Polysubstance Use: Xanax and Pot
The relationship between Xanax and pot has not been fully studied. In fact, there is little to no research regarding the interactions between the two substances. They are both central nervous system depressants and work by slowing down messaging between the brain and body. Xanax and cannabis are also very commonly used substances. Xanax is often prescribed to clinically treat symptoms of anxiety. Cannabis, or pot, is also used as a tool to help treat symptoms of anxiety.
Research has found that separately, when used in low doses, it can lower feelings of anxiety and induce feelings of relaxation and euphoria. But at a higher dose, it can worsen anxiety, cause paranoia, cause extreme sedation and rapidly increase heart rate. When taken together, the risks of taking Xanax and the risks of taking cannabis can be amplified.
Anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental health conditions and affect an estimated 40 million adults every year. When it comes to managing stress and anxiety, it is a priority for many people due to our evolving and fast-paced culture. It is very common to turn to medications such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. Others turn to alternative substances such as cannabis.
Xanax and pot are both legal substances and are often used to treat symptoms of stress and anxiety. They are often used separately, but in some cases, they are used alongside one another. In this case, how the drugs interact with each other will depend on factors such as individual metabolism, tolerance to the drug and the dosage of the drugs they are taking.
What is Xanax and how does it work?
Xanax is a prescription benzodiazepine that is used to treat symptoms of anxiety disorder and panic disorder. The central nervous system depressant also goes by its generic name, alprazolam. It impacts the central nervous system by enhancing the effect of GABA chemicals in the brain. Xanax boosts the signals from the GABA neurotransmitters to send out a calming message to the brain. This helps reduce feelings of stress, anxiety and panic.
According to the National Institute of Health, an estimated 12.5% of adults in the US use benzos like Xanax. This equates to about 30 million people in total. Common side effects of Xanax include severe drowsiness, dizziness, slowed breathing and difficulty staying awake. Xanax should be avoided with other depressant drugs such as alcohol and other benzos because it can exacerbate sedative effects. This includes mixing with cannabis. Mixing two depressant drugs can heighten the risk for adverse effects including dependence and addiction.
What is Cannabis and how does it work?
Marijuana, weed and pot are all different names for cannabis. It is a psychedelic substance that can be smoked or orally ingested. Pot mostly contains the psychoactive compound called THC. THC mimics the endocannabinoids that the body naturally produces to send messages throughout the system. The endocannabinoid system is composed of receptors that help regulate a variety of important internal processes, including feelings of stress and anxiety.
Some people use marijuana to aid in managing anxiety. Some common side effects of cannabis use include altered cognitive function, impaired judgment, changes in mood, feelings of euphoria, anxiousness, paranoia, slower movement and response time, altered sense of reality, hunger, temporary memory problems, increased heart rate and slurred speech. When taken in high doses or excessively, cannabis can have an opposite effect and worsen mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Polysubstance Use: Xanax and Pot
Because Xanax and pot are both central nervous system depressants, mixing them together should be avoided. Combining any two depressants together is a bad idea. Also known as polysubstance abuse. Mixing the two substances can lead to unpredictable effects and make it even more difficult to manage your anxiety and mental health.
They produce similar side effects and can enhance the dangers of sedation, which can lead to respiratory depression or even organ shutdown. Both drugs impact cognitive functioning, making it more difficult to think clearly, focus and make decisions. Prolonged use of either drug or both drugs combined can lead to more mental health complications. In some cases, people take the two depressant substances to self-manage their anxiety. However, it can worsen the symptoms.
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Possible side effects of Xanax and Pot
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Slurred speech
- Confusion and paranoia
- Slowed motor control
- Impaired judgment
- Increased sedation
- Respiratory depression
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurry vision
- Hallucinations
- Aggressive thoughts or behaviors
- Lowered heart rate
- Overdose and addiction
- Worsen symptoms of anxiety and panic
How to treat or manage Xanax and Pot
If you have already taken both drugs together, there are a few ways to combat the adverse effects or manage them safely.
- Stick to a low dose for both Xanax and cannabis
- Do not lie down
- Choose a safe setting to use your substances
- Do not do it alone
- Stay hydrated
- Do not do it often
- Do not throw other substances into the mix
Reach out to Hotel California by the Sea
We specialize in treating addiction and other co-occurring disorders, such as PTSD. Our Admissions specialists are available to walk you through the best options for treating your addiction.
Treatment for Polysubstance Abuse
Xanax and pot are both commonly used and commonly abused central nervous system depressant drugs. Because both are legal, the drugs can be easily obtained and often used together to self-treat generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. However, using them together can go as far as counteracting the effects of the Xanax medication in those who are using it to treat their anxiety.
There is very little clinically proven evidence that using both drugs together is effective in treating and managing symptoms of anxiety. It can create an opposite effect and cause the development of addiction to one or both drugs. It doesn’t take long for the drug use of both to become out of control and develop into an addiction.
Behavioral health treatment programs such as Hotel California by the Sea provide substance use disorder and polysubstance use disorder. We offer treatment at all levels of care including detox, residential, PHP and IOP. We utilize evidence-based treatment methods including CBT, DBT, EMDR therapy and family therapy. Hotel California by the Sea is dedicated to helping clients reach their goals in sobriety and overcome their substance addiction.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/xanax-and-weed
https://revivalmentalhealth.com/blog/xanax-and-weed-understanding-risks
https://leafwell.com/blog/xanax-and-weed
https://www.nuggmd.com/blog/the-interactions-between-xanax-and-thc
https://fherehab.com/learning/combining-xanax-weed
https://www.veriheal.com/blog/can-should-you-combine-xanax-alprazolam-and-cannabis/