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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Addiction Treatment: 11 Tips to Find the Best Rehabilitation Center

When you're in the depths of an addiction or someone you love is, you don't know where to turn. It's a scary, confusing, dark, and overwhelming time for everyone involved. How do you get help? Where do you get help? Can you afford it? Those are all valid questions. Especially if you don't know if you can convince your loved one to go to rehab! All those factors can lead you down a road of what ifs, but there's only one what if that matters. What if you find the best rehabilitation center? Then things will start looking up. Get our guide on where to start and what questions to ask here. What Makes the Best Rehabilitation Center The Best? We can't give you one answer, or one center, that's definitively best. That's because the right rehabilitation center for your loved one isn't the same as the right one for someone else. Some people need a single-gender environment, some need more of a detox, and others need a holistic offering. We'll get more into what all that means and how to tell what they need below. Before we analyze them and their needs, don't take their opinion completely out of the picture. They may be on drugs, but they should get a say in their treatment (except, you know, the sobriety part). 1. Ask A Professional: If you think your loved one needs treatment for addiction, try to get them to a doctor or a professional. There the doctor can diagnose the specifics of the addiction. Maybe they'll run some vitals and decide that your loved one needs a more medically-oriented care setting. Or they can see patterns in their addiction, that the untrained eye can't. You can ask your doctor or professional for a recommendation of the best treatment center. If they don't know any specifics, ask them some of the following questions. 2. How Long of Treatment Do They Need? In theory, the only person who decides how long treatment takes is the addict. The classic programs last ninety days, which gives people time to reform their body, mind, and attitude. But some people can't afford a whole ninety-day stay or maybe their addiction isn't that developed. A thirty-day stay may be more appropriate for a budding addict. Ask your doctor their opinion on length, so you know what programs to look for. If you can't get the addict to a doctor and you've known them a while, think about how they learn and function. Has your addict done well in highly-structured environments? Or do they do better working at their own pace? Think back to school days and the challenges they had in that setting. This can tell you how long and arduous of a program they need. 3. What's The Treatment Approach? On that last note, there are as many types of treatment approaches as there are to teaching or parenting. That's to say, each person believes in a slightly different version than someone else. If you're the addict's mother or family member, this gives you good insight on the type of treatment approach they'll thrive under. Someone who's sensitive and needs coddling won't do well in an orders-barked center. However, someone who went to military school or likes the idea of having structure may like the rules-are-law approach. 4. Counseling Services: What kind of counseling services does the rehabilitation center offer? This, again, is all about the right fit for the addict in your life. In general, there are two types of behavioral therapy: cognitive (ct) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Cognitive only therapy (CT) is a theory from the 1960's that looks at how the patient interprets the situation. It's the more classic, lay on the couch and talk about what's bothering your type of therapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is different, but only slightly. CBT therapists look at how behaviors and perceptions work together to create interpretations. CBT usually uses more hands-on approaches, if the situation calls for it, like the empty chair technique. They may not get into the specifics of this on their website, so if you care, call and ask. Most therapists use a mix of both theories, while others use different ones altogether. An up and coming method is called kinetic therapy, where the professional urges the client to connect feelings in their mind to parts of their body. If the addict has had luck with therapy before, even if it's not addiction related, this can help you choose the path that's right for them. 5. Medical Comforts: We all know that apart from the emotional turmoil of addiction, the hardest part is the detox. Detoxification symptoms differ by substance. For opioids and painkillers, the addict can feel like they have the flu for five to seven days, fevers and all. For Benzodiazepines such as Xanax, seizures and an increase in anxiety attacks are common. Cocaine withdrawal looks like depression and restlessness, while alcohol withdrawal symptoms include seizures or tremors. The effects of benzos and alcohol can last for weeks, if not months. That said, you may want to choose a rehabilitation center that offers symptom relief. Having a doctor on-site to prescribe non-psychoactive drugs can help ease the detox process. You need to ask this before-hand. Some centers believe in a completely drug-free approach. 6. Residential or Outpatient care: Whether or not your addict needs to be on site all the time is up to them you and your budget. Residential programs are the most expensive since they have to provide things like meals and housing. However, they're also the most full-service and some think the best for advanced addicts. Other things to take into consideration about residential care is the types of patients. Do they only take opioid patients or do they mix people with different addictions? This is another personal preference area. Some people believe that the similarity of the experience leads to a better rehab, while others believe that addicts of the same kind egg each other on. There's no right or wrong answer. 7. Budget: A lot of the time, when you see rehabilitation centers advertised, they say things like "luxury" and "all inclusive". These are centers that charge an arm and a leg - that have money left over for marketing. Their calls of luxury don't mean their the best. They could be, but they could also spend all their money on the amenities and not pay or pick high-quality staff. You want to find rehab centers that have a balance of both. Obviously, you don't want your addict in a falling-apart facility, but is a waterfall in their room really going to aid recovery? Don't over-spend or over-shoot your budget because one looks fancier than the other. A grand pool or beautiful location won't heal your loved one any quicker. 8. Co-Occurring Disorders: The statistics and correlation between people with addiction issues and people with mental illness are staggering. Approx 7.9 million adults in the united states suffer from substance abuse with a co-occurring illness. We call this a "co-occurring" disorder and most drug treatments won't work unless you also treat the other issue. Someone may do a lot of cocaine because they're depressed and cocaine gives them energy. If you take the cocaine away from them, but they don't address the depression, they're going to turn back to cocaine for energy. Find a center that treats co-occurring disorders along with addictions. This combination gives your loved one a better shot at lasting recovery. 9. Visitation Policies: When you pick a center for your loved one, will they allow you to visit them? Some centers believe in isolation from outside sources. Others don't. Figure out which situation will be best for your addict - and your own sanity as someone as that loves them. 10. Financing Options: Does your rehabilitation center offer a payment plan? Most do these days, but some will ask for half or a deposit up front. You know your finances and there's only so much you can do. Most insurance carriers don't cover rehab, but it's worth a call to see if they'll cover a percentage. 11. Ask the Addict: If you've gotten the addict to agree to rehab, good for you and for them! The biggest success factor in rehab situations is whether or not the addict wants to recover. Ask them what kind of treatment center they see themselves in. It'll give you an idea of what to look for. Rehab Centers: Finding The Right One: Did you know that you can tour some rehabilitation centers before you commit to one? The tours may be short or only show you a bit of the facility to protect patient privacy. At the very least, the best rehabilitation centers should offer a consultation with a therapist or an intake specialist. There you can ask them the questions we talked about in this list and any others burning on your mind. We hope you've gotten some good information out of this eleven part guide and that you'll trust us for more advice in the future. Read Also: 5 Reasons Why It’s Not Too Late To Get Help Is A Loved One Addicted To Opiates? Here Are Common Signs Of Opiate Use

