Why Mixing Ambien and Alcohol Is a Deadly Risk and How to Avoid It

By We Level Up | Author Alex Evans, PharmD, MBA | Editorial Policy | Research Policy

What Happens When You Mix Ambien and Alcohol?

Mixing Ambien and alcohol might seem tempting, but it is not recommended. This combination can be very dangerous and cause many bad reactions. Some of the potential risks include slowed breathing, heart problems, extreme drowsiness, memory loss, hallucinations, and even coma.

Combining Ambien and alcohol can lead to an increased risk of overdose due to their mingled effects. It can also lead to a higher risk of physical harm or death as the user may become less alert or conscious. Also, using both together can greatly hurt a person’s motor skills and coordination. This makes activities like driving dangerous. For these reasons, it is strongly recommended to avoid mixing Ambien and alcohol altogether.

Ambien and Alcohol Key Takeaways

• Professional treatment is available — combining medical detox, therapy, and long-term recovery support.
• Mixing Ambien (zolpidem) with alcohol significantly increases the risk of respiratory depression, accidents, and overdose.
• Both substances are central nervous system (CNS) depressants; when combined, their sedative effects multiply.
• Warning signs include confusion, impaired coordination, slowed breathing, and loss of consciousness.
• Long-term misuse may lead to dependence, withdrawal complications, and severe health risks.

What Is Ambien?

Ambien (Zolpidem) is a non-benzodiazepine medicine. It is mainly used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. This medicine helps patients who have trouble falling asleep. It improves sleep latency and duration measures and reduces the number of awakenings in patients with transient insomnia. [1] It also improves sleep quality in patients with chronic insomnia and can act as a minor muscle relaxant. [2]

How is Ambien Abused?

Many people misuse Ambien by taking more than prescribed to help them sleep when they are tolerant of it. Others abuse it by taking it and purposefully staying awake. The drug produces a euphoric, out-of-body effect, accompanied by strange behavior and short-term memory loss. Ambien abuse side effects can damage a person’s health and lead to physical dependence and addiction. Ambien may be used as a sleep aid or a euphoric drug by people who take it and intentionally stay awake. Either form of abuse can lead to physical dependence and addiction and increase a person’s risk of overdose.

Ambien and Alcohol Interaction

Combining alcohol and Ambien can be dangerous. Combining these two substances can cause side effects. These include poor judgment, coordination difficulties, and breathing problems. There is also a higher risk of overdose.

Combining Ambien and alcohol can also cause a person to become very drowsy and confused. As a result, activities such as driving, operating machinery, and engaging in risky behavior should be avoided. Additionally, combining Ambien and alcohol can worsen the depressant effects of both substances, leading to further impairment. Lastly, alcohol can make it harder for the body to process Ambien’s active ingredient, zolpidem. This can increase the risk of overdose and other negative reactions.

It is important to avoid combining these two substances, as it can be dangerous and even fatal. SAMHSA recommends seeking treatment for individuals who are misusing any type of drug, including Ambien.

Zolpidem / Ambien Abuse Statistics

The World Health Organization (WHO) found that zolpidem abuse and dependence are similar to benzodiazepines. On July 15, 2002, zolpidem, known as Ambien, was moved to Schedule IV of the 1971 Convention. This schedule includes drugs that can cause dependence, like benzodiazepines. This convention aims to control both traffic and abuse of psychotropics. Prescribers should consider the possibility of Ambien addiction and withdrawal symptoms when starting patients on this drug. Without proper management, significant drug interactions may occur.

It is reported that more than 500,000 people in the USA are misusing Ambien and similar sedatives. This information comes from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

Approximately 38 million prescriptions for Zolpidem drugs were written between 2006 and 2011, according to IMS Health. Source: SAMSHA.

The number of emergency room visits related to Ambien rose by almost 220% from 2005 to 2010. In 2010, there were up to 19,487 visits, according to SAMHSA reports. Source SAMSHA.

Several treatment options are effective for prescription drug abuse treatment. Encourage your friend or loved one to talk to their doctor or a treatment counselor about using alcohol treatment programs, substance abuse treatment, relapse prevention, or support groups as part of their recovery.

