At some point throughout the day, each of us like to have a little bit of a boost now and then. Whether you may decide to grab a quick cup of coffee or simply grab a caffeine-boosted chocolate candy, that extra kick definitely helps you get through an overbearing workload sometimes, doesn’t it? However, imagine how tricky a situation can become when you decide to mix a stimulant drug with a substance like alcohol, a substance that is designed to slow down the mind. Needless to say, you will have a bit of a life-threatening situation on your hands. Let’s take a closer look and the toxic mixture of alcohol and stimulants.
The Dangers of Both Drugs
At some point, you have probably used one or more stimulants, even if you are not a drug addict. Besides the obvious illegal substances like crystal meth and cocaine, many of these drugs are legal and offered on the market. For example, caffeine is found in many health-food products like tea, coffee, chocolate, energy bars, and energy drinks. Likewise, ADHD medications and allergy medications can also contain stimulant chemicals in them.
Ultimately, stimulants initiate the release of “excitement” neurotransmitters (epinephrine and norepinephrine), which cause a subsequent jolt of energy.
Bringing on the Problem with Booze
Herein lies the problem. While stimulants are designed to boost the brain, alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that puts a major damper on the brain. As medical research by the United States Department of Health and Human Service’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has confirmed, people will sometimes consume alcohol to reduce the effects of their stimulant medication. Vice versa, people may also use stimulants to boost their energy after drinking too much booze. Here is a closer look at some common results of these interactions:
- Alcohol will cancel out the effects of a stimulant.
- As a result of this impairment of a stimulant, people may consume more of the stimulant to increase the effect while they are drunk, resulting in an overdose.
- A stimulant-alcohol cocktail will inhibit motor movement, coordination, and balance, and can inflict severe damage on the gastrointestinal tract.
- People who abuse these drugs will put themselves at a higher risk for addiction.
Seeking Treatment for Drug Abuse or Alcoholism
Drug abuse and addiction is an unfortunate aspect of reality. Between the separate severity of stimulants and alcohol, imagine the pain a victim experiences after combining the two drugs. As easy as it may be to attempt to walk away from a substance that has taken its hold over you, though, you have to remember that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. Addiction is not your fault and never will be.
If you are suffering from a severe case of drug addiction or alcoholism or have a friend or loved one who is coping with this illness, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process detox and withdrawal and guide you through each step of the rehabilitation process to help you overcome your attachment to dangerous drugs and alcoholic drinks.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward becoming a healthier person.
