While Taking Ativan

Given some similar effects that Ativan and alcohol have on the body, combining them can have dangerous consequences. Of particular note, combining alcohol with benzodiazepines like Ativan can result in a slowed heart rate or slowed breathing.¹²

Both alcohol and Ativan have depressant effects on the brain.⁶ When these substances are combined, the effects can be amplified.^{7(Did you know…)} This can result in potentially serious health problems, including:^{7(Table,anxiety&epilepsy)}

• Difficulty breathing.
• Worsening drowsiness and dizziness.
• Unusual behavior.
• Problems with coordination.

Additionally, using alcohol and benzodiazepines at the same time or within two hours of each other further increases the risk for overdose.^{8(Alcohol can increase…)}

Overdose Risk of Alcohol and Ativan

An overdose means that there is more alcohol or Ativan in the body than it can safely handle. This can lead to further worsening of depressant effects, such that it becomes a life-threatening situation.^{9(Overdoses involving benzodiazepines…)} An overdose constitutes a medical emergency, and if your or a loved one is experiencing an alcohol and Ativan overdose, contact 911 emergency services immediately.

Signs of Alcohol & Ativan Overdose

Overdose symptoms from combining alcohol and Ativan may result in oversedation and respiratory distress and can lead to coma or even death. Symptoms can include:^{9, 10}

• Slurred speech.
• Confusion and impaired mental status.
• Slowed or stopped breathing.
• Vomiting.
• Seizrues.
• Slow heart rate.
• Very low body temperature.
• Clammy, blue, or pale skin.

Get Help for Ativan and Alcohol Addiction

It can feel overwhelming if you or a loved one is struggling with controlling their Ativan or alcohol use. However, evidence-based treatment for addiction can yield positive results and improve a person’s quality of life.¹¹

There are a few ways to find an addiction rehab program. One good place to start is by speaking with your primary care provider, since they are familiar with your health history and may be able to refer you to appropriate care.

You may also consider visiting the alcohol.org treatment directory. This online resource allows you to search across the country for alcohol addiction rehabs. The American Addiction Centers (AAC) helpline at is also available to answer questions about alcohol and Ativan addiction, assist with locating suitable treatment centers, and help verify insurance benefits.