The combination of multiple drugs by abusers is an unfortunate reality. They often combine substances in order to alter or amplify the effects of one another. For example, it’s not unusual for people to abuse cocaine and alcohol together. At many parties, these substances can be found in abundance. However, this practice is exceedingly dangerous. For starters, one drug’s a stimulant while the other one’s a nervous system depressant. How do you handle it when you’re struggling with an addiction to both?
Why Do People Combine Cocaine and Alcohol?
When you first start drinking, the initial effect is a bit of a high. In this way, alcohol starts acting as a stimulant. Therefore, when users experience it, they may want to heighten the effect with cocaine. Conversely, some people take cocaine when they believe they drank too much. They feel the tiredness set in, but aren’t ready to leave the party. Moreover, they think that a stimulant will help. However, there’s a darker reason for the concurrent abuse of both substances: the cocaine crash. Typically, people binge on cocaine to chase the initial high. When they quit, the crash is severe. In addition, depression sets in due to low dopamine levels. People use alcohol to soften the comedown. They hope the sedative effects will take the edge off the experience.
Introducing Cocaethylene
Chemically speaking, the combination of cocaine and alcohol carries additional dangers. As noted by the Journal of Addictive Diseases, combining the drugs results in the formation of cocaethylene. This compound is formed by the liver when both alcohol and cocaine are in the bloodstream. It comes with a whole new slate of potential effects. For example, experts note that it can cause seizures and liver damage. Moreover, there’s a potentially 25-fold increase in the risk of sudden death. This byproduct of polysubstance abuse is an addictive substance in its own right. It boasts anesthetic properties and the potential for creating euphoria. Due to its dopamine-stimulating properties, the addiction potential is high. Cocaethylene is significantly more toxic to the body’s systems than either substance on it’s own.
Overcome an Addiction to One or Both Substances
Whether you’re dealing with an addiction to cocaine and alcohol, you need to quit. If you don’t, you may suffer a stroke, brain damage, aneurysm, or slip into a coma. However, you don’t have to go down that road. Addiction therapy for one or more substances is the answer. At a rehab center, you work with experts in the field who guide you through various therapeutic interventions. For example, this includes:
- Behavioral therapeutic approaches
- Psychotherapy
- Group therapy
- Holistic care
- Dual diagnosis treatment
Stop the abuse of cocaine and alcohol now. It is possible to find top notch addiction treatment that can effectively treat both forms of addiction at once. In fact, you don’t have to wonder how to kick two habits. We can provide therapies that treat both simultaneously. The therapists at the Crest View Recovery Center can assist you. Call 866.327.2505 today to start treatment.