What We Know About CBD And A Night Out With Alcohol

A good night out with the guys or gals is never a waste, if done properly, they are usually still spoken of months down the line, and if you’re anything like me then you would have had your fair share of good times. Alcohol has been around for hundreds of years, being tweaked as the years advance and tastes different over time, the main objective of enjoyment though has never changed. There are many reasons why people feel the need to drink on an evening out, some of which we look at in this article. Then there are the whispers of the new kid on the block, even though this ‘kid’ has essentially been around way before any of us and dating back to ancient Chinese emperors and English royals, I’m talking about a blessing from Mother Nature, CBD. To find out the more in-depth version of this ingredient you can click here what is CBD but it boils down to a plant grown naturally in nature and these days specifically grown and harvested for many properties, the positives are far outweighing any skeptics. CBD, when used as a treatment for ailments, can be very beneficial, and the success stories are significantly increasing as awareness grows throughout the globe. What we are going to be having a look at today is if you are a CBD user for whatever reason and decide to go on an excursion where there will be alcohol, what are the effects likely to be? CBD vs alcohol When we think about both products in their cases we conclude that relaxation is a by-product and one that we look forward to. Both work on the neuro system, one regulating the pain receptors and how the pulses are sent in a more regulated fashion while the other influences our social behaviors and moods. Thus if we think about using them combined, the results would be that much more intense. Each ingredient would be serving the same purpose but in a different method of implementation, and could result in an overdose or significantly increased side effect of ‘too much of a good thing.’ If it is something you have been thinking about leading up to a planned weekend away, then being safe is going to be your main priority, why not try these out for ideas on how to be more vigilant and come out to the other end in one piece, so to speak. It’s isn’t always going to be easy to know what to do and when, but with a bit of homework and research we can be sure that safety is a priority. Read: What is the Ideal CBD Dosage for You? Similar reasons why people drink alcohol or use CBD products When we feel relaxed and not under pressure to impress we can be ourselves, others can get to know the real you and not the ‘act’ you want them to meet. We have less stress and anxiety about meeting new people and can show our true colors and personality because life is too short to be someone else. Pain relief. Whether emotional or physical pain is never great, we look for any solution to be out of our discomfort, and CBD with alcohol can do this for us. If you are experimenting with CBD cocktails as they have come to be known as moderation is key. Being careful with recipes and measures and taking your time getting it right. This is quite similar to peer pressure, but if being surrounded by others who have great benefit from using CBD what have you got to lose? A chemical-free product that creates overall well-being, win-win if you ask me. Other opinions are always available we know people love to give advice, check out this blog for what others have to say on liquids and CBD consumption. You may be the wallflower in your group of friends and being out on the town can cause you to panic, being more relaxed and coping better with your surroundings makes for better social interaction. You can be more involved in activities of your circle of friends without feeling overwhelmed by your introvert trait. Whatever you decide to do with your life, do what makes you feel comfortable and live your life to the fullest. Read Also: How CBD Oil Capsules Are Changing People’s Lives Spot It Early: 9 Common Signs of Addiction You Need to Look out For

