Call American Addiction Centers for help today.

(888) 287-0471
Close Main Menu
Main Menu
  • Find a Rehab Center
  • AAC Facilities
  • Find Treatment
  • Paying for Treatment
  • Substance Abuse
  • About AAC
    Back to Main Menu
    Main Menu

Effects of Mixing Alcohol and Narcotics

Questions about treatment?
  • Access to licensed treatment centers
  • Information on treatment plans
  • Financial assistance options

If you or someone you know is addicted to narcotics and alcohol, the danger of combining the two substances is quite great. It is best to avoid the effects of mixing alcohol and narcotics, as the side effects can be dangerous to the body.

According to Santa Clara University, the most dangerous combination of drugs and alcohol exist when two sedatives are mixed. This combination of drugs and alcohol cause depression of the central nervous system, which can result in fatalities. In emergency situations, call emergency services at 911.

“It is best to avoid the effects of mixing alcohol and narcotics, as the side effects can be dangerous to the body.”-Projectknow.com

Combining Acid/LSD and Alcohol

Some people who are addicted to narcotics and alcohol combine LSD, also known as acid, and alcohol. When combined with alcohol, LSD’s normal effects of hallucinations are normally decreased. This may lead to a user drinking more alcohol than normal, which often does not lead to the feeling of inebriation as quickly. Drinking large amounts of alcohol is still damaging to the body, and it may injure the liver and other organs.

Adding Cocaine to the Mix

Cocaine on a tableAccording to Santa Clara University, cocaine and alcohol mixtures can be very dangerous, as the combination leads to the heart rate multiplying by three to five times the normal rate. For some people, this will lead to heart failure or heart attacks, which can lead to death if not treated quickly and appropriately. It is possible for the mixture of alcohol and cocaine to cancel the normal effects of either drug out completely. It is also possible to experience a high from both the alcohol and the drug. Used together, the chance of overdose is increased.

Cocaine is a stimulant, and drinking alcohol with a stimulant means your blood alcohol content will raise more quickly than if you had only had a drink. This can lead to poor decision-making, drunkenness, and other problems.

Dangers of Taking Ecstasy while Drinking

projectknow-shutter376019320-mdma

A drug that has become very popular, Ecstasy is a very dangerous substance to mix with alcohol. Alcohol can lead to dehydration very quickly when mixed with Ecstasy. Ecstasy already can result in dehydration and overheating. Ecstasy decreases the body’s ability to regulate its temperature, as well, according to Santa Clara University. Since alcohol tends to raise the body’s temperature, the combination can cause the body to experience hypertension, and this can lead to death.

Using Marijuana and Other Drugs

Man rolling Marijuana with his hands If someone is addicted to narcotics and alcohol, marijuana may be one of the combinations that has been, or will be, tried. Marijuana is easy to get, and many people do not realize the potential dangers it can cause when mixed with other substances. Marijuana causes the chance of overdosing on alcohol to be much higher. It has the ability to suppress a person’s urge to throw up and can reduce sensations of nausea. Because a person may not recognize that the body is trying to reject additional alcohol, the chances of a blood alcohol content rising too high and causing death or other dangerous conditions is much higher.

How Alcohol and Methamphetamine Interact

projectknow-shutter307944914-methAlready a dangerous drug, methamphetamine that is mixed with alcohol can lead to death or other dangerous problems in the body. Alcohol can mask the effects of methamphetamines, but it does not alter the rising heart rate or other side effects. This can lead to a user taking more of the drug than the body can handle, which could lead to death.

If you or someone you know would like more information about mixing narcotics and alcohol, contact us at . We can give you the information you need to get well.

We're here to help you find the treatment you deserve.
Substance Abuse Assessment
How our treatment is different?
American Addiction Centers photo
Editoral Staff
Author
The editorial staff of Projectknow.com is comprised of addiction content experts from American Addiction Centers. Our editors and medical reviewers have over a decade of cumulative experience in medical content editing and have reviewed thousands of pages for accuracy and relevance. Our reviewers consistently monitor the latest research from SAMHSA, NIDA, and other reputable sources to provide our readers the most accurate content on the web.
Reach out to us day or night

Our supportive admissions navigators are available 24/7 to assist you or your family.

Call 888-287-0471
There was an error fetching your data
0