For the same reason that pharmacists are trained to know which prescription drugs can work together and which prescription medicines could cause serious problems when mixed, you should be aware of the potential dangers of mixing substances if you or someone you know does so or is considering doing so in the future. Even some over-the-counter medicines could possibly be dangerous when taken in excess and/or mixed with other substances. If you are uncertain about a substance or have any doubts, you should always ask your doctor about behaviors (like mixing substances) that could be potentially unsafe (Read The Whole Truth: Why You Should Be Honest with Your Doctor). 

Why do people mix substances?

The logic behind the reasons that many people try different combinations of substances might make sense – if one drug gives a high, two working together might be exponentially better. Some people mix drugs with different effects – like “uppers” and “downers” – in an attempt to create a type of balance between the feelings that are generated by the two substances.  Other users combine substances in the hopes of achieving an “exotic” or new high. But whatever the reasons behind a user’s decision to combine substances, the outcomes can be extremely dangerous and even potentially fatal. 

What are some substances that might be mixed?

• Speedball – a mixture of heroin and cocaine; also called Dynamite, Murder One, Smoking Gun, and Snowball (Read Drug Slang You Should Know)
• Candy-flipping – a combination of ecstasy (MDMA) and LSD (Read Ecstasy and Rave Culture and Club Drugs: Time to Stop the Party?)
• Prescription drugs – an alarming trend among teens, prescription drug abuse might include attendance at “Pharm Parties” where teens try “recipes” of colored pills to create different types of highs (Read Parents & Pills: Unintentional Drug Dealers and Think Locking the Liquor Cabinet is Enough? Think Again)
• A-bomb – marijuana and heroin
• Candy blunt – marijuana and cough syrup
• Cotton brothers – cocaine, heroin, and morphine
• Alcohol and…anything – many people may use alcohol as the first step to reduce their inhibitions about administering other substances later

What are the dangers of mixing substances?

• Decreased inhibitions – In social situations, decreased inhibitions might seem like a desirable outcome to help the person feel more relaxed. However, some inhibitions keep us from causing harm to ourselves or others by preventing us from engaging in risky behaviors like driving while intoxicated or having sex with anonymous partners; decreased inhibitions could also lead someone who is feeling depressed in general to attempt suicide (Read When Drugs Lead to Other Problems and Substance Abuse and Suicide: Know the Risks).
• Overdoses – Especially when two different types of drugs are used to try to counteract each other’s effects or two get a second high after the first, an overdose might result. To give a hypothetical example, if someone uses an “upper” and then tries to use a “downer,” they may not feel the results of the second drug because it is counteracting the first. The user may feel frustrated and administer more than usual, which could result in an overdose, depending on the situation (Read Overdose and Response to Substances: Why It Varies by Person).
• Unexpected reactions – even if you have researched how two or more different substances might interact with one another, unless you are certain of the source of those substances, you might encounter unexpected side effects. Some drug dealers may adulterate pure substances to increase their profit margins (Read What You Don’t Know Could Kill You).

What can I do if someone I know is mixing substances or is addicted?

In either situation, it may be wise to consider getting help for the person; this could come in the form of an intervention and/or rehab program (Read Why You Shouldn’t Fight Addiction Alone). Contacting eDrugRehab can help the person start on a path to recovery. Our interventionists can help you prepare for and implement an intervention (Read Preparing for an Intervention and Intervention FAQ). Our addiction specialists can help you select an appropriate rehab facility and discuss your options for paying for treatment (Read What to Ask a Rehab and How to Pay for Rehab). No matter where you or your loved one is in the process, making a phone call could be the thing that stops the cycle of denial and gets that person help (Read How to Deal with Denial and Common Excuses for Not Seeking Treatment). On the Contact Us page, you can learn how to speak with an eDrugRehab professional today.