Last Updated on October 1, 2025
Alcohol and Ativan (Lorazepam): What Happens When They Mix—and Safer Paths Forward
Table of Contents
Key takeaways
- There’s no safe amount of alcohol to drink while taking Ativan/lorazepam—the combo can slow breathing, impair coordination and memory, and in severe cases lead to overdose.
- Mixing two depressants (alcohol + lorazepam) amplifies sedation and blackout risk; crashes and falls go up.
- After your last dose, some guidance recommends waiting at least 72 hours before drinking; others cite 48 hours—talk with your prescriber about your regimen and risks.
- Long‑term daily use of lorazepam isn’t recommended for most people; dependence and withdrawal are well‑documented risks.
- If there are overdose signs (can’t wake, slow/irregular breathing, blue lips/skin), call emergency services immediately.
Read More About Addiction and Mental Health
If you’re prescribed Ativan for anxiety and you’re wondering whether a drink is “okay,” you’re not alone. Here’s what the evidence—and front‑line clinicians—consistently say about alcohol and Ativan (and alcohol and lorazepam).
What is Ativan (Lorazepam)?
How it works
Ativan (generic: lorazepam) is a benzodiazepine. It enhances the calming neurotransmitter GABA, reducing overactivity in the brain to ease acute anxiety, panic, and pre‑procedure stress. That same “slowing” is what becomes dangerous when alcohol is added.
Why it’s usually short‑term
Because of tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal risks, authoritative sources recommend short courses under medical supervision and exploring longer‑term anxiety options (e.g., SSRIs/SNRIs and cognitive‑behavioral therapy).
Why alcohol and lorazepam are a high‑risk combination
Double depressant effect
Both substances slow the central nervous system. Learn how CNS depressants work. Together, they magnify sedation, reaction‑time delays, and respiratory depression (slowed or ineffective breathing). That’s why clinicians advise not to combine them at all.
Memory gaps, blackouts, and accidents
Alcohol already impairs judgment and memory; benzodiazepines can add anterograde amnesia (not forming new memories). Driving risk and fall risk increase, especially when doses are changing or you’re new to the medication. Read more on why benzodiazepines and alcohol don’t mix.
Short‑ and long‑term risks when you mix
Short‑term (same night or next morning)
- Extreme sleepiness, dizziness, fainting, and slowed breathing
- Slurred speech, poor coordination, blackouts
- Greater likelihood of injuries and car crashes
These are among the most consistently reported hazards across medical and pharmacy sources.
Long‑term (weeks to months)
- Dependence and withdrawal risk with ongoing benzodiazepine use
- Worsening depression/anxiety with alcohol use; mood instability overall
- Cognitive issues (concentration/processing) that may persist for some people
Guidelines and regulators highlight these risks and urge careful, time‑limited prescribing.
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Overdose: signs and what to do
What overdose can look like
- Difficult or slow breathing; snoring or gurgling that doesn’t improve when repositioned
- Can’t be awakened, or only briefly rouses and collapses again
- Blue or very pale lips/skin; slow heart rate; severe confusion
Why mixed overdoses are so risky
A benzodiazepine alone rarely causes life‑threatening respiratory arrest; adding alcohol changes the picture, dramatically increasing the chance of airway compromise and the need for ventilation. Emergency care focuses on supportive measures; reversal agents like flumazenil are not routine and can be dangerous in dependent users.
“How long after Ativan can I drink?”
Practical timing guidance
Because lorazepam hangs around for a while, GoodRx advises waiting ~3 days after your last dose before having alcohol. Some clinical rehab sources advise at least 48 hours (based on available data and caution). Individual factors—dose, frequency, liver health, other meds—matter, so ask your prescriber for a personalized plan.
Bottom line: if you’re taking lorazepam today (or took it yesterday), do not drink today. If you’ve been on it regularly, discuss any plans to drink with your clinician first.
