Mixing alcohol with diazepam sounds tempting to some, but is it safe? A small 2mg dose might seem harmless, yet even this tiny pill can cause significant problems when paired with alcohol. The effects last longer than most people think, and the risks aren’t worth the gamble. So, how long after taking diazepam can you drink alcohol?
Let’s break it down before you make a risky mistake.
What Happens If You Mix Alcohol with Diazepam?
Both alcohol and diazepam depress the central nervous system (CNS). This can lead to excessive drowsiness, dizziness, slowed breathing, and even loss of consciousness. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), benzodiazepine-related overdoses often involve alcohol.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology in 2025 found that people who combined alcohol with low doses of diazepam experienced:
- Reduced motor coordination
- Slower cognitive function
- Increased risk of accidents
- More severe sedation
Even if you take only 2mg, alcohol can intensify these effects, leading to serious health risks.
Here is a table showing how long 2mg diazepam can stay in your body:
Time After Dose | Diazepam Levels in Body |
---|---|
0–2 hours | Peak effect, strongest sedation |
6–12 hours | Peak effect, most substantial sedation |
24 hours | Still in bloodstream, some sedative effects remain |
48+ hours | Metabolites present, but reduced effects |
This slow breakdown means alcohol can still interact with diazepam even a day later.
When Can I Have Alcohol After 2mg of Diazepam?

The safest approach is to wait until diazepam is fully cleared from your system. Since the drug’s half-life is long, most experts suggest waiting at least 24 to 48 hours before drinking.
The National Health Service (NHS) strongly advises against mixing benzodiazepines with alcohol. The guidance for diazepam use states:
“Can you drink alcohol with diazepam? No, combining alcohol with diazepam increases the risk of sedation, respiratory depression, and overdose.”
This warning applies even if you take a small dose.
Time After Diazepam | Is Alcohol Safe? |
---|---|
0–24 hours | No – High risk of sedation and breathing issues |
24–48 hours | Still unsafe – Drug still active in the system |
48+ hours | Generally safer, but effects may still linger |
If you take diazepam regularly, alcohol should be avoided altogether.
Can I Have a Little Alcohol?
Some people believe that drinking “just a little” alcohol is safe. However, even a single glass of wine or beer can amplify diazepam’s effects. According to Harvard Medical School, even low doses of diazepam mixed with alcohol can cause unpredictable side effects. No amount of alcohol is genuinely safe while diazepam is still active in the body.
Can You Drink Alcohol After 24 Hours?
Some people metabolize diazepam faster than others, but the drug can still affect the CNS 24 hours after taking it. If you have liver issues, are older, or take other medications, the clearance time may be even longer.
A study in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that even after 24 hours, diazepam metabolites remain in the bloodstream. Drinking alcohol at this point may still cause.
For safety, waiting at least 48 hours is recommended.
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Final Thoughts
Mixing alcohol with diazepam, even at a 2mg dose, can be dangerous. The drug stays in the system for a long time, increasing the risk of extreme sedation and breathing problems. Experts suggest waiting at least 48 hours before drinking.
For the safest approach, follow medical advice and avoid alcohol while taking any benzodiazepine. If you have concerns, consult a doctor before drinking.
FAQs
Does eating food reduce the interaction between alcohol and diazepam?
Food can slow the absorption of alcohol but does not prevent the interaction. Even on a full stomach, alcohol and diazepam can cause dangerous side effects when mixed.
I feel fine after taking 2mg of diazepam. Can I drink alcohol now?
Even if you don’t feel drowsy, diazepam is still working in your body. The risk of side effects, such as impaired coordination and slow reactions, remains. Alcohol will amplify these effects, increasing the risk of accidents or breathing problems.
I only take 2mg diazepam occasionally. Does that make drinking alcohol safer?
No, even occasional use does not reduce the risks. The drug’s effects last for hours, and its metabolites remain in the body for days. Even if you take diazepam rarely, it still interacts dangerously with alcohol.
Will drinking water or coffee help flush out diazepam faster?
No, water and coffee do not speed up diazepam metabolism. The liver breaks down the drug, and this process cannot be rushed. Drinking fluids may help with hydration, but they won’t clear the drug from your system any faster.
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