Polysubstance abuse is a serious issue that can lead to addiction and long-term side effects. Unfortunately, many people don’t know the risks of using party drugs like gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) in combination with alcohol. Call 1.844.675.1022 to speak with someone from My 5 Palms about polysubstance abuse, GHB and alcohol side effects, and what to expect from substance abuse treatment. My 5 Palms can give you the support and guidance you need to make a positive change in your life.
What Is Polysubstance Abuse?
Polysubstance abuse is a term used to describe the concurrent use of two or more substances. This type of drug abuse can be particularly dangerous because when different kinds of drugs are mixed, they interact in unpredictable ways that can cause severe side effects. For example, combining a stimulant such as cocaine with an opioid such as heroin can significantly increase your risk of overdose—especially if you’re using high doses.
Unfortunately, GHB and alcohol are one of the most commonly abused combinations by young adults today. While this isn’t an exhaustive list, some other widely abused combinations include:
- Cocaine and ecstasy
- Marijuana and alcohol
- Methamphetamine and MDMA
- Opioids and benzodiazepines
All these drug combinations have their own unique set of risks and should be avoided at all costs. You don’t need party drugs like GHB to have a good time.
What Are the Side Effects of GHB and Alcohol Abuse?
When taken together, GHB and alcohol can cause several short-term side effects, including the following:
- Confusion
- Decreased heart rate and blood pressure levels
- Difficulty breathing and speaking clearly
- Drowsiness
- Impaired judgment
- Memory loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Slowed reflexes and reactions
In extreme cases, this type of polysubstance abuse can cause coma or death due to overdose. Long-term use of this dangerous combination may also increase the risk of addiction or the development of mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety.
Combining GHB with alcohol is especially risky because both substances act as central nervous system (CNS) depressants. As a result, they both slow down normal brain function, leading to various physical problems. Additionally, combining these two substances increases your tolerance for both drugs meaning that you will need larger doses to achieve the same effect over time—further increasing your risk for potential health complications or overdose. These complications highlight the need for substance abuse treatment.
If you or someone you know is struggling with polysubstance abuse, please reach out to My 5 Palms for help. No matter your situation, we can provide extensive evidence-based treatment services tailored to your needs. We are here to help you make a lasting recovery.
What to Expect from Substance Abuse Treatment
Substance abuse treatment is often tailored to meet each person’s individual needs. It typically includes elements such as:
- Detoxification
- Individual therapy sessions with a mental health professional
- Group therapy sessions with peers who share similar experiences
- Holistic treatments such as yoga and meditation classes
- Medication management, if applicable
- Relapse prevention strategies
- Aftercare planning
- 12-step support groups
Depending on the level of care you need, you may be able to receive some services at home while still receiving comprehensive treatment from substance abuse professionals at My 5 Palms in Florida.
Find Substance Abuse Treatment in Florida at My 5 Palms
Polysubstance abuse is an increasingly common problem among young adults today—particularly when mixing GHB with alcohol. If you think that you or someone close to you may be struggling with polysubstance abuse issues, contact My 5 Palms today at 1.844.675.1022 to learn more about our substance abuse treatment programs. We provide evidence-based treatment tailored to each client’s needs and can help you make a lasting recovery.