Can you die from Ambien and Alcohol?

A combination of Ambien and alcohol can be deadly. Alcohol and Ambien’s effects become enhanced when taken together. The user may lose consciousness or have a big drop in alertness or coordination. This raises the risk of overdose or a fatal accident. Therefore, it is best to avoid mixing alcohol and Ambien altogether.

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Ambien and Alcohol Abuse Statistics

If you or someone you know has a substance use disorder, it is important to make a sobriety plan quickly. An inpatient treatment program provides a safe way to detox from Ambien and alcohol. This is the first step before starting individual and group therapy.

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You shouldn’t try to share your Ambien prescription with anyone else. Even if that individual suffers the same symptoms, giving them your Ambien may be dangerous. For instance, dosages for men are higher than they are for women. Children should never take this medication because they may suffer dangerous side effects. Your doctor has prescribed a formulation and dosage appropriate for you, not someone else.

One big issue in alcoholism treatment is when people mix alcohol with other drugs. This can happen on purpose or by accident. It often leads to physical harm and sometimes overdose. Many people do not know that mixing prescription drugs with alcohol can be dangerous. This includes drugs like Ambien. It can cause serious reactions in the body. Mixing prescription drugs with alcohol is risky. In some cases, people who abuse drugs may mix alcohol and medication on purpose. They do this to feel good or to treat issues like anxiety or insomnia. Often, they do not check with a doctor first to understand the risks.

Physical Side Effects of Ambien With Alcohol

How long after drinking can I take Ambien? Ambien after drinking alcohol is never safe at all since the hangover can last up to 24 hours. Ambien can negatively interact with several other substances. One of these dangerous interactions is with alcohol and Ambien. Ambien and alcohol can have several side effects and potentially dangerous interactions when combined. Alcohol can make the side effects of Ambien worse. Once you take both, it is hard to control how they will affect you.

Potential physical side effects of mixing Ambien and alcohol include:

Taking Ambien alone can result in several side effects, especially if someone takes a higher dose than required. Medical professionals do not recommend taking Ambien unless one can get at least seven hours of sleep. Ambien can cause strong effects the following day after taking it. Individuals taking this medication and not getting enough sleep should not operate machinery or motor vehicles. Alcohol can exacerbate all of these side effects and more. People who mix Ambien and alcohol are at a higher risk. They are more than twice as likely to need medical help. This is compared to those who only take Ambien.

Withdrawal Symptoms Of Ambien And Alcohol 

People who take Ambien in higher doses than prescribed may become addicted. They might also have withdrawal symptoms when they stop using it. It can lead to permanent damage to the respiratory system and liver. This can also have long-lasting effects on the individual’s cognitive state. 

Ambien withdrawal symptoms usually start within 48 hours after the last dose. They end within a week or two. It is important to know that Ambien’s withdrawal symptoms can get worse if a person drinks alcohol while taking it.  The symptoms of withdrawal may include:

As mentioned above, Ambien was created for the short-term treatment of insomnia. It is not designed for long-term or chronic insomnia. Its calming effects can cause rebound insomnia. This happens if the brain depends on the drug to fall asleep and relax. The psychological withdrawal symptoms, such as panic attacks and anxiety, could last longer than the physical withdrawal symptoms.

People experiencing acute alcohol withdrawal could experience severe withdrawal symptoms in the first few weeks after they stop drinking. At this point, the person is at high risk for delirium tremens (DTs). They may temporarily lose consciousness or have seizures. All of these can be fatal if not treated by medical professionals.

The Science on Ambien and Alcohol Interaction

Mixing Ambien (zolpidem) with alcohol is dangerous. Both depress the nervous system, increasing risks of memory loss, slowed breathing, and overdose. Even small amounts of alcohol can amplify Ambien’s effects. Avoid combining them and consult a healthcare provider for safe alternatives

How We Level Up Turns Research Into Real Recovery

Here at We Level Up, we turn research into real-world guidance. Our programs focus on safety, education, and care, grounded in evidence-based practices. We help our clients manage harmful side effects in a supervised setting. We also support them in building healthy habits for life.

