Panic attacks and alcohol

[Raven]

What I find most worrisome with the combined use of alcohol and benzos is that:

• A couple of Alp's or V's can make a hang-over go away fast, at least for me. I'm not a hard drinker... not even close, but I do occasionally need to deal with the after-effects of a solid recreational buzzfest.
  
• Benzos decrease your inhibitions. You may wake-up and say "I'm staying clean today, absolutely no booze", then take your daily therapeutic benzo dose and suddenly find yourself not feeling bad about a little partying tonight.
  
• Benzos and booze work on your brain in exactly the same manner (non-professional opinion). Early on I realized this, I recognized that I was falling into a trap and I'm glad I did. If you combine use of these substances you will find that your need for an extra beer (or whatever octane you consume) is almost exactly in sync with your need for an extra tab. Tolerance for one substance seems to build tolerance for the other. It's a recipe for disaster which, fortunately, scared me stupid.
  

If you are here, then most likely you have assumed responsibility for maintaining the checks and balances that are required for controlling the use of these substances. Be smart about it and live a good life.

Black Bird