Polysubstance use refers to combining two or more substances simultaneously or within a short period of each other, which can lead to dangerous interactions. In some instances, a person may unintentionally combine substances, such as by having a few glasses of wine while taking a prescription medication.
Other times, people combine multiple drugs intentionally to magnify the effects of the substances. For instance, they may combine benzodiazepines with opioids to experience greater relaxation. Polysubstance use can cause unpredictable consequences while also enhancing the negative effects of each drug.
How Common is Polysubstance Use?
According to research, it’s not uncommon to mix substances. In fact, it appears to be the norm. For example, one study found that in people who use opioids, almost all use them in conjunction with other substances. Research also shows that people who use alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, prescription opioids, cocaine and heroin are more likely to engage in polysubstance abuse.
Some of the factors associated with an increased risk for polysubstance use are:
- Age - younger people have a higher risk
- Lower levels of education
- Mental health issues like depression or anxiety
- Unemployment
- Living with a disability
Why Do People Combine Substances?
There are three main reasons why people combine drugs: to enhance the effects of a single drug, to feel the effects of the drugs together or to decrease the effects of a substance. However, mixing substances is dangerous and can lead to life threatening or even fatal consequences.
Furthermore, when people grow dependent on substances, they also become more tolerant to their effects. Therefore, they aren’t afraid to mix substances to recreate the same high they got the first few times using. It’s a dangerous cycle that significantly raises the risk for overdose and death.
Dangers Associated with Polysubstance Abuse
Let's look closer at the dangers of polysubstance abuse:
- Physical health problems. When you have multiple substances in the body, you run the risk of developing or worsening health problems. Not only might you experience negative effects from the individual substances themselves, but also your body will have a harder time moving them through the system. This puts stress on vital organs such as the liver, brain and heart.
- Worsening mental disorders. People often use substances to self-medicate the symptoms of mental illness, but combining substances can make these symptoms worse. Prescription medications used to treat depression or anxiety are no exception. For example, combining an antidepressant with alcohol can cause you to feel more anxious or depressed.
- Relapse. Relapse prevention is a vital part of the recovery process. However, polysubstance use can make it difficult to stay sober. You have multiple drugs that you may be experiencing cravings for, and this can make it harder to get withdrawal symptoms under control.
- Overdose. The risk of overdosing is higher when multiple substances are involved, especially if one of them is an opioid. The effects of opioids can be easily intensified, causing changes in breathing and raising the risk for overdose and death.
How to Treat Polysubstance Abuse
It’s important to know that polysubstance misuse can be successfully treated. The first step in the process is detoxification, which removes drugs, alcohol and toxins from the body. Withdrawal can be especially taxing when multiple substances are involved, but there are medications and therapies to keep you as comfortable as possible.
Once you are stable, you can move onto an inpatient or outpatient program, depending on your needs and preferences. These programs allow you to explore the thoughts, feelings and behaviors related to your substance use, learn coping and problem solving skills and create a relapse prevention plan. Some of the most effective therapies for treating polysubstance abuse are:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Motivational interviewing (MI)
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
- Self-help groups
- Peer support groups
Polysubstance Abuse is Treatable! Get Help Today!
Recovery Cove treats each person as a unique individual. We help our clients understand the root of their behaviors, teach them the risks of combining substances and help them develop healthier coping skills. To explore our options for treatment, contact our admissions department at 484-549-COVE.
