On their own, cocaine and alcohol are highly addictive substances that cause severe consequences in the lives of millions. Every year, these drugs are responsible for thousands of overdoses and preventable deaths. Using cocaine and alcohol together is commonplace and highly dangerous.
If you or a loved one needs cocaine rehab near San Antonio or Austin, TX, reach out to us at The Right Step Hill Country. We are available 24 hours a day. Our experienced addiction and mental health experts provide comprehensive, individualized care on our 30-acre campus, which provides the perfect setting to support healing and growth as you begin your recovery journey. Call 1.844.675.1628 to discuss your treatment options with an admissions advisor.
What Is Polysubstance Abuse?
Polysubstance abuse is the use of multiple substances, including alcohol, prescription medications, and illicit drugs, like marijuana, cocaine, or heroin, simultaneously or within a short period of each other.
Polysubstance abuse can occur unintentionally, such as when someone drinks when taking a prescription that should not be combined with alcohol or when they use a drug like cocaine that they don’t know has been cut with other substances like fentanyl. However, most polysubstance abuse is intentional.
Examples of polysubstance abuse include using cocaine and alcohol to increase energy and socialization and then marijuana to help relax or using Xanax to intensify the relaxing and euphoric effects of opioids. Often, those who engage in polysubstance abuse have a primary drug of choice and use others to increase or decrease the effects of that substance.
The Dangers of Mixing Alcohol and Cocaine
Cocaine and alcohol are frequently abused together. The specific danger is that the two mix in the liver to form cocaethylene, which significantly intensifies the harmful effects of each substance. Compared to using each substance individually, cocaethylene increases toxicity in the liver and heart. It also remains in the body’s systems longer, prolonging potential damaging effects.
- Cocaethylene is linked to a higher risk of arrhythmia, heart attacks, and sudden cardiac arrest, even in young and healthy individuals.
- The combined effects of alcohol and cocaine on the narrowing of blood vessels and elevated blood pressure increase the risk of strokes.
- The stimulant effects of cocaine mask the depressant effects of alcohol, leading to people underestimating how intoxicated they are.
- The counteractive effects of alcohol and cocaine can lead to overconsumption of both, increasing the risk of alcohol poisoning or cocaine overdose.
- Overconsumption also results in higher instances of risk-taking behaviors that result in accidents or other bodily harm.
- The combination of the two can cause extreme anxiety, agitation, and paranoia and exacerbate the symptoms of underlying mental health conditions.
Overall, combining cocaine and alcohol increases their euphoric effects, making them more desirable and increasing the risk of dependence and addiction to either or both. Unfortunately, most people will not stop this cycle until they experience significant consequences.
Recognizing the Need for Cocaine Rehab
No one ever sets out to become addicted to drugs or alcohol. Most people cannot recognize that their substance abuse has gotten out of control until they find themselves in the grips of addiction. They ignore early warning signs and get defensive if someone expresses concern, especially if they haven’t experienced significant consequences.
Have you questioned whether or not you have “a problem?” Has someone close to you expressed concern? If so, these are warning signs. Others can include:
- An inability to control the amount or frequency of cocaine use
- Spending the majority of time thinking about, using, or recovering from cocaine use
- Developing an increased tolerance
- Neglecting obligations at home, work, or school
- Withdrawing from family, friends, and activities
- Experiencing financial or legal issues
- Having problems in personal and professional relationships
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using cocaine
Chronic cocaine use can cause permanent changes in brain structure and functioning. Alcohol can do the same. Seeking help now can improve every aspect of your life.
Call Hill Country for Cocaine Rehab in San Antonio Today
Addiction is a disease that impacts tens of millions of people worldwide. Polysubstance abuse is common, particularly the combination of alcohol with other drugs. If you or a loved one struggles with cocaine and alcohol abuse, Hill County can provide the treatment you need. Contact us online or call 1.844.675.1628 to enroll in a rehab program today.