Menu
Why Mixing Drugs Is Always a Bad Idea

Why Mixing Drugs Is Always a Bad Idea

Drugs are generally classified as belonging to one of three groups – depressants, stimulants and hallucinogens. (See our article: The Three Main Categories of Drugs). Mixing drugs is never a good idea, for a multitude of reasons:

  • Taking two types of similar drugs can be dangerous, increasing the negative risks associated with both.For example, it is not a good idea to mix two depressants like alcohol and heroin.
  • Taking two drugs together can make one drug more dangerous than usual.
  • The risk of overdose is heightened when you take two drugs together. One drugs effects might cause you to take a higher than usual dose of another drug to feel it’s effects.

Mixing depressants

Depressants affect the central nervous system so that messages between the brain and the body are slowed. This can make you feel relaxed but your breathing and heart rate are also reduced which can be fatal. Using two of the types of drug together can increase the risk of overdose as they both drugs are acting in a similar way on your body. Alcohol, heroin and tranquilisers are all depressant drugs.

Mixing stimulants

Taking a stimulant drug and then quickly taking another, because the effects of the first drug were not kicking in quick enough, can be very dangerous. Strain on the heart and the potential for overdose are just two of the risks that such actions carry. Fatal overdoses are not uncommon. Typical stimulant drugs are Amphetamines and Cocaine.

Mixing stimulants and alcohol

Drinking alcohol at the same time as taking stimulants can be very dangerous, increasing the pressure on the heart and the potential for heart failure. Additionally, mixing stimulants and alcohol can also lead to dehydration, which can further strain the heart and cause damage to the liver and kidneys.

Some common stimulants that may be mixed with alcohol include cocaine, methamphetamine, and prescription drugs like Adderall and Ritalin. It is important to note that even small amounts of these substances can have a significant impact on the body when combined with alcohol.

Mixing cocaine and alcohol

Taking alcohol and cocaine at the same time can result in the production of a poisonous substance called cocaethylene, which is formed in the liver when the two drugs meet. Cocaine is a stimulant drug and taking it at the same time as a depressant like alcohol could hide some of its effects, meaning that the potential for overdose is higher as you need to take more cocaine to get high.

Mixing ecstasy and cannabis

Cannabis is taken by some to smooth out an ecstasy trip. However, this combination could end up making you feel anxious and paranoid rather than calming you down.

In fact, mixing ecstasy and cannabis can be dangerous, as the combination can further increase heart rate and blood pressure, leading to heart problems and other serious health issues. Both ecstasy and cannabis can also impair judgment and coordination, making it more likely for users to engage in risky behaviours and accidents.

Mixing heroin and cocaine use

A speedball is when cocaine and heroin are taken together. This can be a fatal combination as using the two drugs together put excessive strain on the body and this pressure, especially when the drugs are injected, could prove fatal.

Note: Even when cocaine is mixed with other drugs, it can still be detected by cocaine drug testing kits.


Photo by Avinash Kumar on Unsplash

Zoom Testing is a leading UK drug testing company and a supplier of Drug Test Kits.

This post was originally published in January 2015 and has been updated since.


You May Also Like: