Having a glass of wine with dinner may seem harmless, but drinking alcohol can bring about undesirable side effects and an increased risk of dependence when you are on prescription medication. Many people unwittingly develop a substance use disorder when combining two or more substances like prescription drugs and alcohol. If you start noticing the side effects of polysubstance abuse, you may need the help of a residential treatment program.
At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston, we can help you take your life back from polysubstance abuse. Our residential treatment programs provide you with around-the-clock care to ensure that you are safe and comfortable while you detox from substance use disorder. Call us today at 866.516.8356 to learn how we can help you heal from polysubstance abuse.
What Is Polysubstance Abuse?
The prefix “poly” means many, so polysubstance abuse is essentially the abuse of many substances. A person with polysubstance abuse may be abusing any combination of prescription drugs, illicit drugs, and alcohol.
Why would someone choose to use multiple substances at the same time? While it is not always intentional, several factors may contribute to polysubstance abuse:
- A person may be taking multiple prescription medications from more than one doctor that are not safe to take together. Some pharmacies now provide alerts that inform the pharmacist if the medications you are filling may be problematic if someone combines them. This can help decrease the risk of complications and polysubstance abuse.
- Some people continue drinking alcohol while on medications that do not mix well. In some cases, the person does not realize they are not supposed to drink with the medication. However, sometimes a person is aware that they should not combine alcohol with their medication. They may not realize the risk of polysubstance abuse, or they may be addicted to alcohol and cannot stop drinking on their own.
- A person may intentionally engage in polysubstance abuse to get a more intense high. Certain prescription medications, illicit drugs, and alcohol provide enhanced effects when used together. Therefore, some people may strategically choose to blend their substances. For example, combining opioids with benzodiazepines can result in a greater sense of sedation.
Regardless of whether a person is inadvertently or intentionally engaging in polysubstance abuse, they may need the help of a residential detox program. Polysubstance abuse is dangerous and can be extremely difficult to quit on your own.
What Are the Dangers of Polysubstance Abuse?
With the more intense high of combining substances comes more intense side effects. Mixing drugs and alcohol can introduce more dangers than using any one substance alone, including:
- Putting you at a greater risk of dependence, addiction, and overdose
- Experiencing addictive effects, which are unique side effects that occur based on the particular combination of substances being used, such as nausea, vomiting, pain, and breathing difficulties
- Increased risk of toxicity since a reduced metabolism can lead to higher concentrations of substances in your blood.
- Higher risk of chronic health conditions such as hepatitis C and myocardial infarction
- Increased severity of co-occurring mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression
Since different types of drugs and alcohol interact differently, it can be easy to overdo it without realizing it. The side effects can be unpredictable, making polysubstance abuse a dangerous habit. If you are struggling with substance use disorder, getting help from a residential treatment program can potentially save your life.
Contact Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston Today
At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston, we realize how easily a substance use disorder can develop into polysubstance abuse. If you are experiencing the side effects of polysubstance abuse, you can count on the caring, evidence-based residential treatment at our conveniently located Houston detox center. Give us a call today at 866.516.8356 to get started on the path to sober living.
