When you consider how dangerous heroin, an opioid painkiller, and cocaine, a stimulant, are as separate substances, imagine the potency and danger of a concoction that mixes these two drugs together. Combining the potency of a synthetic painkiller with the chemical boost of a stimulant results in a deadly mixture known as a speedball. Whether a person mixes the drugs to create a stronger component or is attempting to cancel out the side effects of another drug, we can guarantee one truth: speedballs are not only highly illegal but are also life-threatening. In fact, one of the most notorious cases involving death-by-speedball was the high-profile death of comedian John Belushi, who died after receiving an injection. Let’s take a closer look and find out what makes this heroin-cocaine concoction so dangerous.
The Danger of Speedballs
As explained earlier, a speedball is a combination of heroin and cocaine. Commonly, users will mix the two drugs into a concoction that is administered via needle. Although, in some cases, people may snort each substance at the same time for a similar effect. Let’s consider how dangers each substance is. Heroin is derived from the naturally-occurring opioid morphine and can trigger respiratory failure in many cases, and cocaine boosts the heart rate and spikes energy.
In many cases, people will mix these two drugs in an effort to counterbalance the effects of both, but, in reality, a combination of cocaine and heroin will simultaneously boost the negative effects of each substance. As a result, people who take speedballs will suffer from:
- Poor coordination and coherence;
- Lethargy and drowsiness;
- Erratic and rapid movements;
- Mental fog;
- Intoxicated stupor;
- Heart attack;
- Stroke;
- Aneurysm; and/or
- Death, in the worst-case scenario.
How Often Do Speedball Attacks Occur?
Unfortunately, more people are taking speedballs than we would like to think, according to some recent statistics:
- In 2015, heroin, as well as other opioids, were involved in 63% of cocaine-related deaths.
- In 2015, cocaine-related overdose fatalities that involved cocaine rose from 17% to 42% in the State of Florida.
- From 2013 to 2015, Columbian drug cartels increased the manufacture and sale of cocaine products by a staggering 100%.
Seeking Treatment for Cocaine Addiction
Over the course of many decades, cocaine has risen from the ranks of an over-the-counter stimulant to one of the most feared and destructive substances on the planet. Ultimately, this substance can destroy a person’s brain and body and trigger a severe form of addiction. However, as with any sickness, you can easily find a way to cope with your symptoms. Although addiction has no known cure, you can still stay strong and get clean, if you know where to find the right resources.
If you are suffering from a severe case of drug addiction, 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 of alcohol withdrawal and detox and guide you along the rocky road of rehabilitation. Soon enough, you will experience a faster and much more efficient recovery.
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.
