Problems With Mixing Cocaine And Alcohol

Whether you only take cocaine occasionally, use it regularly, or have just taken it once or twice, it is vital that you understand the risks which are involved when mixing it with alcohol.  Both of these substances affect the body and mind, even when they are taking separately.   There are even bigger risks when they are taken together.

As alcohol is a depressant and cocaine a stimulant, the combined pressure which they exert on the mind and body can be incredibly dangerous.  In this article, we outline the short- and long-term risks that mixing cocaine and alcohol can have on your wellbeing.  If you feel like after reading this article you max have a problem with either drug, contact alcohol rehab Northern Virginia.

 

Short-term risks of cocaine and alcohol

 

These are short-term dangers for both alcohol and cocaine.  For example, alcohol carries these risks short-term: vomiting, alcohol poisoning, impaired vision, unpredictable emotions and reduce inhibitions.

 

Cocaine’s risks include: An increased heart rate, paranoia and anxiety, high blood pressure and becoming more aggressive.

 

Combining cocaine and alcohol can make you feel invincible, and increases the likelihood that you behave in a way which compromises your safety.  The combined effects of using both cocaine and alcohol can intensify the side effects of both.

 

Short-term risks from cocaine and alcohol mean that even if the two are taken recreationally, they can exert harm on your body and mind quickly.  They can cause problems for your mental health, which is often felt most acutely when coming down in the days after cocaine and alcohol abuse.

 

Long-term risks of cocaine and alcohol abuse

 

Mixing cocaine and alcohol together has been linked with a greater risk of suicide attempts.   Prolonged use of these two drugs can take a massive toll on your long-term physical health.  Prolonged consumption can cause: liver damage, brain damage, high blood pressure, an increase chance of heart attacks, cancer and strokes, and mental health issues.

 

Long term use of cocaine can cause: damage to the nose and mouth, strokes and seizures, liver and kidney damage, mental health issues and risk of blood clots.

 

The toxics effects of using these two drugs together are heightened, as the combination makes new metabolites within the body.

 

The most potent metabolite from the use of cocaine and alcohol is coca ethylene, which damages your heart, liver and every other organ.  Once coca ethylene is formed in the body, it stays there for far longer than either cocaine or alcohol alone.  It is associated with an increased craving for more, and it massively increases the risk of severe health problems.

 

How to address addictions to cocaine and alcohol

 

If you believe that you have lost your ability to stop taking either cocaine or alcohol, do not attempt to struggle through it alone.  Speak with someone that you trust, share your feelings and ask that person for help.

 

If you keep quiet, it will only make things worse, as without getting support, you will likely feel lonely and not able to cope.  This leads to a vicious cycle where you take cocaine and alcohol again to attempt to feel better.  The more you allow it to go on, the more damage these drugs cause to your life.

 

No matter how bad things seem, you are able to stop using these drugs if you want to.  There are always people who are willing to listen and help, and have been in your situation before.  With professional help from alcohol rehab Northern Virginia or attendance at a 12-step program, you will be able to embark on an amazing future.

 

Professional treatment for cocaine and alcohol addictions

 

If you have problems with cocaine or alcohol, you will be able to get help at a alcohol rehab Northern Virginia.  Good treatment centers are able to help you along every step of the way, from detoxification, through counselling, and after you have completed the work on to a new life of recovery.

 

Before calling a treatment center you should think about exactly what you want from a treatment center, so that you can ask questions which relate to the care which you will be receiving.  You need to know what type of counselling you are able to receive, if they have experience treating people who have addictions to more than once substance, and whether the staff at the treatment center are professionally trained.  These are just a few potential questions that you can ask a treatment center who you call.