Drug Cocktails: What Is It And What Are The Risks?

Drug cocktails refer to the combination of various medications, illicit drugs, or alcohol. This practice can involve prescribed medications from healthcare professionals aimed at achieving specific outcomes, as well as individuals who deliberately combine illicit substances. People who use drugs regularly may use a cocktail of drugs in an attempt to achieve a new high or feeling of intoxication. Unfortunately, many users are unaware of the dangers associated with mixing different substances, including unintentional combinations of prescription drugs. Taking multiple substances at once can have adverse side effects, increase the risk of addiction, and even have deadly consequences.

Using multiple substances simultaneously, known as polysubstance use, can result in multiple drug addiction, which is a chronic relapsing disorder. Fortunately, drug rehabilitation programs can provide comprehensive treatment strategies that target the root causes of addiction, equipping patients with the essential tools and skills needed to manage long-term recovery.

What is a Cocktail of Substances?

Also known as a “drug cocktail,” this term describes the practice of using multiple substances at the same time or in quick succession. A cocktail of drugs can be a combination of many substances, including prescription medications. While some drug cocktails are safe, such as in the case of multiple prescriptions from a medical professional, others can be highly dangerous.

People often mix drugs for various reasons, including attempting to reach a more intense high or as a way to try to counteract the effects of another substance. At times, someone who is intoxicated by alcohol or other drugs may take another drug without thinking or considering the effects. Some people may accidentally combine substances with adverse effects, such as not reading their prescription label, which warns of mixing the medication with alcohol or other substances.

Engaging in polysubstance use can have dangerous consequences and are a major contributor to fatal overdoses. The CDC warns that combining substances is never safe as their effects can be amplified and more unpredictable than one drug alone. Certain drug interactions can cause extreme sedative effects to the point that a person stops breathing, leading to an overdose, while other combinations may disrupt normal brain signals, increasing the risk of irregular heartbeats or strokes. 

Can You Take Two Drugs Together?

The safety of combining certain drugs with other substances depends on several factors, including the type of medications, dosages, the presence of other substances like alcohol or illegal drugs, and the individual’s overall health. Some drug cocktails, such as in cases of HIV or cancer treatment, are closely monitored by a medical professional and are considered relatively safe. However, many medications, illicit substances, and alcohol can lead to severe side effects when mixed. Accidental medication combinations can occur, making it crucial to consult with your healthcare provider and pharmacist about your current medications before introducing anything new. Drug interactions can even happen with over-the-counter medications, such as mixing cold medicine with alcohol.

There is no safe level of drug use, there are always some risks involved, and they escalate when different drugs are combined. Many individuals mistakenly feel a false sense of security when combining drugs or medications with alcohol simply because alcohol is legal. The CDC has issued warnings about the dangers of drinking alcohol while using drugs, medications, and over-the-counter drugs, including the risk of overdose and death when drinking while using opioids. Even small amounts of alcohol used with drugs or medicines can be dangerous, as ongoing use carries a greater risk for liver damage.

What Drugs Don’t Mix?

Mixing any type of drug—be it alcohol, illegal substances, or prescription medications—poses significant risks. While predicting the effects of one drug is challenging, predicting the outcomes of multiple drugs is even more complex. Combining the most addictive drugs together may carry the highest risk, including the potential of developing a substance use disorder. When different stimulants are mixed together, the likelihood of experiencing heart problems, psychosis, anxiety, or panic attacks increases. There’s also a risk of serotonin syndrome, which is a harmful drug reaction caused by too much serotonin, leading to mental confusion, muscular spasms, fever, sweating, rapid heartbeat, and even death. Additionally, combining multiple depressants increases the risk of injury from accidents, shallow breathing, vomiting, blackouts, unconsciousness, coma, and death. Furthermore, combining stimulants and depressants places a lot of stress on the body as it tries to deal with competing effects, leading to heart problems.

Some of the deadliest drug combinations include:

• Alcohol and benzodiazepines. This combination can lead to heavy sedating and depressant effects, which can lead someone to stop breathing, slip into a coma, or even die.
• Cocaine and heroin. Also known as speedballing, this cocktail of drugs places enormous amounts of strain on the lungs, brain, and heart as a person experiences both sedating and stimulating effects, potentially leading to a lethal overdose.
• Alcohol and cocaine. This combination forms a toxic compound called cocaethylene, significantly stressing the cardiovascular system. Cocaethylene is thought to be a major driver of deadly cocaine overdoses.

What is Dual Addiction?

Addiction to multiple substances is a prevalent issue.  Many substances are commonly used together, which can lead to dual addiction or polysubstance use disorder. According to the Cleveland Clinic, polysubstance use disorder is characterized by the use of more than one substance in a way that negatively impacts health and overall quality of life. Additionally, there is a possibility for someone to have multiple addictions, where one is a substance addiction and the other is a behavioral addiction, such as gambling. Dual addiction is more dangerous to one’s health, not only due to the dangers associated with mixing substances but also because it also complicates treatment.

Addressing dual addiction typically begins with a medical detox program, which is crucial for safely managing withdrawal symptoms. Different drugs have varying withdrawal effects, which can range from flu-like symptoms to more dangerous ones like seizures. When withdrawing from multiple substances, the symptoms can be particularly unpredictable and pose greater health risks. A medical detox program includes around-the-clock supervision by healthcare professionals who can administer medications to counteract withdrawal symptoms and provide lifesaving care if needed.

After completing detox, individuals with dual addiction will likely need to participate in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. While medical detox focuses on the physical aspects of addiction, rehab programs will treat the underlying causes and help patients modify behaviors that contribute to their substance use. Without comprehensive treatment, individuals may be likely to relapse or replace one addiction with another.

Overcoming Cocktail of Drugs Addiction at Living Longer Recovery

Polysubstance use poses significant health risks. The way your body reacts to a mix of drugs can be unpredictable; just because you haven’t faced serious side effects before doesn’t guarantee you won’t in the future. If you are struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, Living Longer Recovery provides the necessary treatment to overcome substance use disorders. Our comprehensive programs use an effective combination of medical detox, behavioral treatments, medications, and holistic approaches to uncover and address the underlying causes of addiction.

Don’t hesitate to seek help – it’s never too early. To find out more about our addiction treatment options at Living Longer Recovery, give us a call today at 866-714-3294 .

External Sources

• CDC – Drinking Alcohol While Using Other Drugs Can Be Deadly 
• CDC – Polysubstance Use Facts
• Cleveland Clinic – Polysubstance Use Disorder