Being the most popular and widespread intoxicant in the United States (as well as in much of the world), alcohol has a high chance of being mixed with many other legal and illicit drugs. Alcohol is a highly reactive substance that affects numerous body systems, therefore it is very likely to encounter any other substances in the body and react with them.
In some cases (like with opioids), alcohol increases and magnifies the effects of the other medication, typically to a hazardous level. In other instances (such as with prescription medications), alcohol will partially or wholly negate the impact of the other drug, which can have equally dangerous consequences. Sometimes, alcohol will react with another drug and create an impact that is completely different from either of the original substances.
Drugs Frequently Used With Alcohol
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Adderall
People combine Adderall with alcohol to minimize the depressive symptoms of alcohol, due to a common belief that it’s okay to combine stimulants with depressants because they cancel out the other. This myth is based on a misunderstanding of how alcohol and Adderall affect the physical and mental bodily systems when used simultaneously. In actuality, the combined actions of these two substances can increase the negative effects that both drugs have on the body causing, resulting in severe health risks. Adderall and alcohol have negative effects on the heart when combined, including:
- – Accelerated heart rate
- – Irregular heartbeat
- – Elevated blood pressure
- – Increased risk of stroke, heart attack, or other cardiovascular diseases
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Antidepressants
Antidepressants and alcohol maximize each other’s impact, causing you to feel more intoxicated than they would otherwise. Alcohol can also negate the effect of the antidepressant, removing the desired impacts and possibly even inhibiting the success of treatment. This combination can also cause extreme and unexpected emotions.
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Antihistamines
Alcohol can greatly reduce the effectiveness of an antihistamine if the body chooses to metabolize the alcohol first. Alcohol can induce very severe side effects when mixed with certain antihistamines.
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Cocaine
There is a common myth that alcohol and cocaine nullify each other’s effects, but that is everything but the truth. Both cocaine and alcohol combine within the body, creating a third substance, cocaethylene. Cocaethylene causes a higher level of cardiovascular activity than any other drug, which places extreme stress and pressure on the heart. This usually leads to cardiac arrest, or even worse, ends in death.
At Asana Recovery, we understand how difficult recovering from these addictions through our daily work to help those struggling most from this disease. While some may believe they can make it alone, rehabilitation programs are essential in the fight to break the dependency. The supervised detoxification and residential treatment programs at Asana Recovery are offered in a supportive, relaxing, and inspiring environment. We’re deeply committed to ensuring your long-term recovery and guiding you on your path to a healthier and happier future. There is no better time than now, and we’re always available to speak with you. Call us at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment program today.
