Ultimately, the concept of mixing dangerous substances like alcohol and meth seems too explosive to the healthy person. Some of you are probably more familiar with people who smoke and drink simultaneously, or a person who cuts liquor with a caffeinated beverage. However, as strange as this may sound, combining a stimulant (like caffeine or nicotine) with alcohol is akin to an alcohol-meth mixture. In that light, the number of people who abuse alcohol and consume crystal meth is disturbingly high. (In fact, some research suggests that men and women who habitually drink are more likely to smoke meth.) Let’s take a closer look at this explosive combination so you can better understand why people take this risk.
Why Do This?
Comorbidity and polysubstance use are far more common than we would like to imagine. In fact, medical science has confirmed that people will combine drugs to “fine tune” their ecstatic highs, and the same situation takes place when someone mixes meth and alcohol. Overall, researchers speculate that alcohol abusers and alcoholics will take meth to eliminate the relaxing effects of alcohol and maintain a steady feeling of euphoria. (Did you know that, in 2008, 24% of emergency room visits related to meth also involved alcohol?)
What the Research States
Back in 2011, a team of Columbia University Researchers administered a meth-alcohol combo to 9 adult male test subjects (for a 20-day period) at a residential laboratory (New York Psychiatric Institute). All subjects had recently suffered from amphetamine and alcohol use, and the team of researchers also assessed the men’s physical and mental health. Ultimately, the Columbia group produced the following information:
- Meth and alcohol combinations boosted heart rate, blood pressure, and euphoria.
- Meth and alcohol combinations reduced feelings of sedation.
- Meth counteracted some mental fogginess and impairment induced by alcohol.
- The combinations produced fewer disruptions of sleep than a single dose of meth.
- Over the course of the study, the men became tolerant of the combination.
- Participants did not suffer from residual symptoms (besides high blood pressure and heart rate).
Seeking Treatment for Alcohol Abuse, Drug Abuse, or Addiction
Always remember that alcohol and drugs do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of 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 drug abuse, alcohol abuse, or addiction troubles today.
