Mixing Alcohol and Methamphetamine
Combining alcohol with drugs can lead to unexpected reactions. It can increase the risk for alcoholism or increase the defined effects of the drugs you are taking. The combination of alcohol with methamphetamine makes another drug cocktail that can induce unanticipated side effects. People who are addicted to methamphetamine and alcohol should seek immediate help. Call and find out about the available treatment and recovery options for you or your loved one who is suffering from meth and alcohol addiction.
Effects of Mixing Alcohol and Methamphetamine
Alcohol and meth have different functions. Alcohol is a sedative — a downer — and works as a central nervous system depressant, also called a CNS depressant. Its effects include nausea, impaired thinking, and slowed cardiovascular functioning. When consumed in large quantities, alcohol can cause dramatic mood swings, slurred speech, loss of motor skills coordination, and alcohol poisoning.
Methamphetamine, or meth, is a stimulant — an upper — and considered one of the most potent of its kind. It stimulates the central nervous system, leading to the occurrence of high blood pressure, increased energy, amplified heart rate, and euphoria. Medically, methamphetamine is an FDA-approved medication for treating ADHD and exogenous obesity in both children and adults.
Being addicted to methamphetamine and alcohol can increase the risk for alcohol poisoning. According to the New Research on Methamphetamine Abuse, ethanol or alcohol attenuates the effects of methamphetamine and slows down the metabolism of the drug. Taking methamphetamine with alcohol also makes a person less sensitive to the effects of alcohol. This may be due to the stimulating effect of meth that may interfere with the ability of a person to determine how drunk he or she is. This increases the risk for alcohol overdose or poisoning, which is characterized by:
- Loss of consciousness
- Vomiting
- Seizures or convulsions
- Respiratory failure
- Slowed breathing
- Coma
Alcohol poisoning requires immediate medical attention. If a person addicted to methamphetamine and alcohol displays symptoms of alcohol overdose or poisoning, call 911 or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Dangers of Mixing Methamphetamine With Alcohol and Other Drugs
Mixing uppers and downers like meth and alcohol may not result in the substances counteracting each other; instead, it can mask the signs of an overdose. The physical symptoms of a methamphetamine high and alcohol intoxication may be reduced, which may encourage a person to increase the dosage of meth or amount of alcohol so he or she can feel the desired effects of these substances.
Alcohol can also increase the risk of cardiovascular problems when consumed together with meth. A combination of meth and alcohol can increase the heart rate by 24 beats per minute, forcing the cardiovascular system to work harder, which can lead to increased myocardial oxygen consumption. The cardiovascular problem can occur even if the person addicted to methamphetamine and alcohol does not have a history of cardiovascular disease.
Combining methamphetamine with other stimulants, like cocaine or amphetamines, can induce an extreme high. It can also increase wakefulness, physical activity, respiration, heart rate, and blood pressure, as well as decrease appetite and cause hyperthermia. Chronic abuse of methamphetamines can also lead to molecular and chemical changes in the brain, causing psychological problems, including delusions, hallucinations and paranoia.
Treatment Options
“A person addicted to methamphetamine and alcohol requires specialized treatment and long-term support.”-Projectknow.com
One of the most effective treatments for methamphetamine and alcohol addiction is a comprehensive cognitive behavioral intervention. This method incorporates various techniques, such as behavioral therapy, one-on-one counseling, drug testing, 12-step support, family education, and empowerment for activities not related to drugs. A luxury rehab center offers this treatment, as well as provides contingency management and incentives in exchange for maintaining abstinence.
Many methamphetamine addicts also suffer from ADHD, narcolepsy and depression. The best methamphetamine and alcohol rehab centers offer specialized programs for people who are suffering from any physical or psychological conditions. A person addicted to methamphetamine and alcohol requires specialized treatment and long-term support. To find out more about the top alcohol and methamphetamine detox and rehab centers, call us today at .
Factoid:
- Methamphetamine is a synthetic drug. It can be synthesized using basic household and farm products. Anyone who has a high school chemistry experience can synthesize or “cook” methamphetamine using such products.
- Most of the supply of methamphetamine comes from domestic or foreign super labs. Meth is also synthesized in illegal laboratories, and its production can endanger the health of the synthesizers and the people living close to the laboratory or factory.