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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Spirulina: The Complete Plant Based Protein Source | Health Benefits

Spirulina is one of the oldest life forms on earth known for the longest as an endurance booster. It is in fact among the most popular health supplements in today’s time considering it is one of the first plant-based foods in the human diet. Surprising right? But what actually makes this ingredient a star among the ‘complete protein’ plant-based food sources? And does it even stand up to the fame it receives? Well, here’s our effort to give you evidence around spirulina’s health benefits and the status it holds. Spirulina: The Nutrient-Dense Food Spirulina happens to be a superfood high in many nutrients. Let’s have a look at its origin? A type of cyanobacteria, originally from the family of single-celled microbes known as the blue-green algae. This is an organism that grows both in fresh and saltwater What makes it plant-based is its ability to produce energy from sunlight through photosynthesis. Lesser-Known Fact: Spirulina gained massive popularity when NASA used it as a dietary supplement for astronauts on space missions. Really cool right? It has to be its ability to regulate immune functions and its anti-inflammatory properties which take place by the release of histamine by mast cells. What about the ideal dosage? One can opt for a standard dose of 1-3g of this green superfood but this can go up to 10g per day. Here’s a look at the nutrient profile of 10g of dried spirulina powder: Protein: 5.7 g Vitamin B1 (thiamine): 22% of the RDA Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): 33% of the RDA Vitamin B3 (niacin): 9% of the RDA Copper: 68% of the RDA Iron: 15-16% of the RDA Calories: 29 Carbs: 2.0g Moreover, this superfood actually includes almost some amount of every other nutrient that you need along with an optimal amount of magnesium, potassium, and manganese. Here’s a suggestion! If you are looking to skip eggs, spirulina could be a great replacement for a comparable amount of protein considering it also has all essential amino acids required by the body. Spirulina: The Powerful Antioxidant With Anti-Inflammatory Properties As we mentioned earlier, it is because of the anti-inflammatory properties that even NASA considered it as a superfood for astronauts. Here’s what you need to know! Chronic inflammation happens as oxidative damage harms our DNA and cells, resulting in diseases sometimes as lethal as cancer. The presence of antioxidants in spirulina help protect against this oxidative damage. Interesting fact: The antioxidant substance ‘phycocyanin’ happens to be the main component and gives spirulina the unique blue-green color. Health Impact Of Spirulina: A lot of people are using this superfood that can improve heart health further reducing risks of heart diseases. For those of you who aren’t aware of its powerful health benefits, studies on spirulina have shown that it lowers “bad” LDL cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels. It also increases “good” HDL cholesterol impacting heart health in a positive way. Let us provide scientific evidence to build your trust- Although most studies have shown favorable results mainly with a dosage of 4.5-8g per day yet, A study was conducted on 25 people who were suffering from type 2 diabetes. It was later discovered that only 2g of spirulina per day, significantly showed a reduction in the blood sugar levels. There was another study on people with high cholesterol which determined that 1 g of spirulina per day resulted in lowered triglycerides by 16.3%. Furthermore, there was a reduction in the “bad” LDL by 10.1%. In addition, research has shown that spirulina may have anti-cancer properties and is especially effective against a type of precancerous lesion of the mouth called OSMF. Spirulina May Improve Muscle Strength & Endurance: Often experience muscle fatigue when exercising? The reason is exercise-induced oxidative damage. People into fitness and athletics consume plant-based foods with antioxidants to minimize this damage. Few studies emerged showing spirulina as food for significantly reducing the fatigue time and improving muscle strength and endurance. Can Spirulina Reduce Blood Pressure? Heart attack, strokes, and chronic kidney disease are some of the serious diseases driven by high blood pressure. An optimal amount of spirulina for e.g. 4.5g-8g per day has shown to reduce blood pressure in individuals with normal levels. What might be the possible reason behind this reduction in blood pressure? Spirulina leads to an increase in the production of nitric oxide (that is otherwise massively produced by plant-based sources like beetroot which are rich in nitrates that convert to nitric oxide) leading to a lowered blood pressure. Nitric oxide is a signaling molecule that aids blood vessels to relax and dilate, positively affecting blood levels. The Final Verdict: Spirulina’s title as a superfood that is ‘nutrient-dense stands true along with the crazy health benefits it has to offer. As mentioned above, spirulina suppresses oxidation while reducing blood pressure and lowering blood sugar. It also improves blood lipids and may have anti-cancer properties. One can simply consume spirulina in tablets and powder form. There are supplements widely available and used for their amazing health benefits. If you want the goodness of spirulina along with other green vitamins then you can check out bGreen's super greens and fruits that help you bridge the daily gap in your nutrition. Read Also: Living With Diabetes – What are the Possible Complications? Why is a random blood sugar test prescribed? Top Health Benefits Of Drinking Beer According To Experts Are CBD Lotions Good For Your Skin?

