Young adults come across many different substances at a vulnerable age. Polysubstance abuse is not unusual, but it is heartbreaking. This article will explain what polysubstance abuse is, why it’s dangerous, and how to get help for yourself or a loved one. Contact Oceanfront Recovery if you have any questions about how we can help.
What Is Polysubstance Abuse?
Polysubstance abuse refers to combining substances, whether intentionally or not. Something as simple as mixing drugs and alcohol is polysubstance abuse, but sometimes an individual will choose to incorporate one illegal substance with another. The difficulty in knowing what is in a powder or pill can lead to polysubstance abuse. Some illegal drug manufacturers will cut one substance with another. For instance, MDMA pills that also contain cocaine.
Young adults are particularly susceptible to unintentional polysubstance abuse but may be encouraged to mix substances intentionally. Polysubstance abuse can also arise when a young person builds up a tolerance to one substance and can no longer get the ‘high’ they need. In other words, this leads to taking two substances at once or trying a pill that may contain mixed substances. Polysubstance abuse can complicate addiction treatment.
Another form of polysubstance abuse involves prescription drugs. Prescription drugs can be abused like any street drug, and this can be just as dangerous. Anyone prescribing medication must know what else you or your loved one is taking, including illegal drugs or ‘legal highs.’ Some drugs do not mix well with others, and doctors avoid prescribing them together.
Dangers of Polysubstance Abuse
Polysubstance abuse can be as dangerous, sometimes more so, than taking any single illegal substance. The human body filters out toxins through the renal system, so the more toxins you consume, the more you damage your liver and kidneys. Mixing drugs, especially substances that do not react well together, puts you or your loved one at high risk of liver damage. Some other dangers of polysubstance abuse include:
- Increased side effects
- Increased toxicity
- Severe health problems, such as heart attack
- Unintentional overdose
- Complications that are difficult to treat
- A tolerance to prescription medications
If someone has overdosed on more than one substance simultaneously, it can be more complex to treat. It is also much easier to overdose when taking two or more substances.
Different drugs create different responses within the body. However, drugs also interact with each other, and this can cause a variety of dangerous effects. Certain medical conditions also do not react well to certain drugs.
Using two substances simultaneously may increase the effects the user is seeking, but it also increases harmful side effects. If you or your loved one are abusing a prescription drug, you are likely to develop a tolerance to this, and the drug will then be ineffective in the event you need it for medical reasons.
Polysubstance Addiction Treatment at The Oceanfront Recovery Center
If you or a loved one need addiction treatment, the Oceanfront Recovery Center offers a wide range of programs in a beautiful setting. We’re two blocks away from the Pacific Ocean, a gorgeous place to recover from substance abuse issues. We are qualified to deal with a dual diagnosis too. Dual diagnosis is a diagnosis of both an addiction and a mental health problem, and with our wide range of treatments for both, we can design a treatment program to fit you. Some of the programs we offer include:
- Polysubstance addiction treatment center
- Depression treatment program
- Alcohol addiction treatment
- Aftercare program
- ADHD treatment program
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy program
The Oceanfront Recovery Center is ready to take your call. If you’d like to speak to someone about polysubstance abuse, call us at 877.296.7477. We can help you or a loved one heal and recover from drug or alcohol abuse.
