When someone uses more than one drug simultaneously, this practice is called polysubstance abuse. This condition can intensify the effects of the substances, making them more dangerous. However, because it creates a new level of euphoria, it can be a tempting course of action. Many women abuse one or more drugs simultaneously, putting them in danger of overdose and negative health effects. If you or someone you love is abusing multiple substances, the addiction treatment center at Crossroads Maine can help. We offer addiction treatment of all types for women from all walks of life. To learn more about how we can help you or a woman you love overcome the dangers of substance abuse, please contact our team today at 877.978.1667.
Dangers of Polysubstance Abuse
When you abuse nearly any substance, the result can be problematic at best. However, when you abuse two or more substances at once, you put yourself at risk for a range of issues. Below are three of the most common dangers of polysubstance abuse.
1. Overdose
One of the primary dangers of polysubstance abuse is that it becomes significantly easier to overdose. Alcohol, benzodiazepines, and other central nervous system depressants can greatly enhance the effect of one another. However, they also increase the risk of overdose when you use them together. Additionally, if you mix cocaine or another stimulant with a central nervous system depressant, it can rapidly lead to an overdose.
Furthermore, it is also more challenging for doctors and other medical professionals to treat and reverse the overdose when you combine multiple substances. For instance, if a woman is abusing opioids such as heroin or fentanyl, emergency professionals can utilize naloxone to address an overdose. However, if you’re also using benzodiazepines or alcohol, the medication will not be able to treat the overdose.
2. Higher Risk of Medical Problems
No matter what substance you abuse, you’re at a higher risk of contracting infections and disease because substance abuse impacts the body’s ability to fight these germs. Many drugs can suppress your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness than you would be otherwise. For instance, people who inhale intoxicating drugs are prone to contracting upper respiratory infections, while those who inject drugs may incur bacterial infections. Also, because substance abuse can lead to lowered inhibitions, you may be more likely to contract STIs and other conditions due to polysubstance abuse.
In addition, as you abuse multiple substances, you are at a higher risk of organ damage. Drugs and alcohol affect many organs, including your lungs, kidneys, liver, and heart. When you combine multiple intoxicating substances, their effects may overwhelm your vital organs or increase their side effects, which can quickly lead to long-lasting impacts.
3. Increased Chance of Mental Health Conditions
Many women battling addictions may also struggle with mental health conditions. In fact, research shows that those with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder may decide to abuse multiple substances to self-medicate their symptoms. While polysubstance abuse can appear to address these symptoms, in reality, these substances can change your brain chemistry. As a result, your mental health symptoms can grow worse, and you may end up developing other conditions. Fortunately, with a dual diagnosis treatment center, such as the one we offer at Crossroads Maine, we can address your addiction, alongside any mental health issues, including:
Contact Crossroads Maine
At Crossroads Maine, we want to help women overcome polysubstance abuse and get back on the road to healthy living. As such, we offer a range of addiction treatment programs, including:
- Alcohol addiction treatment
- Heroin addiction treatment
- Cocaine addiction treatment
- Meth addiction treatment
- Opioid addiction treatment
For more information about how we can assist you in overcoming polysubstance abuse, contact our women’s addiction treatment center today at 877.978.1667.