What This Means for Your Care at We Level Up Treatment Centers

These studies send a clear message: mixing Ambien (zolpidem) with alcohol can be extremely dangerous. At We Level Up, we use this research to guide our care. This includes safe medication management, proven therapies, and overall support. Our team helps clients reduce risks, address sleep issues safely, and regain control over their health. Ready to take the next step? Contact We Level Up Treatment Centers for a free, private assessment. We will create a personalized plan just for you, based on the latest research.

Ambien And Alcohol Blackout

Despite the benefits for individuals suffering from insomnia, Ambien’s dangers can be significant or deadly. Quite often, there are cases dubbed “Ambien blackouts” that happen, and Ambien can cause a range of other adverse side effects.

Ambien blackouts can be very scary, but they’re not entirely uncommon with the use of this prescription drug. Many people have shared stories about doing things like cooking or having sex while on Ambien. They often have no memory of it the next day.

Sleepwalking (somnambulance) and sleep eating are also common when under the influence of Ambien. When users combine Ambien and alcohol, these risks are even more significant. The risk of an Ambien and alcohol blackout is very dangerous. This is especially true if people drive while on Ambien.

There have even been serious crimes committed during which people say they were using Ambien and claim to have no memory of what happened. The risk of an Ambien blackout is highest in people who take the drug and don’t go straight to bed.

Ambien And Alcohol Liver Damage 

Mixing Ambien and alcohol can cause severe and permanent liver damage over time. It can also cause liver cancer, alcoholic hepatitis, and alcoholic cirrhosis. Ambien and alcohol abuse can harm the respiratory system. This may cause a weak heart, an irregular heartbeat, or breathing problems. 

Problems associated with concurrent abuse of Ambien and alcohol include:

Ambien Liver Damage

How to make Ambien more potent? Ambien alcohol interaction is real. Combining alcohol with some medicines can lead to falls and serious injuries, especially among older people. [4] According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, Ambien has rarely been reported to cause clinically apparent liver injury. However, when Ambien is misused with other drugs or alcohol, its dangerous side effects can become worse. At the same time, the drug also amplifies the health risks of drinking alcohol.

Ambien And Alcohol Overdose 

Sometimes, people mix drugs with alcohol to get a specific effect. For example, some people combine sleep aids and alcohol to sleep more soundly. This is a misunderstanding. Sleep deprivation from drinking too much alcohol is not normal. The person does not have a regular, restful sleep cycle. If this is done with Ambien, it can result in dangerous behaviors or potential overdose.

Others may use the two together to experience a euphoric or hallucinatory effect. This type of drug abuse can have its risks, especially if it is done regularly. There are physical and behavioral risks. There is also a chance that a person may develop an addiction to one or both substances. This can lead to continued use, abuse, and a risk of overdose.

Overdose Symptoms

Too much alcohol causes alcohol poisoning, and too much Ambien can result in an overdose. Taking both Ambien and liquor at the same time increases these risks exponentially.

Symptoms of alcohol poisoning:

In severe alcohol poisoning:

• Breathing ceases totally
• Hypothermia
• May have a heart attack

• May choke on their vomit
• Brain damage from severe dehydration
• Seizures due to low sugar level

Symptoms of Ambien overdose:

• Very tired
• Lightheaded
• Hallucinations
• Mentally confused
• Loss of memory

• Drowsy
• Falling
• Unable to work, understand, or drive
• Shallow breathing
• Slow heart rate

Ambien and Alcohol Death

Alcohol is one of the most prevalent drugs combined with Ambien, which can cause death. Taking Ambien with alcohol is too risky. Even normal doses can lead to sleep-driving and other dangerous behaviors. Not drinking alcohol is the only way to stay safe while taking Ambien. Overdose or lethal dose of these two can lead to the deathbed. Due to extreme effects like slow breathing and heart rate, you can be unconscious or have a coma that can cause death.

Lethal Dose of Ambien

The safety of using prescription drugs with other substances depends on several factors. These include the types of medications, dosages, and other substance use, like alcohol. Individual health factors also play a role. Patients should talk to their healthcare provider. They need to know if they can safely use their prescription drugs with other substances. This includes other prescription medications, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs.

