By: Zinnia Healing Editorial Staff | Edited By: Rebecca Hill
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Mixing Alcohol With Meth: What Are the Dangers?
Meth is one of the most dangerous recreational drugs on the market. It is highly addictive because it causes the body to produce massive amounts of dopamine, about three times the amount cocaine induces. What’s more, the effects of meth do not last long. This leads to people taking more and more, rapidly leading to the development of tolerance and dependence.
Meth alone is enough to kill. Adding alcohol is a recipe for disaster. Substance abuse also becomes harder to treat when alcohol use is involved.
If you or someone you love is experimenting with meth or other substances, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact Zinnia Healing on our website or call us today at (855) 430-9439.
What Is Meth?
Methamphetamine, most commonly known as “meth,” is a potent and addicting stimulant. As a stimulant, meth causes the brain and central nervous system to produce far more dopamine than normal. Dopamine is often referred to as the “happy chemical” because it is responsible for self-regulation and the body’s reward system.
When someone takes a dose of meth, the body produces an excessive amount of dopamine. This results in a euphoric rush where an individual gets a burst of energy and is flooded with confidence. Physical changes in the body are also noticeable, including increased heart rate, body temperature, and blood pressure.
Meth is commonly sold in crystal form that is burned and smoked. However, meth can also be found in pills or powder form. No matter what form it comes in, meth is extremely potent and has disastrous health effects. What’s more, because the “rush” that comes along with meth is so addictive and doesn’t last long, most people will binge by taking several doses over a few days.
On its own, meth is enough to ruin someone’s physical and mental health. Crystal meth can lead to tooth decay. All forms of meth introduce health risks, including psychosis, weight loss, and changes in behavioral health. Mixing alcohol with meth only worsens the damage and puts an individual at an increased risk of long-term side effects and death.
The Dangers of Mixing Alcohol With Meth
The primary reason mixing alcohol with meth is so dangerous is that the substances are chemical opposites. Alcohol is a depressant, while meth is a stimulant. These terms mean that alcohol suppresses the central nervous system while meth has the opposite effect. This reaction sends conflicting signals to the body, resulting in unpredictable and dangerous side effects.
One of the biggest dangers of mixing alcohol with meth is alcohol poisoning. Since meth is a stimulant, it can change a person’s perception of how alcohol affects them. This leads them to think alcohol isn’t having as great an effect on them as it truly is, so they drink more.
Alcohol poisoning can result in vomiting, loss of consciousness, organ damage, and even death. Moreover, the impairment caused by mixing alcohol with meth can make it impossible for individuals to recognize that they are suffering from alcohol poisoning so they won’t seek help.
You are not alone if you or a loved one are looking for help with a substance use disorder. Contact Zinnia Healing on our website or call us today at (855) 430-9439 for more information.
Why Do People Mix Alcohol With Meth?
One of the reasons why meth is so dangerous is because the high does not last long at all, which leads people to take additional doses to restore the feeling. This is dangerous because the more meth someone takes in a short time span, the more at risk they are of experiencing an overdose.
The need to take meth repeatedly to restore the addictive sensation is also why tolerance and dependence develop rapidly. Many people try mixing alcohol with meth to maintain that high feeling. The effects of alcohol contribute to the sensations of a meth high, but the primary goal is to extend the high.
Studies have shown that mixing alcohol with meth can lengthen the meth high by increasing the amount of time it takes for the body to metabolize the drug. However, this can also make things more dangerous because the meth stays in the body for longer, and the risk of overdose increases if the person takes another dose.
Alcohol abuse and binge drinking disorders can also arise when using alcohol to extend the meth high. This type of meth use is especially dangerous and requires a specialty treatment program capable of addressing alcohol dependence and meth abuse at the same time.
Side Effects of Mixing Alcohol With Meth
Mixing alcohol with meth has both short-term and long-term consequences. Immediately, a person’s judgment will be impaired and perception altered. This can lead to excessive alcohol consumption and poor decisions that lead to bodily harm, like driving while under the influence.
Following the high that comes with consuming meth, a person may also experience a crash. The crash, combined with the symptoms of an alcohol hangover, often culminates in depression, suicidal thoughts, and intense physical and mental discomfort. The combination of alcohol intoxication and methamphetamine use can also lead to intense withdrawal symptoms.
In the long-term, mixing alcohol with meth can lead to cardiovascular disease and impair spatial memory. For pregnant women, this directly affects the brain development of unborn babies. However, it also impacts the individual who is taking the meth and can lead to permanent alterations to their mental state.
Ultimately, no amount of meth is safe. Even just trying meth once can be life-threatening and life-altering. That’s why connecting with a team of knowledgeable and caring specialists is essential for getting the guidance and support you need on the road to recovery.
Zinnia Healing Can Help
The stimulating effects of methamphetamine abuse and the sedating effects of alcohol are addicting. When the two are combined, it creates a complicated issue of polysubstance abuse that requires dedicated treatment facilities and knowledgeable treatment providers. You can find this in an inpatient or outpatient setting, and getting familiar with your treatment options is often the first step.
At Zinnia Healing, we believe every individual deserves empathy, understanding, and a dedicated detox roadmap that aligns with their unique needs and goals. If you are currently suffering from a substance use disorder, don’t wait to get help. Our team is standing by to answer your questions and explain your options.
Are you ready to learn more and take the next step towards remission? Contact Zinnia Healing on our website or call us today at (855) 430-9439 for more information.