Mixing Cocaine And Ativan: Effects And Risks

People that take cocaine recreationally may take it in binges to avoid the negative feelings that happen when the high wears off. Cocaine is also highly addictive because of the dopamine reinforcement pathway that cocaine has on the brain. Ativan is a prescription benzodiazepine that is used to treat symptoms of anxiety and panic disorders. Even when used as directed, people that take Ativan can develop a tolerance and become dependent on the drug.

Mixing a sedative drug like Ativan with a street-level upper can have dangerous results that include heart complications, sudden respiratory failure, addiction and dependence, and death.

Learn more about the dangers of mixing cocaine and benzodiazepines.

Why Do People Mix Cocaine And Ativan?

Some people will take benzodiazepine drugs like Ativan (lorazepam) to ease some withdrawal symptoms of coming down from a cocaine high. Other people might use Ativan as a “downer” component of a “pharmaceutical speedball”, which counteracts certain “upper” effects of cocaine. Some people might take the long-lasting Ativan to stretch out the amount of time they can comfortably use cocaine throughout the day without experiencing a crash.

If the drugs mask the effects of the other too much, then a person may take more cocaine or Ativan to feel its effects more. When too much of either Ativan or cocaine is ingested, it can lead to dangerous immediate overdose symptoms.

Combined Effects Of Ativan And Cocaine

The effects of Ativan and cocaine combined are unpredictable. In general, cocaine provides:

• high energy
• euphoria
• paranoia/anxiety

An Ativan high may result in decreased energy, drowsiness, and lowered anxiety. A person might take cocaine to increase energy from an Ativan high. Conversely, they may take Ativan to lessen anxiety and amplify feelings of euphoria.

Risks Of Mixing Cocaine And Ativan

The risks associated with using cocaine and Ativan together are complicated by unreliable cocaine quality that may contain additives or impurities. Both cocaine and Ativan have the potential for dependence, deadly overdose, and long-term mental health and physical effects.

Increased Risk Of Overdose

When taken to excess, a person that has abused Ativan can experience dangerous reactions. Because Ativan impacts the CNS, important functions like breathing and heart activity can become compromised.

A person that overdoses on Ativan may have symptoms including:

• slowed breathing
• weak heartbeat
• low blood pressure
• coma
• tremors
• confusion
• lethargy
• slurred speech
• death

If a person takes too much cocaine along with Ativan, they may not “feel” some effects of cocaine because of the depressant effects from Ativan. Still, a cocaine overdose can occur when used with Ativan.

Some effects of a cocaine overdose include:

• chest pain
• seizures
• rapid or labored breathing
• high blood pressure
• heart arrhythmia
• heart dysrhythmia
• high body temperature

Combined, a person may experience extremes that range from heart attack and stroke from cocaine overdose to respiratory depression, low blood pressure, coma, and death from an Ativan overdose.

Long-Term Physical Damage

Both cocaine and Ativan can cause long-term damage to the body in part due to the stress placed on the cardiovascular system.

Other long-term effects may include:

• stroke
• seizures
• permanent heart damage
• shortness of breath
• low blood pressure
• kidney failure

These drugs can take a heavy toll on the body, particularly the cardiovascular system, leading to serious health problems that may have a lasting impact on a person’s quality of life. It’s crucial to recognize the dangers of substance abuse and seek help before the damage becomes irreversible. If you or someone you know has a cocaine or Ativan addiction, remember that recovery is possible, and there are resources available to support you.

Long-Term Mental Health And Neurological Damage

When cocaine is taken over the course of years, with or without other drugs, it can create lasting brain damage that may result in psychosis, depression, memory loss, and chronic anxiety. Ativan abuse increases the possibility of permanent brain damage due to low oxygen in the brain and other effects from CNS depression. Permanent effects can include memory loss, confusion, anxiety, disorientation, and learning troubles.

Developing A Cocaine Or Ativan Addiction

Both cocaine and benzodiazepines like Ativan are habit-forming. People that regularly take cocaine and Ativan (together or separately) can develop both Ativan and cocaine addiction. When a person begins to rely on Ativan to ease symptoms of cocaine “comedown” it may ultimately result in dependence.

Additionally, the person may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when Ativan is not in the system. Stopping the use of both or either drug is difficult. When taken together regularly, it only makes treatment more complicated.

Getting Help For Polysubstance Abuse

Polysubstance abuse, which means using more than one drug at a time, can be very dangerous. When people mix drugs like cocaine and Ativan, the risks of addiction and overdose go up. If you or someone you know is struggling with polysubstance abuse, it’s important to get help as soon as possible.

Here are some key points to remember:

• Cocaine and Ativan can be highly addictive on their own, but when used together, the risk of addiction and serious health problems is even greater.
• Taking too much of either drug or combining them can lead to overdose and even death.
• Recovery from benzos (like Ativan) and cocaine addiction is possible, and it can make a big difference in your life.
• There are many resources available to help you or your loved one get started on the path to recovery.

If you’re looking for help with polysubstance abuse, there are several steps you can take. You can browse our directory to find treatment centers and support groups in your area. You can also contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for more information about addiction recovery and to find help near you. Another option is to talk to your doctor or a mental health professional about your situation and the best treatment options for you.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff