Question:
What effects do stimulant drugs have when they are mixed with alcohol?
Answer:
What Is Polysubstance Use?
Polysubstance use is when a person abuses at least two or more substances. One example of this would be using two common party drugs like MDMA and ketamine together to increase their euphoric effects. A more common example of polysubstance use would be mixing alcohol with other drugs – particularly marijuana, cigarettes, or prescribed medications, including other stimulants. Alcohol use, especially when excessive, increases the risk of harm when combined with other substances.
Polysubstance use can lead to increased health risks, as the effects of one substance can amplify the other’s and vice-versa. While people typically participate in polysubstance use to increase the sense of euphoria, or “high,” this practice can be incredibly dangerous. In fact, reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 50% of all overdose deaths in 2019 involved polysubstance use.
Mixing substances can also complicate the process of diagnosis and treatment. The interactions between them can make it difficult to determine which one is causing which symptoms. Those who abuse alcohol with drugs are also at higher risk for mental health issues, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Prescription stimulants, often prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), carry risks of misuse and can be especially dangerous when mixed with alcohol. Withdrawal from two or more substances at the same time is an especially complex issue as well.
Why Do People Mix Drugs and Alcohol?
People mix drugs and alcohol for a variety of reasons, such as:
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Enhancing the euphoric effects — Some people mix drugs and alcohol to intensify the desired effects of each substance. This may involve combining substances with similar effects, such as sedatives and alcohol, to increase the strength and length of the effects.
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Canceling out the unwanted effects — Alternatively, people may use opposing substances, like stimulants and alcohol, to “balance” out the unwanted effects (fatigue) while extending the desired effects (euphoria).
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Self-medication — Individuals might use alcohol alongside other drugs to cope with physical or emotional pain, stress, or mental health issues, or to alter their mood or emotional state. Self-medication is a sign of substance addiction.
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Peer pressure — Social influence and the desire to fit in with friends or acquaintances can lead to mixing alcohol and drugs. For instance, getting “crossfaded,” the slang term for drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana, is a common practice among younger people.
Oftentimes people aren’t aware of the risks of combining drugs and alcohol. They may have a glass of wine along with their blood thinners or muscle relaxers, not realizing that mixing alcohol with certain medicine can lead to unexpected and dangerous interactions. Or, if they are at a party they may try cocaine after having had a few drinks. Doing these things can pose a significant risk to your health.
Effects On the Body of Mixing Drugs and Alcohol
Mixing alcohol with stimulants or other substances can have profound and often dangerous effects on the body. Alcohol acts as a central nervous system depressant, slowing down brain activity and bodily functions. When combined with stimulants—whether prescription medications like Adderall or Ritalin, or illicit drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines—the result is a tug-of-war on your system that can lead to unpredictable and sometimes life-threatening reactions.
One of the most serious risks of combining alcohol and stimulants is the masking of intoxication. The stimulant effects can make you feel more alert than you actually are, leading to increased alcohol consumption and a higher risk of alcohol poisoning or overdose. This deceptive sensation can push blood alcohol levels to dangerous heights before you even realize it, putting you at increased risk for serious injuries, seizures, or even sudden death.
The combination of alcohol and stimulants also puts immense strain on your cardiovascular system. Blood pressure and heart rate can spike to dangerous levels, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and internal bleeding. High doses of these substances can also lead to difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, and liver damage—especially when combined with certain medicines or over-the-counter drugs.
Young adults are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of mixing alcohol with prescription stimulants or illicit stimulants. Binge drinking and misuse of medications like Adderall and Ritalin are common among this age group, raising the risk of addiction, sleep problems, and long-term organ damage. Illicit drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines, when mixed with alcohol, can dramatically increase the risk of overdose, heart problems, and death.
Other substances, including cannabis and benzodiazepines, can further complicate the picture. Combining alcohol with these drugs can lead to dangerous reactions such as difficulty breathing, severe drowsiness, and increased risk of vomiting or aspiration. Even commonly used prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs can interact with alcohol and stimulants, leading to harmful effects like internal bleeding, liver damage, and heart complications.
Beyond the physical dangers, mixing alcohol with other substances can also have serious psychological and social consequences. Depression, suicidal thoughts, and social problems are more likely to occur, especially in those with underlying mental health conditions or other substance use disorders.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or experiencing negative effects from mixing alcohol and other drugs, it’s crucial to talk to a healthcare provider or pharmacist to determine the safest course of treatment. Seeking help from a rehab center like South Coast Behavioral Health can provide the support and medical care needed for recovery. Remember, treatment is available, and recovery is possible—taking the first step can lead to a healthier, safer, and more balanced life.
