Cocaine And Alcohol: The Dangers Of Mixing Substances

Cocaine is a stimulant drug that is made from the leaves of the coca plant that’s indigenous to South America. The use of cocaine is illegal in Australia, and its trafficking can come with major legal consequences. That said, people still take cocaine for its euphoric effects.

On the other end of the legal spectrum is alcohol. The consumption and distribution of alcohol are generally legal, provided certain requirements are met. Because of this, people freely drink alcohol. Alcohol use is a normal part of everyday life for most people.

Individually, both substances can have high rates of addiction and trying to get off of them can cause painful withdrawal symptoms. That said, some people take cocaine with alcohol without realising just how dangerous that kind of behaviour can be.

At Sivana Bali, we work to help people understand the dangers of mixing cocaine addiction with another substance use disorder and to help people overcome drug and alcohol dependence.

The Physical Dangers of Mixing Alcohol and Cocaine

Polydrug use should generally be avoided. Mixing drugs can have unpredictable and sometimes toxic effects. In some cases, the drugs may enhance each other’s effects on the body, which can be dangerous. 

The combination of cocaine and alcohol can be particularly dangerous. dangerous due to the formation of a toxic chemical called cocaethylene in the liver.

This substance can enhance the euphoric effects of both substances, which can convince some users to think they can consume more without immediate consequences.

However, cocaethylene is significantly more toxic than either alcohol or cocaine alone and increases the risk of severe cardiovascular issues, such as heart attacks and strokes.

The combination of alcohol and cocaine use can also impair judgement and motor skills more severely than either substance individually, increasing the likelihood of getting into accidents and engaging in dangerous behaviours. 

Furthermore, when people use cocaine and alcohol together, they put added strain on their liver, potentially leading to acute liver damage. Chronic use can exacerbate mental health issues, leading to increased anxiety, paranoia, and aggressive behaviour.

The compounded stress on the body and mind significantly elevates the risk of fatal overdose, making this combination particularly hazardous.

Mental Health Risks of Cocaine Use and Alcohol Consumption

Beyond a person’s physical health, the combined use of cocaine and alcohol poses significant mental health risks. Cocaine can lead to heightened anxiety, paranoia, and even psychosis, characterised by hallucinations and delusions.

Prolonged cocaine abuse often leads to severe depression, mood swings, and cognitive impairments, including memory loss and impaired decision-making. Alcohol, a depressant, can cause mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and increased irritability and aggression. 

When cocaine and alcohol are used together, these mental health risks are amplified. The combination increases the likelihood of severe anxiety, panic attacks, and violent behaviour due to the opposing effects of the stimulant and depressant.

Cocaethylene can further exacerbate these risks and lead to heightened feelings of euphoria followed by intense crashes, severe mood disturbances, and a much greater potential for addiction. This combination can result in long-term mental health issues that require extensive treatment and support.

What Effect Does Cocaine Use and Alcohol Have on a Person?

Cocaine use and alcohol consumption have profound and harmful effects on a person’s physical and mental health. The combination amplifies the addictive potential of both substances, which can lead to severe health consequences and a higher risk of overdose.

The Effects of Cocaine on a Person

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant and increases heart rate, blood pressure, and energy levels while inducing euphoria and heightened alertness. However, it can also lead to severe cardiovascular issues, anxiety, paranoia, and addiction. Chronic cocaine use can damage the heart, brain, and other organs.

The Effects of Alcohol on a Person

Alcohol, a depressant, slows down the central nervous system, leading to relaxation, impaired coordination, and lowered inhibitions. Long-term alcohol abuse can cause liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and neurological damage. It also increases the risk of accidents and injuries due to the aforementioned impaired judgement and motor skills.

Why Do People Mix Cocaine and Alcohol?

While the effects of mixing cocaine with alcohol consumption can be hazardous, there are still some people who use both substances for various reasons.

Cocaine is a stimulant that increases energy, alertness, and euphoria, while alcohol is a depressant that relaxes and reduces inhibitions.

When combined, users may experience a more potent high as the stimulant effects of cocaine counteract the sedative effects of alcohol, allowing them to feel more energetic and less drunk than they would with just drinking alcohol. 

This combination of cocaine and alcohol use can create a false sense of control and prolonged partying. Additionally, some people mix these substances to mitigate the negative effects of each drug; for example, alcohol may lessen cocaine’s anxiety and agitation. 

Treatment for Cocaine and Alcohol Addiction

Effective treatment should be personalised and consider the individual’s needs, circumstances, and underlying health conditions. A comprehensive and integrated approach significantly enhances the chances of achieving and maintaining long-term recovery from cocaine and alcohol dependence

Treating cocaine and alcohol dependence typically involves a combination of medical, psychological, and social interventions to address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. Here are some key components of treatment:

Detoxification

Medically supervised detox is often the first step in helping individuals safely withdraw from both substances. This process can involve medications to manage withdrawal symptoms and prevent complications.

Therapy

Therapy can be incredibly beneficial for helping a person stop taking cocaine and drinking alcohol. They can delve into the root causes of their use of alcohol and drugs. They can also develop strategies for managing cravings for cocaine or alcohol.

Support Groups

Joining support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) can provide social support and encouragement. These groups offer a sense of community and are a place for shared experiences, which can be crucial for long-term recovery.

Lifestyle Changes

Developing healthy habits, such as exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in hobbies, can support recovery by improving overall well-being and reducing the likelihood of relapse.

We’ll Help You Recover from Cocaine and Alcohol Dependence

When a person tries to stop using a substance that they’re addicted to, they may go through painful withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can get so bad that a person may use their substance of choice again to get some measure of relief.

Withdrawal is often a major reason why many people find it hard to get sober. However, withdrawal and the rest of the treatment can be managed. Many people have been able to get through treatment and come out the other side healthier. 

We can help you become one of those people. At Sivana Bali, we aim to help people recover from addiction and reclaim their lives. Contact us now, and we will gladly provide you with further information and guidance on beginning your treatment.