Many drugs have legitimate medical uses for which they are highly effective, while others are notorious for their potential to cause harm, including addiction, overdose, and death. Fentanyl is both. Fentanyl was originally developed for pain management among cancer patients, and it worked to bring relief. However, today, fentanyl is best known for its illicit use and as a leading contributor to overdose deaths across the nation.
Fentanyl addiction is considered the hardest to overcome. The Right Step Hill Country provides comprehensive fentanyl addiction treatment in Texas so that you don’t have to do it alone. If you or a loved one is misusing fentanyl, the time to seek treatment is now. Doing so can be life-saving.
The Dangers of Polysubstance Abuse
Polysubstance abuse refers to the misuse of two or more substances at the same time or within a short time of one another. Polysubstance abuse frequently involves alcohol, opioids, stimulants, cannabis, hallucinogens, and prescription drugs.
While polysubstance abuse can occur unintentionally, it is frequently intentional. Examples of unintentional polysubstance abuse may include:
- Taking two prescription drugs that should not be taken together
- Drinking alcohol with certain prescription drugs
- Not knowing that one drug has been laced with another
Intentional polysubstance abuse is common among individuals to either intensify the drugs’ effects or counteract them. For example, one might mix fentanyl with heroin to amplify their impact or use marijuana (a depressant) to counteract the effects of a stimulant like cocaine.
The inherent danger of polysubstance abuse is the increased risk of toxicity and overdose. Other dangers include:
- Increased impairment in cognitive functioning and motor skills
- More significant strain on the brain, heart, and liver
- Higher potential for dependence and addiction
Polysubstance abuse can make it more challenging to treat overdoses, particularly when stimulants are abused with opioids. Further, polysubstance abuse can worsen withdrawal symptoms, making detox more uncomfortable and potentially dangerous.
The Effects of Mixing Cocaine and Fentanyl
Both cocaine and fentanyl are potent drugs that are classified as having elevated potential for dependence, addiction, and overdose. Mixing cocaine and fentanyl is a high-risk example of polysubstance abuse.
Cocaine is a stimulant that increases alertness, blood pressure, and heart rate. Fentanyl is an opioid that causes sedation and slows heart rate and breathing. When mixed, these opposing effects create tremendous strain on the heart and central nervous system (CNS) that significantly increases the risks of respiratory failure, stroke, and heart attack.
Other factors to consider when mixing cocaine and fentanyl include:
- Cocaine can mask the effects of fentanyl, making it harder to identify early signs of a fentanyl overdose.
- When the effects of cocaine wear off, the body can be overwhelmed by the effects of fentanyl, increasing the risk of respiratory distress or failure.
- Even small amounts of fentanyl can be deadly, particularly for those who do not have a tolerance for opioids.
- Narcan cannot reverse a stimulant overdose, and the presence of cocaine can make it less effective in reversing a fentanyl overdose.
Using cocaine and fentanyl together not only increases the chances of developing severe dependency and addiction but can cause or worsen mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and psychosis.
Contact Hill Country for Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Today
Polysubstance abuse is common among individuals who misuse drugs and alcohol. Mixing cocaine and fentanyl can happen unintentionally, as when you are unaware that cocaine has been laced with fentanyl, or intentionally, as when you use cocaine to come down from the effects of fentanyl.
Either way, the practice is reckless and can have severe, even deadly, outcomes. At Hill Country, we provide top-rated comprehensive addiction treatment. Our years of experience ensure that each client entering our doors receives individualized care to address their unique needs.
If you or a loved one is struggling with fentanyl abuse, help is available in our fentanyl addiction treatment program. Our team is available 24 hours daily, so there is never a bad time to reach out for help. Call 1.844.675.1628 or submit the online form to enroll in fentanyl addiction treatment today.