When a person uses drugs like benzodiazepines or opioids and drinks alcohol at the same time or even within a few hours, the combination can cause serious harm. Immediate reactions can include nausea, dizziness, and a significant loss of coordination. Long-term use of alcohol and drugs together can damage vital organs, exacerbate mental health conditions, and create a cycle of dependency and addiction that is hard to break.
Danger #1: Unpredictability
Different drugs have varying effects when mixed with alcohol, and the results can be catastrophic, even deadly. This uncertainty makes it difficult to gauge safe consumption levels, increasing the risk of accidental overdose.
The consequences of mixing drugs and alcohol can also be unpredictable in terms of the emotional and psychological toll as well as legal and social repercussions. Arrests or accidents can have long-lasting consequences on one’s life. The strain on personal relationships is equally significant, as substance abuse often leads to conflicts, isolation, and a breakdown of social connections.
Danger #2: Health Hazards
When alcohol and drugs are combined, the physical health risks can be alarming.
- The liver can become overwhelmed, leading to severe damage over time. Stress on vital organs is compounded when multiple substances are involved, increasing the likelihood of chronic conditions such as liver disease or kidney failure.
- Cardiovascular health is another significant concern. Mixing alcohol and drugs can cause irregular heartbeats, increased blood pressure, and a heightened risk of heart attack or stroke.
- Another serious issue is the potential for respiratory problems. Depressant drugs, such as opioids, when mixed with alcohol can severely slow down breathing. This suppression of the respiratory system can lead to unconsciousness, brain damage, or even death if not promptly addressed.
- Gastrointestinal health also suffers when alcohol and drugs are used together. The stomach lining can become irritated, leading to ulcers, gastritis, and severe gastrointestinal bleeding. This can result in chronic pain and long-term digestive issues.
- The risk of infectious diseases is higher among individuals who mix substances, particularly if drug use involves needles. Sharing needles or engaging in risky behaviors while intoxicated can lead to the transmission of diseases like HIV or hepatitis.
- In addition, mixing alcohol and drugs can cause severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. The imbalance can affect muscle function, brain activity, and overall bodily functions, leading to further health complications.
- Neurological damage is another critical concern. Long-term use of these substances together can lead to cognitive impairments, memory loss, and reduced motor skills, significantly impacting one’s quality of life.
Danger #3: Compromised Mental Health
Mixing alcohol and drugs severely disrupts the brain’s chemical balance, leading to a range of mental health issues like intense mood swings, heightened anxiety, and worsening depression. This can exacerbate existing mental health conditions or lead to the development of new ones. In addition, mixing substances can:
- Hijack the brain’s reward system, making it harder to experience pleasure from everyday activities
- Create a cycle of dependency and emotional instability, making it challenging to cope with daily stressors
- Intensify feelings of paranoia and psychosis, resulting in dangerous behavior, including self-harm or aggression towards others
- Spark hallucinations and delusions
- Impair memory, attention, decision-making, and problem-solving skills, leading to additional stress and anxiety
- Make it difficult to maintain relationships and responsibilities, contributing to a sense of isolation and hopelessness
Are You Struggling with a Substance Addiction?
If you or someone you care about struggles with a drug or alcohol addiction, help is available. The skilled professionals at Anabranch Recovery Center in Terre Haute, Indiana, will provide the care and resources you need to regain control of your life. Contact us today.
