Mixing Stimulants And Alcohol Side Effects And Interactions
When someone uses stimulants, it affects their central nervous system, and more specifically, it makes more of certain neurotransmitters available. These neurotransmitters include norepinephrine and dopamine. When there is more availability of these brain chemicals, a person experiences a euphoric high and sense of confidence and sociability. Other desirable effects of stimulant misuse can include increased cognitive function, wakefulness and energy, and weight loss because of appetite suppression. With those sought-after effects, there are unfortunately quite a few negative effects. Stimulant misuse can cause addiction, brain damage, cardiac problems and damage to the organs and tissues. Stimulant misuse can also cause strokes and seizures.
- When alcohol is mixed with a stimulant such as amphetamine, it can cause the person to drink more than they would normally. This is because the stimulant is masking the effects of intoxication. The result can be alcohol poisoning. Mixing alcohol with ADHD drugs can also make it more likely the person can experience cardiac problems, stroke or seizures. Even the mild symptoms of mixing alcohol with prescription stimulants can include nausea, vomiting and dizziness.
- Alcohol and cocaine is an all-too-common combination. People may mix alcohol and cocaine to intensify their high or to help them come down from the stimulant effects of the cocaine. However, mixing alcohol and cocaine makes the risk of sudden death 20 times higher than it is with the use of either substance alone. Cocaine and alcohol used together can increase the chances of violent behavior, and it’s an unpredictable combination that can affect someone differently every time they use it.
- Methamphetamine is arguably one of the most dangerous stimulants and drugs there is. Meth mixed with alcohol can dangerous or violent behavior. Mixing the two can make the crash from meth more severe, and it can trigger thoughts of suicide or depressive periods. A person who’s mixing alcohol and meth may underestimate how much of either substance they’re using, putting them at risk for an overdose or death.
Both alcohol and stimulants can have serious psychological side effects. Used at high doses, stimulants can cause aggression, irritability, hallucinations, delusions, psychosis and depression. Alcohol can change mood, thoughts and behavior as well. Someone who’s mixing alcohol and stimulants may experience severe psychotic symptoms that could lead them to put themselves or someone else in a dangerous situation.
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Read the most frequently asked questionsAlcohol poisoning can be fatal. If you suspect someone is experiencing alcohol poisoning, call 911 immediately. Do NOT be afraid to seek help. If you do not have access to a phone contact Web Poison Control Services for online assistance.