Cocaine is an incredibly powerful stimulant on its own, but when combined with other substances, the effects can be serious. When someone seeking a more intense high combines cocaine with another stimulant or, conversely, attempts to temper the stimulating impact of the substance, they can do themselves great harm. Polysubstance abuse such as this, puts people at risk of mental and physical health problems.
If you or someone you know is engaging in polysubstance abuse, it’s time to reach out for help. At My 5 Palms, we offer comprehensive cocaine rehab in Florida that can address the needs of those with co-occurring addictions. To learn more about our whole-person approach to healing from addiction, reach out at 1.844.675.1022.
What Is Polysubstance Abuse?
Polysubstance abuse means that a person is misusing more than one substance at a time. “Poly-” simply means multiple or many, and a person engaging in polysubstance abuse may be drinking alcohol while taking a prescription or recreational drug. It’s also possible that someone is combining uppers and downers—stimulants and depressants—to self-medicate an undiagnosed mental health condition, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety.
In some cases, a person may take a doctor-prescribed substance like Adderall for ADHD but also consume alcohol or benzodiazepines when they wish to relax.
But what if a person is prescribed more than one medication by their doctor? Does that count as polysubstance abuse? The distinguishing factor is the word “abuse.” This refers to a person using a substance in a way other than as advised by their doctor, such as:
- Taking larger doses of a medication than prescribed
- Taking medication more frequently than advised
- Taking medication recreationally or without a valid prescription
When referring to alcohol, abuse refers to consuming larger than moderate amounts. For men, this would mean drinking more than two drinks per day or more than 14 per week. For women, this would entail drinking more than one serving of alcohol per day or more than seven per week.
What Happens If You Mix Cocaine and Alcohol?
As mentioned, using cocaine and alcohol together would constitute polysubstance abuse. This practice only increases the dangers of either substance on its own. Some potential dangers of mixing cocaine and alcohol include:
Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Problems
The stimulating effects of cocaine can raise your heart rate and blood pressure. On the other hand, alcohol’s depressant effects can slow the heart rate. When combined, cocaine and alcohol can place undue stress on the heart, leading to an increased risk of stroke, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular complications.
Liver Damage
The liver is responsible for processing toxins that enter the body. Cocaine and alcohol can place added strain on this vital organ, leading to liver damage, cirrhosis, and other serious liver conditions.
Impaired Cognitive Function
Cocaine and alcohol can both interfere with healthy cognitive function on their own. But when used simultaneously, the effects are magnified, leading to impaired judgment and coordination. You may be more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as driving under the influence.
Increased Tolerance
Over time, your body can adapt to the dose of cocaine and alcohol, so the substances will no longer impart the same effects. You would need to take higher doses to achieve the desired effects, which will amplify the dangers associated with polysubstance abuse.
Increased Risk of Overdose and Addiction
As your tolerance builds, taking larger doses of cocaine and alcohol together can make you vulnerable to an overdose, which can be fatal. You may also become psychologically and physically addicted to these substances, making it harder to quit.
Call My 5 Palms to Get Help for Polysubstance Abuse
The dangers of mixing cocaine and alcohol cannot be overstated. To protect yourself or a loved one from the devastating effects of polysubstance abuse, contact My 5 Palms at 1.844.675.1022 or fill out our online form to speak with one of our friendly team members about enrolling in our addiction treatment programs.
