Abusing more than one substance is referred to as polysubstance abuse.

Many people abuse more than one substance and have what is commonly referred to as polysubstance or polydrug abuse.

According to the World Health Organization, 31 million people have drug use disorders.  Of that number, almost 11 million inject drugs, 1.3 million are living with HIV, 5.5 million have hepatitis C, and 1 million have both HIV and hepatitis C.

Often, when peoples think of addiction or substance abuse, they think street drugs and illegal substances.  Prescription drugs and alcohol are addictive and dangerous too.

Many people abuse more than one substance and have what is commonly referred to as polysubstance or polydrug abuse.  Sometimes people abuse different substances to intentionally create different reactions.  Certain substances make them feel better or give them a “high”, while other substances cause sedation and help them relax or sleep.

A desire for a more intense feeling is sometimes another reason people abuse more than one substance.  It is not uncommon for people to take more than one substance and not be aware of it, because drug dealers will combine substances and not tell people what they are really getting.

Regardless of how polysubstance abuse occurs, it magnifies the risks involved as the body struggles to deal with the substances.

Alcohol is arguably the substance most commonly used with other drugs and the results can be deadly.  When prescription opiates are used with alcohol, lowered pulse and blood pressure can occur along with slower or arrested breathing.

Stimulants such as Ritalin or Adderall combined with alcohol make people less aware of their level of intoxication, which can cause them to drink more than they normally would as their judgment and coordination are impaired.  Blackouts, a period of time with no memory of events, can occur.

Alcohol combined with depressants such as Xanax or Valium multiply the effects of both and can quickly cause dizziness, difficulty walking and loss of memory.

Any of these combinations that include prescription opiates, stimulants, or depressants along with alcohol can lead to death.  Combining any two or more substances greatly increases the risks of negative or even fatal outcomes.

Addiction, substance abuse, and polydrug abuse occur not just with younger people, but within all age categories.   In July 2019, the National Institute on Drug Abuse reported that the spread of marijuana use along with the opioid epidemic over the past 10 years has affected middle-aged and older Americans.  They go on to say that prescription opioid and benzodiazepine misuse increases older adults’ risk of suicidal thoughts.

If you or someone you care about, has an ongoing history of substance use and/or relapse, contact us at Gulf Breeze Recovery or call: 833.551.2356 to speak to an addiction expert to learn more about our program that has helped so many people overcome their addiction and embrace life.

We help people not just to survive, but to THRIVE!