Substance abuse or drug use of any kind can be challenging for both the person struggling, and those around them.
And sadly, it’s a prevalent issue, with as many as 12.8 million people in the US seeking help for substance abuse disorder in 2023.
Single-substance use can impact every part of your life. And when a person finds themselves mixing drugs, a whole set of risks come into play – physically and mentally. More often than not, intervention is needed to fully recover from a polysubstance dependency.
But what exactly is polysubstance abuse? In this blog, we’ll define it, lay out the risks and symptoms, and point you toward treatment options available to you if you or a loved one needs support.
Disclaimer: This is not medical advice and is intended for informational use only.
Definition of Polysubstance Use Disorder
Polysubstance use disorder is a condition where the user is intentionally abusing more than one substance (that is, more than one drug). Polysubstance abuse can impact various systems in the body, including the nervous and immune systems, leading to serious health complications. This often involves different classes of drugs, such as stimulants, depressants, and prescription medications (e.g., drinking alcohol while taking a prescription medication).
Common Substances That Are Used Together
Common stimulants involved in polysubstance abuse include amphetamines and methamphetamines, which are often used alongside other drugs like cocaine (narcotic) and ecstasy (hallucinogen).
Depressants like opioids and alcohol slow down bodily functions. Alcohol abuse alone is dangerous, but mixed with other drugs or illicit substances, depressants can be deadly.
Misuse of prescription drugs is also common, and this can lead to dangerous health risks when combined with other substances. Alcohol abuse often accompanies drug misuse and illicit substances.
Some substances, like opioids, have a depressant effect on the central nervous system, slowing down bodily functions and inducing sedation.
Motivations for Substance Misuse
There are many reasons someone might engage in polysubstance use – intentionally or unintentionally.
Intentional Polysubstance Use
Some people will mix substances in order to get “high”, experience prolonged feelings of euphoria, or achieve an altered state of reality in the brain or body. Some may even use one drug to counteract the negative side effects of another.
But recreation isn’t the only thing that draws certain people to drug abuse or substance dependency. Some turn to illicit drugs as a means of self-medication, seeking relief from untreated mental health conditions or physical discomfort – which can lead to substance dependence, addiction, and a host of other issues. (We’ll discuss the risks of polysubstance use below.)
Unintentional Polysubstance Use
Unfortunately, some people mix multiple substances without realizing it. For instance, they might take a drug that’s laced with another substance, take more than one prescription medication at a time, or drink alcohol while taking certain drugs.
But even accidental polysubstance use can lead to dangerous levels of dependency and other complications. It’s important to know the risks involved if you or someone you know is mixing substances.
Risk Factors of Polysubstance Abuse
Polysubstance abuse is extremely dangerous. Not only does each drug come with a risk of harmful side effects, but using multiple drugs makes it difficult to predict how each substance will interact with each other, and what effect they’ll have on your body and mind.
Some of the dangers of polysubstance abuse include:
- Adverse reactions: Different substances can interact with each other in different ways, potentially damaging your organs and putting you at risk of increased blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, seizures, or Hepatitis C.
- Poor mental health: Taking multiple drugs as a coping mechanism might seem like a quick fix, but drug use (especially taking multiple substances) can worsen mental disorders and mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.
- Polysubstance addiction: Abuse over time can lead to addiction to or physical dependence on one or all of the substances you’re mixing.
- Risk of polysubstance overdose: With extended use comes increased tolerance, and you can end up taking higher amounts to get the desired effect. Overdose occurs when there are dangerous levels of toxicity in the body – levels you can easily reach when mixing substances.
The risks associated with polysubstance abuse can be life-threatening, and should never be taken lightly. If you or a loved one are struggling with polysubstance use, there’s support available to help you kick the habit and recover.
Signs of Polysubstance Abuse
Polysubstance abuse can affect each person differently, but there are some common signs you might be able to spot. If you’re worried you or someone you care about may be in danger, look out for some of the following symptoms:
- Behavioral changes: Increased mood swings, missing commitments, and withdrawing from social activities and hobbies.
- Physical effects: Changes in weight, loss of appetite, looking or feeling more tired than usual, or poor coordination.
- Mental health complications: Depending on which substances are being used, you may notice increased paranoia, anxiety, or depressive episodes.
These are all signs that someone may be using one or more substances, and might need help from a friend or professional.
Reducing Polysubstance Abuse Among Youth
An alarming number of youth and teens are experimenting with substance misuse. But by spreading awareness, providing education, and putting prevention strategies in place, we can help individuals, families, and communities understand the risks and take action before substance use disorders develop.
Everyone should have access to the information and support they need, from open conversations about the dangers of combining substances to local support groups and recovery resources. Community-based programs, school initiatives, and public health campaigns can all play a role in raising awareness and reducing the number of drug overdose deaths.
Getting Help for Polysubstance Dependence
There’s rarely a one-size-fits-all solution, and that’s definitely true for polysubstance dependence. Because withdrawal from different drugs can cause different effects, treatment for polysubstance abuse can vary from person to person, depending on which substances they used. Treatment methods may include:
- Drug detox: This is often the first step, but it’s important to do this under the supervision of a medical professional, since the withdrawal symptoms could be dangerous.
- Therapy: A licensed therapist, especially one with experience dealing with polysubstance abuse, can help address the mental health issues at the root of addiction.
- Peer support groups: No matter how alone you may feel, there are others out there who understand what you’re going through. Peer support groups provide a compassionate space to connect with people who get it – a place to be heard, get motivated to change, and stay accountable when you’re struggling.
- Inpatient/outpatient programs: Inpatient programs offer structured care and support 24/7, which can be useful for those facing intense addiction. For those able to receive care at home while attending therapy and support groups, outpatient care programs can help.
Remember: When it comes to your health and well-being, or the safety of someone you love, it’s always best to consult with a doctor about the treatment plan that’s best for you based on your background, physical health, and mental health conditions.
Related: Mental health and substance abuse support groups in the Region Five area
We’re Here When You Need Us
If you or someone you care about is dealing with substance abuse, polysubstance use, or mental health problems, we can help.
Region Five offers professional emotional support to those dealing with substance abuse issues. From mental health therapy to peer support groups, there’s something to suit everyone.
Contact your local CSB, and we’ll connect you with the right resources. Or visit the Crisis Receiving Center and take that next big step towards physical and emotional well-being. We’re here when you’re ready.