Ambien and drinking alcohol are potent drugs by themselves. Ambien can be misused in two ways. It may be used long-term without a doctor’s advice. It can also be taken for recreational purposes to feel a “high.”

Talk with your doctor if you think you may have an issue with prescription drug use, such as Ambien addiction. You may feel ashamed to talk about it — but remember that medical professionals are qualified to help you, not judge you. It’s easier to tackle the problem early before it becomes an addiction and leads to more serious issues.

Treatment For Ambien And Alcohol

Alcohol is the most abused addictive substance in America. More than 17 million people in the United States struggle with alcohol addiction. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) [3] reports that over 1.5 million American adults are currently abusing a prescription drug.

Mixing Ambien and alcohol magnifies the side effects and may promote repeated use. There are many options to help someone stop using Ambien and alcohol. These options can help avoid serious side effects from using multiple substances. Many Ambien users respond well to residential rehab programs. 

If you are experiencing Ambien and alcohol addiction, you must first get an accurate assessment of all the symptoms. A mental health professional may find that another mental condition is present. This condition may need special treatment. Very often, some combination of psychotherapy, medication, or lifestyle changes is effective for coping with functional issues. 

1. Medically-Assisted Detox

How long does Ambien withdrawal last? A typical dose of Ambien is 5 mg daily. But many people addicted to Ambien take far larger doses, often 10-20 mg daily, and in some cases, hundreds. One case study described a woman who struggled with severe withdrawal from taking 160 mg of Ambien daily. Most people will feel better after two weeks. The worst withdrawal symptoms usually happen between days 3 and 5.

Medical detox is often considered the first stage of treatment. It will help you manage the tough process of Ambien and alcohol withdrawal. However, it does not cover the thoughts and behaviors that lead to drug use. Different treatment methods and environments can offer the support you need to stay sober after detox.

Cravings are very common during detox and can be challenging to overcome. This often leads to relapse. Constant medical care provided during inpatient treatment helps prevent relapse. Clinicians can provide the necessary medication and medical expertise to lessen cravings and the effects of withdrawal.

2. Psychotherapy 

Several different modalities of psychotherapy have been used in the treatment of mental health disorders along with addiction, including:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – An effective treatment that involves changing both the patterns of negative thoughts and the behavioral routines that are affecting the daily life of the depressed person for various forms of depression.
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy – A comprehensive mental health and substance abuse treatment program whose ultimate goal is to aid patients in their efforts to build a life worth living. The main goal of DBT is to help a person develop what is referred to as a “clear mind.” 
• Person-Centered Therapy – A strategy that allows and encourages clients to understand and resolve their concerns in a safe, supportive environment.
• Solution–Therapy – is an approach interested in solutions that can be quickly implemented with a simple first step leading to further positive consequences.

3. Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Drug abuse and mental health disorders often co-occur. In many cases, traumatic experiences can result in mental health disorders and substance abuse. Dual diagnosis rehabilitation treats both of these issues together. The best approach for the treatment of dual diagnosis is an integrated system. This strategy treats both the substance abuse problem and the mental disorder simultaneously. Long-term recovery relies on treatment. It doesn’t matter if the first diagnosis was a mental health or substance abuse problem. Both disorders must be treated by the same team or provider.

4. Medication-Assisted Treatments

Medication-Assisted Treatments (MAT) for substance use and mental health disorders are commonly used in conjunction with one another. This includes the use of medications and other medical procedures. During your rehab, the staff will help you find out what caused your addiction. They will teach you skills to change your behavior and challenge the negative thoughts that led to your addiction. Sometimes, the stress and problems in your life make you turn to substances to help you forget for a while.

 Contact one of our helpful treatment specialists today. If you or a loved one is struggling with long-term drug abuse, we can help. This includes issues like depression and Ambien, and alcohol abuse. We Level Up can provide information on dual diagnosis and detox programs that may fit your specific needs.

Get Help for Ambien and Alcohol Risks

At We Level Up Treatment Centers, we provide personalized, medically informed care to keep you safe. Our programs include evidence-based therapy, aftercare, and ongoing support. Reach out today because recovery is possible, and you don’t have to face it alone.

5 Popular Ambien And Alcohol Frequently Asked Questions