Adults and teens who mix drugs may be self-medicating or seeking a more intense high. Regardless of the reason, combining drugs can have dangerous consequences and increase the risk of overdose. If you or a loved one have been struggling with combined drug intoxication, Zelus Recovery can help.
We help teens and adults overcome combined intoxication. Contact us today at 208.518.0797 to learn more about our substance abuse programs.
The Basics of Combined Drug Intoxication
Combined drug intoxication occurs whenever two or more street or prescription drugs affect you at the same time. In addition, it occurs if you combine a drug with alcohol. You may also see another term used to describe these actions: polysubstance use.
Some people intentionally combine addictive substances. Common reasons for doing so include:
- Increasing the effects of the substance already in your system
- Decreasing the effects of a substance you’ve already taken
- A desire to experience the mixture of effects from two or more substances
You may also combine drugs without being aware of it. This most often occurs among people who use street drugs that contain unknown or undisclosed ingredients. Someone may also purposefully expose you to an additional drug without your knowledge or consent.
Mixed Drug Toxicity and Overdose
One of the biggest dangers of combining drugs is mixed drug toxicity. This term describes what happens when multiple substances have a harmful or toxic effect on you at the same time. In this situation, your risks for harm increase significantly.
Perhaps the classic toxic combination is a stimulant like cocaine with a system depressant such as:
- Alcohol
- An opioid drug or medication
- A sedative
Stimulants speed up your heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. System depressants have the opposite impact. You might think that the two effects would cancel out. But that’s not the case. Instead, the effects on you are unpredictable.
One of the biggest dangers is the loss of your ability to gauge what’s happening to you accurately. In these circumstances, you may take more of the substances in question. As a result, you may directly increase your chances of overdosing. An overdose occurs when drugs or alcohol seriously interfere with your normal body function. If this interference exceeds a certain level, you could easily die.
Combined Intoxication and Addiction
There is also another serious danger associated with mixing substances. Namely, habitual combined intoxication can lead to multiple forms of addiction. This situation greatly increases the difficulty of regaining your sobriety. In addition, combined intoxication often begins as a form of self-medication. This means you use drugs to address emotional or mental issues. The longer you continue this pattern, the more likely it is that you will develop an addiction.
Zelus Recovery understands the complexities of addiction and the role that combined intoxication can play in it. Our evidence-based treatment programs address not only substance use but also any underlying mental health issues contributing to your addiction. We provide a safe, supportive environment for you to heal and learn healthy coping skills for long-term recovery.
Call Zelus Recovery Today to Start a Better Future
Multiple drug intoxication is both common and dangerous. Not only does it increase your chances of experiencing an overdose, it can lead to overlapping forms of addiction. If you’re affected by multiple substance problems, you can recover with the right kinds of help. We are here to help guide you toward a healthier and happier future.
Want to learn more about the dangers of combined intoxication? Call Zelus Recovery at 208.518.0797 or contact us online to learn more about our treatment options and how we can support you in your recovery journey. Don’t let combined drug intoxication control your life any longer – take the first step towards a better future today. Remember, help is always available, and recovery is possible.