Is Mixing Alcohol with Other Substances Something to Think About?
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Call 866-881-1184Dangers of Mixing Prescription Drugs and Alcohol
One of the effects of combining alcohol with other substances is it can lead to severe health risks, as alcohol can interact with medications and alter their effectiveness or cause dangerous side effects. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before drinking alcohol while taking any medicine, as even prescribed medications can have harmful interactions with alcohol. Prescription drugs should only be used as prescribed by a healthcare provider to avoid these risks.
Some common risks include:
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Increased sedation — Mixing alcohol with oxycodone or other opioids ) can lead to feeling drowsy, dizzy, and sleepy. It can also cause respiratory depression and overdose. The same is true for mixing alcohol and alprazolam (Xanax) or other sedatives like or diazepam (Valium).
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Liver damage — Combining alcohol with certain medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), can strain the body’s organs and increase the risk of liver damage.
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Impaired Motor Control — Mixing alcohol with drugs that affect the central nervous system, such as benzodiazepines, can cause impaired motor skills, dizziness, and increased risk of falls or accidents.
If you or a loved one is struggling with polysubstance use, seek professional addiction treatment. Illegal drug and alcohol abuse can cause serious problems. Getting help now is the best thing you can do.
Dangers of Mixing Stimulants and Alcohol
Mixing stimulants and alcohol can create a deceptive sensation of sobriety.
The stimulants—whether prescription medications like Adderall or Ritalin, or illicit drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines, as well as other stimulants—mask the symptoms of inebriation the drinker would feel, causing them to drink more. This raises their risk of an alcohol overdose.
Adderall and Ritalin are commonly prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Misusing these prescribed medications or mixing them with alcohol is particularly risky and can lead to severe health consequences.
At the same time, alcohol also increases the effects of the stimulant. For example, one study found that those who drink alcohol after using cocaine have 20 to 30 percent higher blood cocaine levels.
Other potential risks of mixing stimulants and alcohol include:
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Cardiovascular strain — Combining stimulants and alcohol can increase heart rate and blood pressure. That can cause heart palpitations, chest pain, stroke, or even a heart attack.
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Dehydration — Both alcohol and stimulants are diuretics. That means they can raise one’s risk of dehydration when combined.
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Alcohol poisoning — The stimulating effects of some drugs can mask the symptoms of alcohol intoxication. This could cause alcohol poisoning.
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Liver damage — Mixing alcohol and stimulants like Adderall can lead to liver damage.
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Violence and suicide — Mixing alcohol and stimulants leads to a greater risk of violent behavior and even suicide.
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Mood changes — Mixing alcohol and stimulants can significantly impact mood, leading to emotional instability or increased risk of depression.
Patterns of alcohol use, such as binge drinking or frequent heavy drinking, increase the likelihood of mixing alcohol with stimulants and raise the dangers of overdose, injury, and other alcohol-related harms.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, of the over 20 million Americans who have a substance use disorder, 12 percent struggle with concurrent substance abuse.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, of the over 20 million Americans who have a substance use disorder, 12 percent struggle with concurrent substance abuse.
Looking for quality substance abuse treatment that’s also affordable? South Coast accepts most major insurance providers. Get a free insurance benefits check now.
Check Your CoveragePolysubstance Abuse Treatment
Treatment of polysubstance use is complex but the first step is always checking into an addiction treatment center. Here at South Coast Behavioral Health, we offer a full medical detox program, with around-the-clock care and medications to address drug or alcohol withdrawal symptoms. During medical detox, our professionals will review all prescribed medicine to ensure safe withdrawal and to avoid harmful interactions with alcohol.
After the initial detox, addiction treatment can take place. The evidence here generally calls for a multi-pronged approach using both therapy and the latest medication. This can take place using a variety of addiction treatment programs.
For polysubstance use, our addiction center offers a variety of therapy approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy and therapy for trauma. As polysubstance use often coincides with mental illness, we can use these therapies as part of a dual diagnosis treatment approach to address any underlying issues for why you might be mixing drugs with alcohol.
If you have any questions about what effects do stimulant drugs have when they are mixed with alcohol, or are interested in
drug or alcohol treatment, call (866) 881-1184 to learn more about South Coast Behavioral Health’s detox and addiction treatment programs. Our specialists are ready day or night to take your call. With our help, you can remove the negative effects of combining alcohol with other drugs.
