Mixing any type of drug, over the counter, prescription, or illicit results in unpredictable and dangerous effects. One of the most common mistakes people make is to mix any type of drug with alcohol. Alcohol can intensify the effects of a drug but combining alcohol with any drug can result in extreme toxicity. High levels of toxicity can lead to a series of health effects that can lead to death.
Potential consequences of mixing drugs
The risks of mixing drugs are impacted by a variety of factors. Including what types of drugs are being used and how much. For example, mixing two types of stimulants such as ecstasy and cocaine can increase the risk of heart attack, whereas mixing alcohol and painkillers may cause the person to stop breathing.
The greatest risk of using a combination of drugs is an overdose. Drug overdose is a common cause of emergency room visits and countless accidental deaths. Other specific problems that can occur as a result of mixing drugs include but are not limited to:
- Heart attack or the development of heart problems
- Liver damage and/or liver failure
- Seizures
- Coma
- Bleeding in the stomach
- Respiratory failure
- Brain Damage
A hidden danger, increasing the risk of addiction
Continued use of one drug has a reinforcing effect on the brain’s reward system. Over time tolerance builds and we need more of the drug to achieve the same feel-good effects. When we introduce another drug, this can heighten the reward response and increase the likelihood of addiction or make an existing addiction stronger. If you have developed an addiction, the sooner you receive treatment the better off you will be physically, mentally and emotionally. Drug and alcohol addiction is dangerous to your health and can negatively impact your life on many levels. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, find an addiction specialist and get the help you need to feel better.
Addition treatment in New York
Stefan Kantrowitz MD is a fellowship-trained and board-certified Addiction Medicine and Internal medicine physician practicing in New York. If you would like to learn more, you are welcome to call and book your first appointment or fill out the contact form and click Send.