Substance abuse can sometimes stem from social situations or gatherings like concerts, parties, or clubs. Individuals may use drugs or alcohol to lower their inhibitions or increase feelings of excitement. While recreational substance abuse is not uncommon, there are still many risks associated with any drug or alcohol use. Another dangerous aspect of this is mixing substances. One of the more common substance abuse combinations is mixing cocaine and alcohol. If left unchecked, it can spiral into serious struggles with addiction. When someone battles addiction, the safest and most effective path to sobriety is to enroll in a detox center and rehab facility.

If you find yourself feeling the need to mix substances like cocaine and alcohol, it may be time to consider reaching out for help. At California Centers for Recovery, we have a cocaine detox program and various services to support clients throughout treatment. Struggling with substance abuse can feel overwhelming or hopeless, but with proper care and support, you can reclaim your life.

What Is Polysubstance Abuse?

Polysubstance abuse is when an individual combines multiple substances, whether deliberately or unintentionally. It can occur with illicit drugs, prescription medications, and alcohol. Someone may take two or more substances to enhance or dull the effects of one or the other. No matter the individual’s reasons or intentions, polysubstance abuse can cause significant harm to your health and safety. Abusing multiple substances at once not only puts your safety at risk but increases your chances of developing or worsening health issues.

To give yourself the best chance of overcoming polysubstance, it is best to seek treatment at an addiction facility. At California Centers for Recovery, we create individualized detox and treatment plans for each client that considers their history and experience with substance abuse. Our team of addiction specialists understands the intricacies of polysubstance abuse and what successful recovery will entail.

The Dangers of Mixing Cocaine and Alcohol

Mixing cocaine and alcohol is one of the more common occurrences of polysubstance abuse. Since cocaine is a stimulant drug, it is typical for individuals to combine it with a depressant like alcohol. They may be seeking to increase the pleasure and rewarding feelings of both substances. Sometimes, individuals are looking to use alcohol to reduce the feelings of anxiety that may occur once the cocaine wears off. There is a common misconception that because they have opposing effects on your body, consuming the two substances will cancel each other out. However, this is not the case; taking both substances can have harmful and unpredictable side effects.

Some of the dangers of mixing cocaine and alcohol include:

• Misjudging your level of intoxication
• Engaging in dangerous or high-risk behavior
• Increased risk of heart attack or stroke
• Seizures
• Worsening mental health issues

One of the greatest dangers of mixing cocaine and alcohol is the formation of cocaethylene in your liver. This is a hazardous metabolite created when someone mixes cocaine and alcohol. It is a byproduct that has the same potency as cocaine but a longer half-life, which means its effects linger for longer. This only increases the risks to your health and safety.

Get Support by Calling California Centers for Recovery

At California Centers for Recovery, our team is ready to help you or a loved one through every stage of recovery. We provide various treatment programs, including:

• Residential treatment
• Detox programs
• Luxury rehab
• Women’s rehab
• Men’s rehab
• Holistic healing
• Group therapy
• Family therapy

The path to recovery is not always easy, but your chances of long-term sobriety significantly increase when you enroll in a detox and rehab center. Contact us at 877.328.5682 to verify your insurance and get your treatment process started.