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Mixing Alcohol And Heroin: Threats And Dangers

It's a one-way ticket to a bad trip, and a hospital bed
Heroin and alcohol are both commonly abused substances that, when mixed, can create a dangerous cocktail. At Miracles Asia, our alcohol rehab in Thailand can help you or your loved one overcome their substance abuse struggles and live a healthier, happier life.

Table of Contents

Heroin and alcohol in combination is a dangerous mix and can cause great harm to the user. Both alcohol and heroin are substances that can be classified as central nervous system depressants.

Their effects are similar, causing slower response time, reduced concentration, pain relief, and states of relaxation or even euphoria, among others.

Used individually, alcohol and heroin present substantial dangers. 

One can develop a dependency on those substances, experience many adverse physical and psychological effects, as well as overdose, which can be fatal.

Alcohol or heroin abuse is dangerous in itself, but mixing them together opens the door to a whole set of difficult-to-battle problems.

In this article, we will talk about the threats connected with heroin and alcohol use and ways one can receive help when struggling with substance abuse.
Key Takeaways
Heroin and alcohol are both central nervous system depressants and can cause harm to the user when used individually.
Signs of heroin and alcohol abuse include mood swings, depression, and withdrawal symptoms.
Combining heroin and alcohol can lead to a dangerous mixture that can be fatal.

Heroin and Alcohol Abuse - Dangerous Combination

In the US, there is an epidemic of opioid drug abuse. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 75% of all drug overdose-related deaths were connected to opioid use. There are many causes, including the increased availability of cheaper heroin and other opioid-based drugs being one of the most substantial.

Oftentimes individuals who develop a dependency on prescribed painkillers reach for heroin and other illicit drugs to enhance the effects of medications or replace them once their access to these substances gets limited.

It is also quite prevalent that people struggling with alcohol addiction develop heroin addiction as well (or other forms of drug abuse throughout their life), which is why it's so important to talk about it and learn how to spot the first signs of addiction in ourselves and in others.

How do heroin and alcohol interact with the human body, and what are the effects of mixing these substances?

Heroin

Heroin is an opioid derived from Morphine - the naturally occurring substance that can be found in the seeds of opium poppy pOftenoin is classified as a Schedule I narcotic, which means its possession and usage are illegal.

What's more important, using this opioid it's quite hazardous, as drugs like heroin which are being obtained from various illicit sources, can and often do contain an unspecified number of toxins. This in itself can have adverse consequences for the user.

Additionally, heroin is used by many as an alternative to pharmaceutical pain medication, offering more potent effects. Opioids like heroin interact with opioid receptors located in the brain. Heroin users may experience intense states of euphoria and relief from pain (including chronic pain). This serves as a very strong incentive for people to keep taking heroin once they've tried it, which is how many people develop a dependency on this drug.

This, of course, increases the risks of overdosing. CDC reports that "over 19% of all opioid overdose deaths in 2020 involved heroin," following this with the information that the overwhelming majority of people that have reported using heroin have been using other drugs as well.

Heroin overdose data points to a decrease in deaths in recent years, which could be caused by the increased popularity of even more dangerous fentanyl.

There is always significant risk to a heroin addict to overdose on the drug, mainly due to its potency and adverse reactions one may experience after taking it. Some of these reactions include shallow breathing, lowered blood pressure and heart rate, states of deep sedation, and coma.

Heroin can be snorted, injected, or smoked. We can encounter heroin in the form of white powder or as a black sticky substance, which is also known under the name black tar heroin.

Once the drug enters the bloodstream, it quickly binds to the opioid receptors, causing a number of reactions, such as dopamine levels increase, pain signals blockage, slower reaction time, and a deep state of relaxation.

Alcohol

Alcohol has a long list of detrimental side effects, one of the most dangerous being the fact of how easy it is to develop an alcohol addiction. Alcohol is a depressant, just like heroin, causing very similar effects. Some people mix alcohol and heroin to enhance the intensity of the state they're experiencing.

Alcohol overdose can lead to many serious health complications. Some of them are irregular and slow breathing, seizures, low body temperature, and losing consciousness, liver damage, permanent brain damage, as well as death.

Because of that, it's crucial to control alcohol intake and react to the first signs of alcohol addiction.

Heroin Mixed with Alcohol - Effects

Mixing heroin and alcohol is extremely dangerous. Heroin and alcohol have similar effects, and in tandem, their potency is much stronger. This may lead to many serious health implications, including overdosing (which can be fatal).

Some of the heroin and alcohol effects are:
Vomiting.
Extreme drowsiness.
Loss of consciousness.
Shallow breathing.
Lack of coordination.
Lack of impulse control.
Respiratory depression.
Slowed or irregular heart rate.
Coma.

