In 2021, 20.55% of Californians participated in binge drinking activities, and roughly 2.5% took cocaine. While not everyone took those substances together, many of them did. In one study, the researchers found that 5.6% of their participants took cocaine and alcohol together. But is the consumption of cocaine and alcohol really that dangerous?
At Pacific Sands, we work to teach you and your loved ones about different aspects of substance use disorders and the effects they have on a person. Today, we are going to discuss the dangers and effects of combining cocaine and alcohol.
Common Effects of Cocaine and Alcohol
Cocaine and alcohol both cause very different effects when taken separately. These substances fall under various categories. Alcohol falls under what is known as a depressant, while cocaine is a stimulant. Each presents side effects and consequences unique to those types. When alcohol and cocaine are combined, these individual side effects increase or create others.
Side Effects of Cocaine
Cocaine produces side effects that are energetic and intense. Many people report increased mental alertness, are more talkative, and are likelier to take risks. Others report a decreased appetite and that the substance helps them with productivity and creative process.
It also comes with some adverse side effects. People who take cocaine are more likely to be unable to fall asleep at night, resulting in insomnia. The development of anxiety and paranoia are also usual experiences for those who regularly take the substance. Other potential side effects of cocaine include hallucinations, delusions, aggression, and paranoia.
Depending on the method by which someone is taking cocaine also results in unique risks. Suppose someone is using needles to take this substance. There is a risk they will contract hepatitis, HIV, or other bacterial and viral infections. However, if someone snorts cocaine, the development of nosebleeds and damage is possible.
Cocaine is known to have withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are very uncomfortable, and they have intense cravings. Other withdrawal symptoms people experience as cocaine is leaving their bodies include paranoia, exhaustion, depression, and an inability to experience pleasure.
It is also possible to experience cocaine overdoses if you take too much of the substance. When someone takes too much cocaine, it overwhelms their liver because this organ only manages so much at a time. This leads to a substance buildup in the body, resulting in serious side effects. Some of these include chest pain, hallucinations, agitation, tremors, and seizures.
Side Effects of Alcohol
Like cocaine, side effects from alcohol are also possible. However, because alcohol is a depressant instead of a stimulant, these effects often look different. While cocaine increases concentration, alcohol lowers a person’s ability to concentrate. It also results in someone having lowered inhibitions, dehydration, being more likely to participate in risky behaviors, or experiencing interpersonal conflict.
Alcohol also results in physical concerns as well. These include damage to the stomach lining and ulcers, developing vitamin deficiencies, and experiencing heart concerns. Some people have shortness of breath or fatigue due to alcohol use over time. Speaking of long-term use, heavy drinking of alcohol may result in liver failure and a weakened immune system.
Suppose someone has an alcohol use disorder. It often results in withdrawal symptoms if they decide to leave it behind. These symptoms include trembling, insomnia, nausea, sweating, anxiety, and agitation. In severe cases of alcohol withdrawal, the development of hallucinations and seizures could occur. This does not happen for everyone who experiences alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Alcohol poisoning is possible for people who drink more alcohol than their body and liver can safely handle. This is a life-threatening situation, requiring 911 to be called. Please do not assume someone will sleep off their symptoms. They could experience a loss of consciousness and have breathing concerns. Seizures and a lack of gag reflexes are common for those with alcohol poisoning. This is why it is essential to make sure they are sitting on the floor or lying on their side to prevent potential injuries or choking as you wait for paramedics to arrive. Other signs of alcohol poisoning include incoherent speech, lack of coordination, and balance impairment.
Mixing Cocaine and Alcohol: Understanding Cocaethylene Effects on the Body
When you combine cocaine and alcohol, it’s toxic and harmful to the body. When combined, they create a byproduct known as cocaethylene, which is considered more toxic than cocaine by itself. In a 2023 study, the researchers discovered that people who combined cocaine and alcohol had a significantly higher risk of cardiac arrest than those who only consumed cocaine. This is because cocaethylene stays in the body longer than cocaine by itself. Cocaethylene has a half-life of around 2 hours compared to cocaine’s half-life of 1 hour.
