Polydrug Use: What Happens When You Mix Cocaine with Heroin?

11 October 2018

Cocaine and heroin are among the most potent and extensively used illicit drugs in the world with deeply addictive and destructive potential. When we think of these drugs, we usually think of individuals having either cocaine or heroin addiction, whereas in reality the practice of taking more than one substance at the same time – known as polydrug use – is on the rise.

Individuals typically start polydrug use by combining substances to enhance the effects of one or both of them. A very common combination of drugs in polydrug use is cocaine and heroin and in fact, the practice has become so widespread that it now has its own street name: “speedballing.” When speedballing, polydrug users take heroin to extend and enhance cocaine’s short-term effects to avoid the crashing come down, essentially by replacing it with opiate-induced euphoria.

The Health Risks of Speed Balling with Cocaine and Heroin:

Although the effects of speedballing are extremely pleasurable and compelling to users, it is incredibly dangerous. Both heroin and cocaine have significant health risks separately but when used in combination and injected at the same time, these risks are heightened considerably. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and depending on the US state studied, around 36.9% to 98.9% of heroin-related deaths involve other substances.

There are few activities in life that have the potential to be more deadly than speedballing and yet it is now a significant issue. Young people experimenting with substances are increasingly being encouraged to participate in speedballing without being fully aware of the risks.

Let’s take a look at the differences between cocaine and heroin when used on their own:

Heroin:

Heroin is made from an extract of the opium poppy and it has been used for hundreds of years as pain relief for significant trauma. The way heroin works are by flooding the brain with euphoria-creating dopamine so as to “trick” the mind into ignoring pain signals from other parts of the body. The euphoria created by heroin is considered the reason it is highly addictive, as it immobilizes the body in the most pleasant way so that the only thing a user can do is lay back and enjoy the feeling.

One of the most common ways people develop heroin addiction is by becoming tolerant to its effects, which can happen very quickly after they start using the drug. When the euphoria they seek starts to wane when taking their usual amount of the drug, they will simply up the dose. After a very short while of this addictive behavior, the body will start to develop cravings for heroin every time the user comes down from their high. Some of the withdrawal symptoms emerging if cravings for heroin are not satisfied can be extremely unpleasant and so more of the drug is needed to make them go away.

Cocaine:

The kind of high cocaine creates depends on the way it’s taken, which is generally by snorting or injecting. The effects of cocaine are generally short-term, lasting around 40 minutes and they are quite opposite to those of heroin. Cocaine is a stimulant that makes users feel a rush of energy, often making them the life and soul of the party. Whereas heroin immobilizes, cocaine stimulates and while on a high from the drug, users tend to talk at a fast pace, enjoying everything around them in an animated way.

Cocaine is equally as addictive as heroin although it has a very different kind of appeal. Some people become socially dependent on the drug before going on to developing an addiction, using cocaine as a prop to boost confidence. However, as with heroin, cocaine has a negative impact on the brain’s function, which can introduce extra challenges for people seeking to overcome cocaine addiction in heroin and cocaine addiction treatment.

The risks caused by speedballing with cocaine and heroin include the following:

Whereas heroin stimulates the brain’s production of endorphins, cocaine prevents them from being reabsorbed naturally. This eventually erodes an individual’s ability to enjoy the simplest pleasures in life unless substance abuse is involved.
Cocaine is the only drug with the potential to hyper-stimulate the body to the point where the user suffers a stroke. When used in combination in heroin, it is not possible to detect that this is happening and there is a risk of suffering a stroke without any warning and possible death.
The effects of cocaine do not last for as long as heroin and so speedballers tend to use more cocaine to prolong their high. This is incredibly dangerous and places the individual at risk of a fatal heart attack.
Heroin has a powerful effect on the central nervous system, slowing down its functions when a person is under influence including the heartbeat and breathing. If there is not enough oxygen reaching the brain because a person’s breathing has become shallow after taking heroin, there is a high risk of brain damage or death.
Because cocaine is a stimulant, it reduces some of the effects of heroin if taken at the same time. This can mask the warning signs of heroin overdose which include: confusion, dizziness, slurred speech, body limpness, and unconsciousness.

