What is polysubstance abuse, and why should it matter to you? Do you mix drugs together when taking them? Do you have a glass of alcohol when you are using heroin or cocaine? If so, you are engaging in polysubstance abuse or using two or more substances with each other to enhance their effects. The key here is that this is a very addictive and dangerous process. By mixing substances, individuals increase their risk of developing a tolerance for the substance, whether it’s drugs or alcohol. When someone has a tolerance, they need more and more of the substance to achieve the sensation necessary. This quickly leads to dependency or addiction.
At Rockland Recovery Treatment Centers, we want to ensure you get the help you need to stop using. We offer numerous drug addiction treatment programs to help individuals struggling with substance use disorder wrest control of their life back.
Mixing Substances Isn’t Uncommon
Mixing illicit drugs, alcohol, and prescription drugs in any combination can happen often. Many people do so without realizing there is a risk to it. Others know exactly what they are doing and hope to create enhanced or different effects from the drugs they are using when they do. Mixing substances like this have become a socially “normal” thing in groups where drug use is common. Sometimes, you may not even know what you are taking.
What Is Polysubstance Abuse Likely to Do?
The problem is polysubstance abuse is risky. You do not know what the outcome of using two drugs at the same time will be, even if you have done so before. There is a constant risk of overdose and sudden death when mixing substances like this. There is also the probability that you are going to develop an addiction and dependence on those drugs.
Some of the most common side effects of mixing substances like this include:
- Seizures
- A drop in breathing rate
- Lack of oxygen getting to the brain, causing brain damage
- A drop in heart rate
- Damage to the heart muscle
- Coma
- Overdose
When any of these risk factors occur, it can put you in a situation for needing immediate medical attention. There’s no quick fix to using these drugs in this way for individuals to turn to. When you ask what is polysubstance abuse and what it can do to you, first and foremost, realize it shortens your life.
There are also long-term impacts on this use. It can cause brain damage that limits your cognitive function and neurological health. You may develop kidney, heart, and liver failure. You may never be able to walk normally again, or you may be dependent on medications to control mental health and behavioral issues.
You Can Stop the Worst from Occurring
Our team at Rockland Recovery Treatment Centers can help you. We offer treatment plans for most of the drugs you may be using. This includes:
- Alcohol addiction treatment
- Heroin addiction treatment
- Cocaine addiction treatment
- Opioid addiction treatment
- Meth addiction treatment
These programs include outpatient therapy designed to help you stop the use of drugs or alcohol long-term. There is no way to know what could happen to you if you use drugs or alcohol in mixtures like this again. There is help to stop the worst when you reach out to us.
Ready to Get Help? Call Rockland Recovery Treatment Centers Now
What is polysubstance abuse doing to do to you? To avoid the outcomes of using these substances, seek help now. Our team at Rockland Recovery Treatment Centers offers the comprehensive support you need to break your dependency and work on recovery. All you have to do is to call our experienced counselors at 855.732.4842 today.
