Unfortunately, many individuals abuse alcohol along with other dangerous (and often illegal substances). Methamphetamine, an extremely potent stimulant drug, is no exception. Even though this type of abuse is considerably frequent, it can, in fact, be deadly. This is why it is important to seek treatment immediately for meth abuse and addiction; call 800-816-1059(Who Answers?) now to find rehab centers that will cater to your needs or the needs of your loved one.
Is the Combination of Meth and Alcohol Abuse Common?
While other drugs of abuse are often used with alcohol in order to intensify the effects of both substances, meth is actually administered in such a way that sometimes requires alcohol. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Methamphetamine is taken orally, smoked, snorted, or dissolved in water or alcohol and injected.” Because one of the most common methods of abuse associated with meth involves the use of alcohol, this is unfortunately a frequent combination. Sadly, it is a dangerous and often deadly one as well.
The Effects of Meth and Alcohol Abuse
Many people believe that, because meth is a stimulant and alcohol is a depressant, the two drugs will cancel each other out in some ways, protecting the user from overdose. This could not be further from the truth, and the effects of both drugs are actually made more dangerous by one another.
Mixing meth and alcohol can lead to respiratory depression or a coma.
A person can get a stronger high by injecting or ingesting meth and alcohol simultaneously, but as stated by the NIDA, meth will actually “mask the depressant effect of alcohol, increasing risk of alcohol overdose.”
Usually, there are warning signs associated with alcohol poisoning, such as vomiting, seizures, hypothermia, and slowed, stopped or irregular breathing. Because meth is a stimulant, it will mask all these effects, causing the individual under the influence of both substances to continue using and drinking without realizing the danger they are in.
Users will not notice how severe the effects of either substance are becoming because both will mask the warning signs associated with the other. It is very dangerous to use both substances at once, especially to binge on both, because of the high chance of overdose. Still, many people do, as both substances are notorious for binge use.
Is This Combination Deadly?
In many cases, yes. Overdose from either meth or alcohol could cause a person to experience deadly side effects. A meth overdose can cause heart attack, breathing problems, stroke, coma, seizures, and dangerous behavior that could lead to deadly consequences. Consuming too much alcohol can lead to severe respiratory depression, coma, and seizures, as well as the possibility of choking.
This combination could potentially be deadly, and the likelihood of this occurrence rises the more someone abuses each substance. If you have been struggling with meth and/or alcohol abuse for a long time, it is time now to seek treatment. You deserve to make a change in your life as well as to avoid any more serious consequences associated with stimulant abuse.
Call 800-816-1059(Who Answers?) now to find a treatment center that will help you recover and allow you to protect yourself from any dangerous side effects of your drug and alcohol abuse.