Cocaine and Heroin Addiction Treatment for Speed Balling:

Addiction is an illness that can be treated so that individuals can move on from substance abuse and enjoy a life in sobriety. Although challenging, the path through detox, rehab, and recovery on a cocaine or heroin addiction treatment program introduces individuals to a world outside of substance use, motivating them to make the necessary changes to overcome their illness.

Because of the potency of heroin and cocaine independently, people speedballing face significantly more risks from substance abuse than those abusing one type of drug. The effects on a person’s personality, behavior, and psychological state can be extended with both substances which is why holistic therapies such as those offered at the best heroin and cocaine addiction treatment centers are now commonly available as a cocaine and heroin addiction treatment approach. Through learning skills such as meditation and yoga or becoming physically fit through a structured exercise regime, individuals can move on from the difficulties in their lives cause by heroin and cocaine addiction.

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Ariana Smith

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

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Crucial Tips to Getting a Flat Stomach

No one likes a sagging belly. Even pregnant ladies sometimes complain about their sagging bellies only that they do not have an option. Most men want to have that six pack and ladies as well want to feel sexy all the time with their flat bellies. Sagging stomachs are caused by the accumulation of fats in the underlying stomach tissues as well as other organs near the stomach such as the liver. Many people have been struggling to lose this fat to no success. Different techniques, pills, supplements among others have been invented but none seems to be working. This has left many people with no alternative but remain with their ‘big bellies' despite how bad looking they are. This article aims at giving you essential tips on how you should lose your belly fat and have a flat stomach with ease. Essential Tips 1. Eat the right diet Diet is very crucial when it comes to getting a flat stomach. Different eating habits that many people have adopted have exposed them to health hazards such as belly fat accumulation. There are essential tips which you should keep in mind as far as diet is concerned. Ensure you sleep two to three hours from your last meal. This is a simple rule that many people tend to ignore. However, it is quite essential. In many cases, people take their supper and immediately go to sleep. During sleep, the rate of metabolism is slow as compared to the day. Therefore, giving yourself a few hours before sleeping after your meal give the body an allowance to metabolize the consumed food. 2. Stick to a healthy diet Flat tummy requires strictly a special diet. These include; whole grains, fruits, vegetables and other less fatty foods. Avoid junk foods like chips and candy and you will definitely have a flat tummy. Eat lots of lean proteins such as nuts, beans, and lean meat. Also, consume more of whole grains, low-fat dairy products and reduce your sodium intake. Conduct a research on the different type of food that you take which are likely to affect the size of your belly. List them against their replacements and slowly start shifting from bad to good eating habits. 3. Reduce on Quantity Avoid eating too much food on a daily basis. Instead, concentrate on quality rather than quantity. Many people, eat much food with little nutritional value to their body. Ensure that your dish has balanced diet before sitting to eat. Analyze what you eat on a daily basis and as well evaluate and eliminate bad eating habits. The key point is to concentrate on the quality of food rather than its quantity. Chew slowly and thoroughly to avoid from bloating and getting a lot of gas in your stomach. Also, take some time intervals before bites to ensure that foods easily moves along your digestive system. You can as well take seeds and nuts which easily fills up your stomach reducing the amount of food you take. 4. Reduce on sugary substances You should be very cautious when taking artificial sweeteners. Scientific research shows that different kind of artificial sweeteners triggers hunger tempting you to eat a lot of food. This results in the accumulation of fats in your belly hence altering the size of your stomach. They also reduce your insulin levels in the body. In place, you can decide to be drinking lots of water which will significantly or join mike Geary program fat burning kitchen help you get a flat stomach. Water, for instance, aids the process of metabolism. Drinking a lot of water also fills up your stomach thus reducing the amount of food you consume. 5. Engage in weight training This is a common behavior to men. However, many women have enrolled in weight training programs in different parts of the world. In order to get a flat stomach, enroll weight training exercises that target abdominal muscles like crunches. However, do this under the instructions of a trainer. Many people who have independently engaged in weight training ends up hurting themselves. 6. Reduce on your sodium Intake Bloating can be another hindrance to a flat stomach. Therefore, to avoid bloating, reduce the amount of sodium you consume. In place, increase you water intake. Ensure you read the labels in different types of foods that you consume. This will help you monitor the amount of sodium that you take. In case you doubt, the reading from the labels, let health experts conduct a mineral analysis on the particular food for you. Limiting the amount of sodium also drastically reduces body water retention capacity hence making you lean as well as giving you a flat stomach. These guidelines will definitely give you a flat stomach. Avoid some unclear means provided by ‘experts’ on ways to get a flat stomach to be on the safe side. However, do not disregard essential information on ways to get flat tummies from other articles.

