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Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance in America. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), nearly 80% of people aged 12 or older have consumed alcohol at some point in their lifetime.[1]
On the other hand, meth is a central nervous system stimulant that people abuse to experience increased energy, a rush of euphoria, and heightened self-confidence. Sometimes, people mix meth with other substances to increase the effects they experience. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), 2.5 million people reported abusing meth in 2021.[2]
If you are considering mixing meth and alcohol, you should be aware of the risks you are facing.
First, alcohol can increase the stimulating effects of meth. If meth causes you to feel paranoid and anxious, drinking alcohol will only intensify those feelings. Additionally, alcohol can change the way your body metabolizes meth, putting you at an increased risk of overdosing.
In this article, you will learn:
- What is meth?
- Can you combine meth and alcohol?
- What are the dangers of mixing meth and alcohol?
What is Meth?
Meth is a potent stimulant drug that is used medicinally as a medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). When prescribed, it is given under the brand name Desoxyn. Medicinal meth is different from street meth, as the illicit version of the drug is created using a variety of dangerous chemicals and additives.
Most people who abuse meth are buying it off of the street. If you consume illicit meth, you might experience the following symptoms:[3]
- Increased heart rate and high blood pressure
- A rush of euphoria
- Increased energy and focus
- Lessened need for food and sleep
- Dilated pupils
- Excessive sweating and increased body temperature
- High risk of engaging in impulsive or risky behaviors
- Anxiety or paranoia
- Hallucinations, delusions, and a detachment from reality
If you abuse meth frequently, you will develop an addiction. One of the most obvious signs of meth addiction is experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop using it. If you are suffering from a meth use disorder, you should seek help from an addiction treatment program.
Is Mixing Alcohol and Meth Dangerous?
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant while meth is a stimulant. Combining these substances can confuse your brain and body, leading to uncomfortable symptoms. Additionally, drinking alcohol while you are on meth can increase the side effects you are experiencing.
If meth is causing you to behave erratically or have paranoid thoughts, drinking alcohol will only intensify this. You will also have to deal with the side effects of alcohol, like slurred speech, confusion, and nausea or vomiting.
There are other risks associated with drinking alcohol while abusing meth, like suffering from alcohol poisoning or a meth overdose. For these reasons, you should avoid combining the substances. If you suffer from both meth and alcohol addiction, a drug rehab center can help you regain control over your life and achieve long-term sobriety.
Risks of Mixing Meth and Alcohol
Now that you know mixing alcohol and meth is dangerous, let’s break down exactly what can happen.
The risks of combining meth and alcohol include:
Increased Effects
In general, alcohol enhances the effects of meth. This is why people mix them in the first place. However, just because the high becomes more potent does not mean it will be enjoyable.
You could experience an increase in negative effects associated with meth. For example, your heart might race, you could experience chest pains, and you could suffer from paranoid delusions.
Changes in Metabolism
Alcohol actually changes the way your body metabolizes meth. First, alcohol slows the metabolism of meth down, making the substance last longer in your body.[4] In addition, medical professionals have found that it increases the rate at which your brain absorbs meth, causing an intensifying of effects.
This combination of metabolism changes can increase your risk of experiencing a life-threatening overdose. Because of this, you should avoid mixing alcohol and meth.
Alcohol Poisoning
When you are under the influence of meth, you might not feel the full effects of alcohol. Because meth is a stimulant, it could mask the depressant effects of drinking. As a result, you might think you can drink larger amounts at once.
This puts you at risk of experiencing alcohol poisoning, which includes symptoms like:[5]
- Confusion and slowed responses
- Lack of coordination
- Trouble staying awake
- Vomiting and diminished gag reflex
- Slowed or irregular breathing
- Cold, clammy, and bluish-colored skin
- Low body temperature
- Seizures
Meth Overdose
Because of the way that alcohol changes how your body metabolizes meth, you are at an increased risk of overdosing.
The symptoms of a meth overdose include:[6]
- Agitation and aggression
- Paranoia and delusions
- Chest pain, rapid heartbeat, and increased blood pressure
- Breathing problems
- Increased body temperature and excessive sweating
- Heart attack and cardiac arrest
- Stroke and seizure
If you believe someone is overdosing on a combination of meth and alcohol, contact 911 immediately.
Find Help for Alcohol and Meth Abuse
If you or a loved one struggles with meth and alcohol abuse, it’s time to consider your treatment options. At the Mandala Healing Center, we offer an individualized approach to addiction recovery. All the services you receive during our program will be tailored to your needs.
Contact us today to learn more about our treatment programs.
References:
- The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): Alcohol Use in the United States
- The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): What is the scope of methamphetamine use in the United States
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Know the Risks of Meth
- Research Gate: Alcohol Interactions with Psychostimulants: An Overview of Animal and Human Studies
- Stanford University: Alcohol Overdose/Poisoning
- Medscape: Methamphetamine Toxicity
