Many people who abuse drugs have their substance of choice. However, this doesn’t mean they only use that substance. Rather, 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 problems. A common combination is cocaine and alcohol. If you don’t know how combining cocaine and alcohol can be especially dangerous, find out 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.

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, which contributes to its “party drug” reputation. Cocaine is a drug whose effects are felt almost immediately. When someone takes cocaine, the euphoric feeling they get 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, along with a reduction of its negative 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 resulting from mixing these substances can prove dangerous and even deadly. Constantly mixing cocaine and alcohol strains the body increasing the risk of serious and immediate health issues.

Signs and Dangers of Concurrent 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, known as 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 who’s 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.

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 in our efforts to heal you along with your loved ones.

Our treatment programs include:

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. Reach out to our friendly and compassionate team today for more information on winning the battle against addiction. Call us at 866.238.3154.