6 Healthy Habits That Will Change Your Life

Don't underestimate the power of small things. Even nano-changes in your daily routine can lead to incredible results and transform your life. Here's how to become healthier and happier by doing routine activities. Simple Healthy Habits You Can Adopt Easily There are many healthy habits that can change your life. Let’s start with the easiest one. 1. Drink A Glass Of Water Upon Waking Perhaps the best way to start the day is by drinking a glass of water (better than room temperature or even lukewarm). After six to eight hours of sleep, we wake up to varying degrees of dehydration. And a generous serving of water helps to quickly restore the body's water balance. On the other hand, coffee contributes to even greater dehydration. Water literally awakens the body and forces all of its systems to work, including the brain and digestive tract. There is evidence that a glass of water in the morning can even accelerate metabolism by as much as 30%. And research shows that those who start their morning with water are less likely to overeat. It is because they quench their thirst, which is often confused with hunger. 2. Giving Up Addiction This might seem difficult to some people. But getting rid of addiction is not so difficult. A person who spends his/her day in unhealthy habits such as drinking alcohol or using drugs is unlikely to live longer. For improving the quality of life, a person has to quit these addictions. With the state-funded drug rehabilitation facility, a person can easily get treated. You don’t even have to worry about the finances of the treatment. 3. Turn Off Vibration Mode On Your Smartphone It seems that vibration is a salvation for those who do not want to be distracted by calls and sound notifications of new messages. But in reality, the vibration mode is a real productivity killer. It is very difficult not to react to the constant slight buzz. And the smartphone turned upside down only aggravates the matter. We intolerably want to see what the notification is about. In addition, sometimes we hear phantom vibrations - when there are no messages, but as if an audible buzzing makes us grab the phone. Productivity experts recommend keeping your phone in sound mode but turning off all notifications except for calls. It is enough for the messages to appear on the screen without any musical accompaniment. 4. Eat Fruits For Breakfast WHO recommends eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Vegetables are relatively easy to include in your diet. In an amicable way, they should make up half of every meal - even when it comes to pasta, soup, or curry with rice. But we often forget about fruits. When we want something sweet, we choose cakes or healthy nuts. And to refresh ourselves, we drink juices and soft drinks. But juices do not contain an important constituent of fruit i.e., fiber. It is necessary for the normal functioning of the intestines, as well as some vitamins. These vitamins are present in the skin of the fruit. In order not to forget about fruits and berries, you can make it a rule to eat them for breakfast. Or you can eat them as part of full meals or as a dessert. Fruits are high in fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, potassium, and water. But also high in sugar and low in calories, so they are poorly satiating. The ideal option is to mix the fruit with something protein or cereal. You can make your favorite porridge with apples and cinnamon. Blend strawberry, banana, and plant-based milk smoothies in a blender. Compose a fruit salad and season it with yogurt. Or simply slice the fruit into slices and eat it with peanut butter. 5. Walk 30 Minutes A Day The benefits of regular physical activity are exceptional and many scientific studies confirmed it. Ideally, you should move as often and as long as possible during the day. Walk to the office, take breaks during work, use stairs rather than elevators, exercise several times a week, and walk as much as possible. But it is not necessary to immediately sign up for a marathon or force yourself to climb 12 flights to the apartment. Try to set aside at least 30 minutes a day for an easy walk. You can walk around in an apartment or in a park. A regular half-hour walk will help strengthen blood vessels. It will also significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including stroke and heart attack. Moreover, it will strengthen bones and muscles, and help keep weight normal. 6. Get Regular Rest Perhaps the best health habit in the age of productivity and efficiency is to get proper rest. Rest can safely be considered any action (or inaction) that helps to restore strength and soothes the nerves. Holidays don't have to be quality. They don't always require scented candles, self-help books, picnic kits, and mountain retreat packages. Sometimes a sofa and a favorite TV show are enough. On the other hand, if you want to pamper yourself with shopping or going to a restaurant, go for it. You should not reproach yourself for deviating from the environmental agenda and spending extra money. Resting means getting enough sleep, spending time with loved ones, walking, lying, watching, reading, listening, or even talking. Lazy wandering around the apartment, petting a cat, looking out the window, traveling, eating, singing, doing your favorite hobby, disassembling a closet, or watering flowers - in short, do what you like more often. Summing Up Regular exercising can be difficult for some people. However, there are many little habits that can lead to good health. Some common and most important ones have been mentioned in this article. We are hopeful that you will incorporate them into your lifestyle and spend a healthy life. Read Also: 7 Healthy Habits That Make Us Look Younger Smoking and Other Negative Lifestyle Habits You Need to Kick to the Curb This Year 3 Top Tips to Keep Your Eyes Healthy Important Habits to Protect Your Ear Health and Hearing

