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. 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.
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
Other Outpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehab Locations
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.