Addiction & mental health: what this combo does to recovery
When anxiety relief backfires
Alcohol can worsen anxiety and depression symptoms, especially the next day, undermining the very reason lorazepam was prescribed. That can trap people in a “relief → rebound” cycle that strains mental health and relationships.
Who is at higher risk
- People with a history of alcohol use disorder
- Those using other sedatives/opioids
- Older adults or anyone with sleep apnea or lung disease
For these groups, clinicians are especially firm about avoiding alcohol while on lorazepam.
Safer options you can ask about
- Therapies: Cognitive‑behavioral therapy (CBT), skills‑based anxiety treatments
- Medications: SSRIs/SNRIs, buspirone, hydroxyzine (note: alcohol can still worsen sedation with some of these)
- Lifestyle supports: Sleep hygiene, exercise, structured coping plans
Your GP/psychiatrist can help you transition off short‑term benzos and into longer‑term treatments with better safety profiles.
Alcohol and Ativan Treatment
Nova Recovery Center provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals struggling with alcohol and Ativan (lorazepam) misuse. The center offers medically supervised detox programs that help clients manage withdrawal symptoms safely and comfortably. Through evidence-based therapies, clients learn to address both the physical dependence and the underlying mental health conditions that contribute to substance use. The program emphasizes long-term recovery, equipping individuals with coping strategies, life skills, and relapse prevention tools. With personalized treatment plans and a strong peer
What You’re Really Asking About Alcohol and Ativan/Lorazepam
Can I mix Ativan (lorazepam) and alcohol safely?
No — mixing these two is not safe. Both Ativan and alcohol depress your central nervous system, and taken together they amplify sedation, slow breathing, and increase the risk of overdose, blackouts, and accidents.
What specific dangers do I face from combining them?
Combining Ativan and alcohol can cause extreme drowsiness, dizziness, memory loss, slowed heart rate, difficulty breathing, and in some cases coma or even death.
Is even one or two drinks too much when taking Ativan?
Yes. There is no safe amount of alcohol while on Ativan. Even minimal alcohol can unpredictably increase sedation and respiratory suppression, making any drink risky.
How long should I wait after stopping Ativan before drinking alcohol?
Ativan has a half-life of roughly 14 hours, meaning it takes multiple days to fully clear. Experts generally recommend waiting at least 2–3 days after your last dose before consuming alcohol, and always check with your doctor first.
Is drinking alcohol safer with non-benzodiazepine anxiety meds like SSRIs?
While risks are lower, mixing alcohol with other anxiety medications (such as SSRIs, SNRIs, buspirone, or hydroxyzine) can still cause drowsiness, dizziness, liver strain, or affect medication effectiveness. It’s best to avoid alcohol if possible or consult your provider.
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Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Ativan (lorazepam), alcohol, and other prescription medications must only be used under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider. Do not begin, stop, or change any medication or alcohol use without first consulting your doctor. If you experience severe side effects, withdrawal symptoms, or thoughts of self-harm, call 911 in the United States or seek emergency medical care right away. For immediate mental health support, dial 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.
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- “Alcohol-Medication Interactions: Potentially Dangerous Mixes.” National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, 8 May 2025, https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/health-professionals-communities/core-resource-on-alcohol/alcohol-medication-interactions-potentially-dangerous-mixes. Accessed 22 Sept. 2025.
- “The Dangers of Mixing Lorazepam and Alcohol.” Cleveland Clinic, 12 Mar. 2025, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/lorazepam-and-alcohol. Accessed 22 Sept. 2025.
- Jones, Christopher M., et al. “Alcohol Involvement in Opioid Pain Reliever and Benzodiazepine Drug Abuse–Related Emergency Department Visits and Drug-Related Deaths — United States, 2010.” Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vol. 63, no. 40, 2014, pp. 881-885, https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6340a1.htm. Accessed 22 Sept. 2025.
- N Ghiasi. “Lorazepam.” StatPearls, 2024, NCBI Bookshelf, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532890/. Accessed 22 Sept. 2025.
