THE DANGERS OF MIXING MARIJUANA WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES

The fact of the matter is simple: mixing mind-altering drugs is NOT a good idea. Besides the dangers of combining alcohol with another chemical, each recognized drug produces different effects on the human body. For example, mixing a stimulant with a hallucinogen can result in violent side effects. Plus, overdoses are always a major concern. However, based on recent news reports, some members of the marijuana community are combining the drug with other substances to “increase” or “stimulate” a powerful high. What makes this habit so dangerous? Let’s take a closer look at three popular options and consider the impact on human health.

Toil and Trouble

Based on a chart provided by TripSit (a group that seeks to reduce harm), the group’s researchers have determined that cannabis itself falls into a generally safe category but have exercised precautions about the following drugs:

• Psychedelics: hallucinogenic drugs like LSD, magic mushrooms, DMT (also includes a lesser-known variety called 5-MEO-xxT)
• Ketamine: This drug is used to treat depression. Marijuana experts do not believe combining this drug with weed is potentially harmful.
• Caffeine: While not identified as an addictive drug, caffeine has been known to increase the effects of marijuana products
• Alcohol: Mentioned earlier, alcohol should never be combined with marijuana. Doing so can result in severe nausea, vomiting, and discomfort.

Why Mixing is a Bad Idea

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) warns that mixing marijuana with any other substances can produce dangerous side effects. Regardless of popular belief, cannabis is still a mind-altering narcotic, and its effects can be increased by another foreign substance. Here are a few warnings the CDC has issued concerning marijuana being mixed with other chemicals:

• A combination of marijuana and alcohol can induce severe impairment (worse than the effects of alcohol alone)
• Smoking marijuana and tobacco can result in overexposure to harmful chemicals and result in long-term health problems.
• Marijuana can impair the usefulness of prescription drugs or aggravate the side effects.

Always remember that drugs and alcohol do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance abuse disorder or addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.

The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your addiction and substance abuse troubles today.