What is polysubstance use? In general, polysubstance use happens when a person uses two or more chemical substances in ways they were not intended. Often, this means pairing prescription painkillers with alcohol or marijuana with another illicit drug such as cocaine. As a result, you can cause severe harm to your mind and body. It’s never okay to take any drug in a way that wasn’t prescribed, yet still millions of Americans struggle with substance use disorder and polysubstance use disorder daily. If this includes you or someone you love, Red Oak Recovery® in North Carolina has the solution. To learn more about our men’s addiction treatment center, contact Red Oak Recovery® today at 866.457.7590.
What Is Polysubstance Use: Understanding the Dangers
Unfortunately, when you mix substances such as drugs and alcohol, the results can be unpredictable and the outcome tragic. Surprisingly, even a chemical as common-place as alcohol does unexpected things when you drink it in conjunction with other drugs. For instance:
Taking Diabetes Medication with Alcohol May Result In:
- A spike in blood pressure
- Rapid heartbeat
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Dangerous swings in blood sugar levels
Taking Opioid Painkillers With Alcohol May Result In:
- Slowed heartbeat
- Cessation of heartbeat
- Organ damage
- Accidental death
Taking Stimulants With Alcohol May Result In:
- Decreased effects of both
- Accidental overdose
- Seizures
- Psychosis
- Hallucinations
Regardless of whether you’re taking prescribed medications or one bought off the street, mixing it with any other drug that a doctor didn’t recommend is much like playing Russian roulette with your life.
What Is Polysubstance Use: How to Stop Mixing Drugs
What is polysubstance use? If you or someone you love currently uses multiple chemicals to get through your day, you’re not alone. The American Public Health Association calls polysubstance use “common” in today’s world. Accordingly, many, many people struggle under the effects of such combinations as opioids and benzo or alcohol and sleep medications. But just because a malady is common, this doesn’t mean it’s safe. Therefore, it’s important to stop mixing drugs as soon as possible to avoid damaging the major organs in your body. If you need help, contact Red Oak Recovery® today.
What Is Polysubstance Use: The Treatment Program at Red Oak Recovery®
Red Oak Recovery® offers gender-specific treatment programs for those who are experiencing polysubstance use disorder. Using combined therapies, we teach healthy coping strategies and long-term behavioral techniques that help prevent relapse.
While the emphasis is on outdoor adventure therapy and holistic healing at Red Oak Recovery®, we also employ more traditional therapeutic modalities such as individual, group, and family therapies, psychotherapy, 12-step philosophies, and more. In general, we use art and yoga, acupuncture, and martial arts to treat your whole body, mind, and spirit. At Red Oak Recovery®, recovery is a lifelong journey to explore and enjoy. It’s the next exciting adventure of your life that leads to a brighter and more manageable future. We use each of these methods in a variety of our addiction treatment programs, including:
- Alcohol addiction treatment
- Cocaine addiction treatment
- Heroin addiction treatment
- Opioid addiction treatment
- Prescription drug addiction treatment
What is polysubstance use? It’s not a condition that has to define your future. Consequently, if you’re interested in hearing more about how Red Oak Recovery® can help you or your loved one overcome the struggles of polysubstance use, contact a member of our caring team today at 866.457.7590. At Red Oak Recovery®, we offer compassion and understanding in a world that’s often cold and harsh. Contact Red Oak Recovery® today to learn how to be kind and accepting of yourself and all you have to offer.