In addition to this, cocaethylene is unpredictable because the overall effects depend on when and how alcohol is combined with cocaine and the amount of each substance consumed. Often, people will combine these substances to change the impact of cocaine or alcohol or make their effects last longer. For example, they might take both substances in an attempt to reduce the adverse effects of cocaine, like anxiety. For others, alcohol results in them feeling sleepy. When they take cocaine with alcohol, they might receive an energetic boost. Suppose someone is at a party or another event. In that case, they might take cocaine and alcohol together because both substances are available to them simultaneously.
Other side effects of cocaethylene building up in your body include:
- Damage to brain tissue leading to a stroke or aneurysm
- Bleeding in the brain
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heart disease
- Heart attack
Short-Term Dangers of Mixing Cocaine and Alcohol
Mixing cocaine and alcohol has immediate effects on a person, both physically and behaviorally. These include being more likely to participate in reckless behaviors due to lowered inhibitions found in alcohol use and increased risk-taking with cocaine. It could also result in them having more aggressive actions due to these things or behaving in ways they usually wouldn’t. It is also possible that they will not remember the actions and events that took place the next day.
Combining these substances sometimes results in the signs of overdose being masked. They might continue taking cocaine, alcohol, or both because they’re unaware they’re overdosing. This is highly dangerous as it can delay them getting the emergency medical care they need. Suppose someone has been taking both cocaine and alcohol and experiencing an overdose. The paramedics need to know this information. It will allow them to know precisely how to save the person’s life.
Remember that California’s Good Samaritan Law protects you and the individual you are seeking medical attention for in the event of an overdose. This means that you will not be charged for possession of cocaine, paraphernalia, or being under the influence of substances when first responders arrive. This law does not affect the prohibition of selling, providing, exchanging, or giving specific substances, nor does it involve any dangerous offenses, such as driving under the influence.
Combining alcohol and cocaine also results in other short-term side effects that are related to the increased effects of each substance individually. Many of these could be life-threatening if left untreated. These include:
- Breathing concerns
- Loss of motor function and coordination
- Increased blood pressure
- Memory impairment
- Heart palpitations
- Increased heart rate
Long-Term Dangers of Mixing Cocaine and Alcohol
Regular combination of cocaine and alcohol over several years can result in long-term dangers. Even if you don’t experience an overdose or other short-term side effects when you have combined these substances in the past, they can still occur at any moment. In addition, potential damage may exist beyond the immediate effects of this practice in the form of long-term dangers.
Repeated exposure to cocaine and alcohol could result in the development of cocaine or alcohol use disorders as the brain and body become tolerant of the substances. This combination also increases irritability, even when the person is not taking either alcohol or cocaine.
The development of several long-term physical conditions is also possible. These include fibrosis, alcoholic hepatitis, and multiple types of cancer, like liver or esophageal. People are more likely to have high blood pressure and a higher risk of experiencing heart attacks and strokes after years of taking alcohol and cocaine together.
Frequent participation in cocaine and alcohol consumption could result in psychological concerns that include restlessness, panic attacks, and paranoia. In some cases, it may eventually develop into the person experiencing psychosis with symptoms of hallucinations and delusions.
Getting Treatment for Cocaine and Alcohol Use Disorders in Santa Ana, CA
The best way to prevent these side effects from occurring is to seek cocaine detox and alcohol detox. While attending treatment, you will receive a solution-focused approach to exploring the best way to allow you to recover from cocaine and alcohol use disorders. You will learn and develop techniques to help you build a strong foundation. This foundation will facilitate a long-term, successful recovery journey, allowing you to return to what matters most.
At Pacific Sands, our high-end facility has a maximum of 6 clients, ensuring we remain focused on your journey. Our primary therapist is on-site 50 hours a week, guaranteeing you will have the proper tools to regain control over your life from alcohol and cocaine use disorders. For more information, contact us today at 949-426-7962.
Pacific Sands – The first step towards a new life.