Proper Care for Braces and Retainers

Braces and other dental appliances such as retainers, wires, and rubber bands can trap food and plaque that can lead to other dental problems when not brushed away. Without a doubt, people with braces take on the challenge of a more strenuous dental care routine. Brushing alone is best done right after every meal so that food will not be trapped in the tiny spaces that lead to unsightly staining on teeth. Before deciding to have braces, you should also be prepared for the extra responsibility of caring for them. The basics: The basic care for braces and retainers is proper brushing and flossing. If you are wearing elastics or other removable parts, take them off first before brushing. While wearing braces, you should add a few more steps to your ordinary dental care routine. To clean your teeth, hold your brush at a 45-degree angle so that the pins and wires will be cleaned. Brush from the top down of every wire. Clean each tooth and follow with flossing. Proper flossing will be shown by your orthodontist. Rinse well and check for any debris left. Regular dental visits: By the time you decide to have braces, you might already be aware that you need to go to your orthodontist regularly for routine adjustments. Consultation may also be necessary for other concerns including broken parts and extreme pain or discomfort even after months of wearing them. A routine check-up is also essential to spot other issues such as cavities and gum disease. Your dentist knows other treatments necessary to protect your teeth during the whole course of treatment. Foods to avoid: Some foods can loosen or break braces, and thus should be avoided. These include hard to bite foods such as bagels or apples, as well as chewy foods like caramels. Corn on the cob, popcorn, nuts, bubble gum, ice, and hard pretzels should be avoided too. It is also best to avoid sugary and high-acid foods such as soft drinks, sports drinks, pineapples, and tomatoes. Products to use: Fortunately today, proper care for orthodontic appliances is made easier by-products such as electric toothbrushes and floss. You can even buy products that are specially made for braces. Dentists recommend using fluoride-containing supplies to help prevent tooth decay. Studies have shown that fluoride can make teeth resistant to acids contained in certain foods and drinks. Fluoride rinses, orthodontic brushes, and threaded flosses are also some of the helpful items to use since having brackets and wires makes you more at risk of developing tooth decay. While braces offer a better smile and greater confidence after the treatment, they may also require you to be more diligent in your dental care habits. Parents with kids who wear braces should guide them all the way. It helps to make them realize the value of proper care for their teeth. After all, correct oral hygiene is a responsibility they should learn. They are fortunate because orthodontic supplies these days, such as those from orthoextent.com are more innovative and accessible. Read Also: 5 Ways To Prevent Severe Dental Problems What You Need To Know About Dental Implant Surgery?

Polydrug Use: What Happens When You Mix Cocaine with Heroin?

The Health Risks of Speed Balling with Cocaine and Heroin:

Heroin:

Cocaine:

Cocaine and Heroin Addiction Treatment for Speed Balling:

Teenage Eating Disorder Treatment FAQ

Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: Signs, Symptoms and Who Is At Risk?

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Ariana Smith

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

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Crucial Tips to Getting a Flat Stomach

6 Healthy Habits That Will Change Your Life

Proper Care for Braces and Retainers

Polydrug Use: What Happens When You Mix Cocaine with Heroin?

The Health Risks of Speed Balling with Cocaine and Heroin:

Heroin:

Cocaine:

Cocaine and Heroin Addiction Treatment for Speed Balling:

Share this Article

Teenage Eating Disorder Treatment FAQ

Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: Signs, Symptoms and Who Is At Risk?

Tags

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Popular

Follow Us

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