Many people who abuse drugs have their substance of choice. However, this doesn’t mean they only use that substance. Instead, it means an individual just prefers one particular drug. While they have a favorite, they may have no problems mixing various substances. This type of drug abuse poses additional issues. A typical combination is cocaine and alcohol. If you don’t know how combining cocaine and alcohol can be especially dangerous, discover the risks involved.
Fortunately, the Sante Center for Healing can guide you through the dangers of mixing and using multiple substances. Then, we can offer you or a loved one the addiction treatment necessary to heal and recover. Contact us at 866.238.3154 to learn more about an addiction treatment program near me.
Why Do People Mix Cocaine and Alcohol?
Cocaine and alcohol are both substances that people often use in social settings. They abuse cocaine for its stimulating properties, contributing to its “party drug” reputation. Cocaine is a drug whose effects are felt almost immediately. When someone takes cocaine, their euphoric feeling makes them feel energetic and talkative. At the same time, it makes an individual feel they don’t need food or sleep. When combined with alcohol, individuals routinely find themselves with reduced inhibitions and feeling more relaxed.
When people mix cocaine and alcohol, they feel an enhanced high from the cocaine and a reduction of its harmful effects due to alcohol’s depressant qualities. As a physical depressant, alcohol slows down some of the body’s processes. When individuals mix these drugs, they often believe they are ‘balancing’ or canceling out the effects of the other substance. They believe this gives them the energy and confidence to party longer and harder. However, the unpredictable outcome of mixing these substances can prove dangerous and even deadly.
Constantly mixing cocaine and alcohol strains the body increasing the risk of severe and immediate health issues.
Signs of Polysubstance Drug Abuse
Mixing various types of drugs and alcohol is risky since one substance may react negatively to another. When people abuse alcohol and cocaine together, these risks are pronounced because the body produces a dangerous chemical called cocaethylene. This substance can lead to an increase in blood pressure and aggressive tendencies.
Over time, users may suffer liver damage and be at higher risk of suffering strokes and heart attacks. Then, there’s always the potential for overdose and poisoning, not to mention the higher incidence of sudden death. People are more likely to die from the combination of alcohol and cocaine versus cocaine alone.
Signs that indicate concurrent alcohol and cocaine addiction include:
- Rapid breathing
- Increase in heart rate
- Coordination problems
- Impaired cognitive function
- Violent behavior
If you know someone abusing cocaine and alcohol (alone or mixed with other substances), you must encourage them to seek treatment as soon as possible. Polysubstance abuse always comes with risks, but alcohol and cocaine together are very dangerous.
Dangerous of Mixing Substances
When someone abuses cocaine and alcohol together, the body’s chemistry is altered in a manner that can be dangerous. When people mix drugs, they may experience unpredictable reactions, and the effects of each drug can be magnified.
Combining alcohol and cocaine can increase the risk of severe medical problems. This includes:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Respiratory failure
- Death
Research shows that people who mix these two drugs are more likely to suffer sudden death than those who abuse either substance alone.
If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse, don’t wait any longer to get help. The Sante Center for Healing can provide the treatment necessary to recover and heal from addiction. Contact us at 866.238.3154 today to learn how we can help.
Find a New Beginning at Santé Center for Healing
Are you desperate for a change but don’t know where to start? We can help. Our detox and addiction recovery center in Argyle, Texas, treats men and women who need a new beginning. We focus heavily on family involvement to heal you and your loved ones.
Our treatment programs include the following:
- Polysubstance addiction treatment
- Professionals program
- Medical detox
- Alcohol addiction rehab
- Residential treatment
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
If cocaine and alcohol addiction has taken over your life, our rehab facility offers various therapies and treatment models to get you back on track. Contact our friendly and compassionate team today for more information on winning the battle against addiction. Call us at 866.238.3154.