Available Treatment Options for Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine in itself is a dangerous drug if taken for a long time, it becomes more dreadful when the drug dealers mixed it with other opioids to enhance its effects. If you don’t know about such illegal mixing, the overdose of the drug may be fatal, which is becoming common nowadays. It’s a common belief that it’s hard to combat cocaine addiction as compared to the other drug addiction that is not true in all cases. Still, the research studies are undergoing to find out the best and authentic treatment for cocaine addiction, as there are no registered medications by the FDA to treat such kind of addiction, but there are other therapies available like behavioral therapy, group counseling, etc. special treatments are still underway for the cocaine addiction due to the availability of the limited resources. Outpatient Treatment Facility The outpatient treatment setting is arranged for those cocaine abusers who cannot stay in the rehab center. While they are allowed to stay at home or in a community area during the period of their treatment, where they have scheduled visits to a rehab facility for treatment like individual or group therapies. The treatment varies from person to person, so you may require to visit the center once or twice a week for around six hours in one sitting. The duration of outpatient treatment may last from weeks to even months with gradual recovery progress. Inpatient Treatment Facility The inpatient facilities are not equivalent to the hospital but basic addiction recovery treatments are available there. Infinite Detox Austin provides settings that offer pharmacological treatment, mental and social support, occupational support, etc. this type of recovery program mostly lasts for about six months. For simple cocaine abusers, detoxification and other short-term treatments are enough, but for chronic cocaine addiction along with comorbidities inpatient rehab centers are preferable. This kind of individual-based one-to-one therapeutic program is helpful for you to regain the body equilibrium before going back to the hometown. Recognized Treatment or Therapy Methodologies 1. Contingency Management This approach is related to the management of high-risk situations and can be used in several types of treatment settings. During this therapy, individuals are rewarded for not using the drug. This is used to formulate the ability of each patient to deal with the drug cravings and the root cause behind them. This treatment is found to be a realistic and auspicious one. 2. Cognitive-behavioral Therapy This therapy approaches change the behavior of the individual towards the use of the drug and force him/her to develop new plans to cope up with the ongoing treatment. This may be done in group settings or on an individual basis at both inpatient and outpatient recovery programs. This approach may include gaining knowledge about new methods to handle the drug cravings, suicidal thoughts, and lethal withdrawal symptoms, which may lead you towards relapse. 3. Matrix Model This model is based on the principle of self-discipline, which involves features of many other treatment approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, contingency management, and 12-step programs, etc. This model includes emotional support, personal counseling sessions, and family education. It is seen as a proven treatment of addiction so it gets a lot of attention in society. 4. Medication-assisted Treatment (MAT) Pharmacological therapy is used to provide you with the prescribed medications to combat drug usage. This method is still under consideration especially in the case of opioid addiction as the trials for cocaine abuse have not all been steadily efficacious and have not been extensively studied. However, if effective medications are developed for long-term use then MAT would become the most demanding and essential treatment option. Read Also: Are You Sick and Tired of Drugs? 4 Tips to Find an Effective Drug Therapy Cannabis can Help in the Fight Against Drug Addiction Four Effective Things To Recover From Heroin & Drug Addiction Treatment

5 Little Changes That Can Make Your Teeth-Brushing More Effective

It’s easy to assume that keeping your teeth brushing habits in good condition is largely just about preserving a gleaming, Hollywood-standard smile. However, your teeth aren’t just for show; they serve an array of crucial practical purposes. These include helping us to digest food and even talk coherently. Neglecting your teeth brushing can lead to tooth decay – which, in turn, can lead to pain as well as the necessity of fillings, crowns or inlays. There’s also the risk of gum disease, which can wear away at your teeth and even bone around the teeth. How, then, can you brush your teeth more effectively? 5 Little Changes That Can Make Your Teeth-Brushing More Effective: Choose the right toothbrush The Oral Health Foundation recommends that adults advise people to use small or medium size brush head. The brush head should be soft, os that it does not damage tooth gum. The head needs to be small enough so that it can reach to the back end of the teeth. While children’s brushes should be smaller, they must still include filaments of the same type. Then there’s the question of electric toothbrushes – which, research has indicated, do remove plaque more effectively than manual toothbrushes. Both adults and kids can benefit from going electric. Use a good fluoride toothpaste Considering that many dental experts have credited fluoride with helping to prevent cavities, it’s surprising that not all dental products actually contain fluoride. You should make sure that your toothpaste has it, which shouldn’t be too difficult, given the wide choice of fluoride toothpaste. There is evidence that even people who otherwise stay on top of looking after their teeth can see their efforts undermined if fluoride isn’t involved, Medical News Daily observes. “The optimum level of fluoride for anyone aged three and over is between 1,350ppm and 1,500ppm, so it doesn’t matter too much which brand you’re using as long as it has that level of fluoride,” Karen Coates of the Oral Health Foundation has explained to The Guardian. Brush in a massaging, rather than aggressive, motion Once that toothpaste is on your brush, how hard should you press it onto your teeth? Coates cites “a fine line between brushing effectively and overbrushing.” She adds that electric toothbrushes could help you to strike the right balance due to their inclusion of a pressure sensor. Of course, it’s already common knowledge that you should brush twice a day. However, when you do brush, make sure you do it in small circular motions while being careful not to leave the front, back or top of any of your teeth untouched. Resist sawing back-and-forth motions! Spit out toothpaste left over, but don’t rinse Fluoride can help to strengthen and shield your teeth – and, in this way, prevent the onset of tooth decay. However, you must allow the fluoride to work its magic. That means not rinsing your mouth after teeth brushing, as you would be rinsing out the fluoride. Therefore, just settle for rinsing out the surplus toothpaste after your brushing. Coates says reassuringly: “The residual bits of fluoride will stay on the teeth for about 30 minutes after brushing.” Pay regular visits to the dentist According to the expert recommendation, you should get a dental checkup every six months. Each routine dental examination will see the hygienist clean your teeth and remove any plaque and hardened tartar. The dentist will inspect your mouth for warning signs of oral health issues like cavities, gum disease or mouth cancer. If the dentist spots minor damage, like a chip or crack, they might advocate a cosmetic treatment like teeth bonding from Ten Dental – and give you some more teeth brushing tips if there is visual evidence that they are needed. Read also: Dental hygiene tips Dental care tips

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?

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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Related

Spirulina: The Complete Plant Based Protein Source | Health Benefits

Available Treatment Options for Cocaine Addiction

5 Little Changes That Can Make Your Teeth-Brushing More Effective

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?

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Follow Us

Recent

Related