What Is Polysubstance Abuse?
- Rx Media
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
Addiction doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some struggle with a single substance–whether that may be alcohol, prescription pills, or drugs. But have you ever been tempted to try multiple at once? This is the case for polysubstance abuse, and its dangers are just as complex as its nature.
In this article, we'll delve deeper into polysubstance abuse, why it happens, and how you can seek drug rehab for young adults for support.
What Is Polysubstance Abuse?
Polysubstance abuse is a disorder that involves regularly misusing one substance or cycling through several ones within a short period. It often starts casually–a pill after a drink at a party, or an opioid following a stimulant.
Polysubstance abuse generally falls into two types: intentional and unintentional. Intentional polysubstance abuse happens when you knowingly combine substances to enhance, counteract, or prolong their effects. This looks like using a stimulant to stay alert after a depressant. Unintentional polysubstance abuse, on the other hand, occurs when you mix substances without realizing how they interact, such as taking prescribed medications with alcohol.
Who Does It Affect?
Polysubstance abuse can affect anyone, especially young adults that are struggling to fit in and transition to adulthood. But certain risk factors can make you more vulnerable to developing it. Some of these include:
Mental health. If you’re dealing with mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety, you may be more likely to turn to substances as a coping mechanism.
Environment. Peer pressure, lack of support, and constantly being in a high-stress environment can increase your risk for polysubstance abuse.
Genetics. Having a family history of addiction can increase your risks, as your brain may respond to substances differently.
Early exposure. Early exposure to drugs or alcohol can alter how your brain processes pleasure, risks, and decision-making.
Commonly Combined Substances
Certain drug combinations are more common than others. Understanding their effects can help you recognize potential risks and seek help if needed.
Alcohol And Benzodiazepines
One of the most common–and dangerous–drug combinations is alcohol and benzodiazepines. Both are central nervous depressants, meaning they slow brain activity. When taken together, they can suppress your breathing, impair your coordination, and cloud your judgment.
Opioids And Stimulants
Another dangerous pairing is opioids and stimulants, colloquially referred to as "speedballing." This combination usually involves heroin or fentanyl mixed with cocaine or methamphetamine. Mixing these substances aims to balance their effects. The stimulant is meant to provide the euphoric "high," while the opioid relaxes you. This sends your body into conflicting states and increases the risks of irregular heart rhythms, respiratory failure, and overdose.
Prescription Drugs And Illicit Substances
Mixing prescription drugs with illicit substances--like ADHD medications with alcohol--is often done for self-medication. This practice is particularly risky, as it can lead to organ damage and overdose.
Why Polysubstance Abuse Is Dangerous
Polysubstance abuse can lead to serious complications, even if you think you know how these drugs affect you. Mixing substances does not only add to their effects, it multiplies the risks.
Increased Overdose Risk
One of the biggest risks of polysubstance abuse is overdose, which happens when your body is overwhelmed by toxic levels of substances. Mixing depressants, stimulants, and other drugs can severely disrupt your heart rate, breathing, and organ function, leading to an increased risk of life-threatening complications.
Physical And Mental Health Effects
Long-term polysubstance use can severely impact your physical and mental health. Combining substances disrupts your brain function, making it difficult to regulate emotions and cognitive processes. This can lead to memory loss, severe mood swings, and even psychosis, that can affect both your personal and professional relationships. Over time, your body may also suffer from organ damage and heart complications.
Challenges In Treatment
Treating polysubstance abuse is also more complicated. Withdrawing from multiple substances at a time can trigger severe and unpredictable symptoms that require medical supervision. Prescribing detox medications also becomes harder, because there are more drug interactions to take account of.
How To Treat Polysubstance Abuse
Recovery from polysubstance abuse can feel frightening and overwhelming. You're aware that there's a lot to take care of, and your addiction may run deeper than you may think.
The good news? You don’t have to do this alone, and recovery is certainly possible with the right support.
Medical Detox
Quitting multiple substances all of a sudden can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Closely supervised medical detox will help you manage your withdrawal symptoms safely. This will entail gradually removing drugs from your system, closely monitoring your vitals, and prescribing medications that ease withdrawal without triggering harmful interactions.
Inpatient Or Outpatient Treatment
Portland, Oregon provides a wide range of treatment options to support your recovery after medical detox. Drug rehab centers for young adults offer round-the-clock support with inpatient programs, more flexibility with outpatient care, and the balance of an intensive outpatient program.
Therapy And Counseling
Therapy and counseling play a crucial role in polysubstance abuse treatment. Individualized approaches specifically address your reasons behind using multiple substances and identify your triggers, patterns, and motivations. Cognitive behavioral therapy, group therapy, and dual diagnosis care address the link between polysubstance abuse and mental health.
Ongoing Support
Because the risk of relapse is higher for polysubstance use due to complex cravings and triggers, aftercare is often more intensive and prolonged. Sober living in Portland, Oregon can provide a stable and substance-free environment. These may involve curfews, regular medical follow-ups, and a supportive community of people who are also in recovery.
Conclusion
Polysubstance abuse is a complex and high-risk behavior with serious consequences. From increased overdose risks and long-term health issues to more complicated treatment and recovery paths, polysubstance abuse is beyond challenging. But understanding its nature, recognizing the risks, and knowing where to seek help can be life-changing.
With the right support, you can navigate triggers, manage cravings, and build a life free from substance dependence. Ready to hear about tailored treatment plans just for you? Contact us at Cielo Treatment Center today!
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