Unfortunately, the fact of the matter is the majority of heroin overdoses take place when a drug is mixed with other substances, especially other sedatives that lower one's ability to make conscious decisions.

Individuals under the influence of heroin are prone to experience alcohol poisoning due to the fact that they don't control their alcohol intake, drinking more than it is safe to.

Both heroin and alcohol interact with the same neurotransmitter, slowing down various bodily functions. Combining heroin and alcohol poses an increased risk of respiratory depression, which means insufficient oxygen is being delivered to the brain. This is a very dangerous situation, as it may lead to long-term organ damage or even death.

Heroin and alcohol form a deadly combo due to something that is called a synergistic effect. What this means is that combining alcohol and heroin may lower one's tolerance to these substances. In such circumstances, even small amounts of a drug that were not life-threatening before can cause a very adverse reaction, including death.

Heroin is a fast-acting substance, so death can occur within minutes of taking a drug while under the influence of alcohol.

Signs Of Heroin And Alcohol Abuse

The best course of action to take when you are struggling with drug abuse is to ask for help. Sometimes it's the most difficult step to take, but for many, it's the last lifeline.

Before one decides to take action, they must realize that there is a problem to begin with. This is why it's crucial to learn about how to recognize signs of dependency and addiction. What do they look like in case of alcohol and heroin abuse?

Signs of heroin and alcohol abuse may include:
Mood swings.
Depression.
Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
Symptoms of heroin withdrawal.
Persistent flu-like symptoms.
Difficulties in being able to concentrate.
Hallucinations.
Lower libido.
Anxiety.
Hostility.
Significant weight loss.
Dry mouth.
Being able to identify the addition in its early stages is incredibly important, as it increases the chances of quicker recovery. What are some of the symptoms that can indicate someone you love is struggling with a substance abuse problem?

This list would include the following:
Looking for opportunities to drink and take drugs.
Changing a friend group.
Avoiding being at home, frequently meeting up with people to drink and take other drugs.
Changing hobbies, not participating in things that a person once enjoyed.
Wearing long-sleeved shirts and covering arms and other body parts to hide marking from injections and bruises.
Picking at one's skin.
Struggling to maintain the same level of performance at school or work.
Frequent lying.
Unexplained periods of absence.
Isolating from friends and family.
If you notice any of these signs exhibited by your loved one, you should consult a medical or clinical professional who will be able to offer you valuable support and offer you guidance in your next steps.

Treatment For Alcohol And Heroin Abuse

Anyone who struggles with alcohol and drug abuse is aware of the fact that it's one of the most challenging illnesses to battle. Often, it is not enough for an addict to try to address the issue independently.

Alcohol and heroin abuse may be especially difficult to face without any help from the outside, as heroin alcohol mixture is incredibly potent and, like most opioids, very addictive.

Many people benefit greatly from substance use disorder treatments and rehabs, where they can find the root of their addiction and receive valuable tools and support to overcome it and get their lives back.

At Miracles Asia, you can receive professional treatment to help you stand on your feet during this critical time in your recovery. Our team of experts will dedicate time and resources to designing a personalized treatment plan for you.

In our center, you'll be able to manage withdrawal symptoms and chronic pain without the risk of going back to active addiction. After these symptoms subside, you'll be able to learn how to live in peace and find balance in your life.

During the treatment process, you will get the chance to meet other opioid users and share your experiences in support groups. You will also have an opportunity to take part in activities such as psychoeducation, meditation, hikes in the rainforest and beach visits, among others, to help you regain control over your life in a relaxing setting.

Heroin And Alcohol Abuse - Final Thoughts

Using heroin in combination with other drugs or alcohol is dangerous and should never be attempted. Heroin is an opioid-based narcotic that offers strong pain-relieving and sedative effects. Both heroin and alcohol are nervous system depressants, slowing down various body processes, including heart rate and breathing.

It's easier to overdose when mixing heroin with alcohol due to the increased potency of such a mixture, as well as lack of awareness which leads to excessive drinking or heroin use. Combining alcohol and opioids may lead to severe health complications and even death.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, reach out for help. Receive support from a professional treatment provider and change your life today.

Don't Delay Substance Use Disorder Treatment

Mixing alcohol with hallucinogenic drugs is highly dangerous and may have a lasting impact on mental and physical health. Although some users believe the mixture intensifies or balances the experience, in reality, the two substances do not work together well and may only impair your health.

If you or your loved one suffers from drug abuse or alcoholism, it is never too late to seek treatment. Miracles Asia offers personalized substance use disorder treatment where you or your loved one will fight the addiction with professional support.

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