How Dangerous is Combining Alcohol and Cocaine?

Combining any substances that carry the potential for abuse and addiction is always a cause for concern. Alcohol is one of the most abused substances in the United States, in part, because we live in a drinking culture that often encourages drinking during social interactions and at celebrations.

Cocaine is often thought of as a “party drug” and is associated with abuse by wealthy individuals. Cocaine does not have the same stigma as crack, however, they are very similar drugs when you compare the stimulant effects and high potential for abuse and addiction. 

Alcohol is a depressant and, when combined with a stimulant like cocaine, poses additional risks. In simple terms, combining alcohol and cocaine increases the effects of both drugs. Experimenting with combinations of drugs is risky. If you or someone you care about has developed a substance abuse disorder or is misusing substances in a way that is increasingly risky, we encourage you to reach out to us at Oasis Recovery to speak with a specialist who can help you decide if it’s time to consider a drug treatment recovery program. 

The Dangers of Combining Alcohol and Cocaine

Abusing cocaine can produce the following effects and side effects: 

• High energy
• Extreme alertness
• Heightened sense of confidence 
• Increased temptation to engage in risky behavior 
• Decreased appetite
• Intense craving for more cocaine resulting in binge use 
• Increased body temperature
• Heart palpitations
• High blood pressure

Withdrawing from cocaine can result in a variety of unpleasant side effects that can include:

• Anxiety 
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Anger
• Aggression
• Paranoia
• Sleep issues 
• Intense cravings 

Common effects of abusing alcohol can include:

• Reduced inhibitions
• Talkativeness 
• Slower reaction time 
• Loss of motor coordination
• Slow or slurred speech
• Blurred vision
• Impaired judgment
• Engaging in risky behaviors 
• Confusion
• Anxiety 
• Irritability 
• Restlessness
• Anger 
• Slowed heart rate
• Reduced blood pressure
• Slower breathing rate
• Increased sweating
• Nausea 
• Dehydration

Studies have shown that over half of those who abuse cocaine also have an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Both substances are associated with nightlife and party culture and, in turn, are often used in the same recreational spaces. This provides a dangerous opportunity for those who are feeling uninhibited to engage in risky behaviors and poor decision-making. 

Individuals who abuse cocaine and alcohol together in social situations often continue to do so outside of these initial social circumstances. This can easily increase the likelihood of developing a dependency on both drugs. 

Mental Health and Substance Abuse

Those with mental health issues are especially predisposed to self-medicate with illicit substances. Proper diagnosis and treatment is an essential way to ensure those with mental health conditions receive proper treatment instead of relying on homemade cocktails to ease the symptoms of their psychological and emotional distress. 

Those with bipolar disorder are known to be especially likely to develop a co-occurring alcohol use disorder (AUD) in an attempt to regulate symptoms of mania or depression. Anyone with a mental health condition who attempts to regulate their moods and symptoms using substances with a high potential for dependency and addiction is taking a serious risk. Not only is it possible to develop an addiction but the use of these substances may make symptoms like anxiety and depression even worse. 

Contact Oasis Recovery to Learn More About Health Risks Associated with Combining Addictive Substances

If you or someone you care about is experimenting with combinations of substances that have the potential for addiction or if they are self-medicating using these substances, we encourage you to reach out to us at Oasis Recovery to speak with a specialist about the risks associated with combining drugs like cocaine and alcohol. Recovery is just a phone call away. Reach out to us today to receive the help you deserve.