From Gym To Workplace: A Complete Guide To Lead A Healthy Lifestyle

Getting to the gym daily and staying up for everything that comes into your life is a fine way to lead life. Our lifestyle matters a lot to help us find motivation in life. It is not just about staying fit physically but mentally as well. Most people ignore the importance of mental health. However, mental peace is the ultimate need of a human in life. No matter how hard your life is, if you control certain things, it will help you stay on track and manage everything at once. This is not just about you, most people are suffering from mental constraints and low fitness. Getting out of the dilemma is not impossible. All you need to do is self-reflect and arrange things accordingly. Nothing is impossible in life if you want to take responsibility. However, self-motivation is the key to leading a healthy lifestyle. If you can start the next day, you will be able to achieve your goal in the next few months. However, staying motivated is essential to act. Just thinking about it will not help you reach anywhere. Whether you want to stay fit, gain a body, or get prompt with your office work, it will all depend on your determination to a spirited lifestyle. Tips To Lead A Healthy Life Focusing on your work-life balance is not enough; it will just give you limitations. Why? Well, ask yourself, who finds work-life balance? Almost everyone, but especially those people who want to get rest and nothing else. But if you think wisely, you will understand that life is not all about sleep and taking rest but doing something that would mean something. For instance, if your office allows you to take leaves and also you have to do less work in the office, then this is a work-life balance for most of us. However, it is not. We need to maintain a work-life balance, but that is not to rest at home but to get busy with other work that makes us happy, fulfilled, and motivated. How will you ensure? Well, don't worry! We have got you covered this time! Here, you will get all the motivations you need in life while also managing the actions you need to take to lead a healthy lifestyle. 1. Exercise Doing daily exercise is like an impossible task for most working people. Why? Well, time management becomes an obstacle for them. However, it is an excuse that does not completely cover the area. If you want to stay fit, you have to work out daily. Considering a home gym will mitigate your tension if you find it difficult to manage time. With a home gym, you can avoid the commute time and cost. This can be a big deal with some upfront payments. Always focus on the long-term goals and invest accordingly. Whether you want to buy proper strength training ropes with thispower or are willing to add a treadmill at home, plan ahead and do not go for everything at home. Play your finances and set up the gym at home to be your own dictator. If your body does not stay fit, you will not be able to cope with all the work pressures. Exercise will help you stay fit and on track with your bodily needs and provide all the necessary motivation to go to work the next day. 2. Eat Healthy Do you love to grab chips, fries, and chocolate bars in your free time or when you are feeling overwhelmed? Well, these foods can taste fine but do not work too much for your body. In fact, these can be dangerous for your long-term health. Instead, a balanced diet can deal with it all! With less fat, sugar, and calories in your body, you will feel fitter and more energetic, and your intestines will work fine. Don't get fat if you want to live your life to the fullest. No body shaming, but with perfect body weight, you can do more while not getting tired. 3. Stay Hydrated No matter the weather, drink at least 3 to 4 liters of water every day! It will help you stay hydrated all day. We forget to drink water in between all the work pressure and other things in life. However, everything can wait, but not the need for water for your body. Whether you want to increase productivity or are willing to wake up fresh the next morning without a headache, water is the only solution. Instead of soft drinks, hand over a water bottle, and it will help you get rid of most of your bodily issues. 4. Focus On Your Mind Focusing on your mind is the prime solution to dealing with everything in life. If you stay motivated and lead your life with a fresh mind, know that you are alive. Don't be a robot! Use your mind and work on it. Ensure that you are fit enough to work your mind throughout the day. There is a lack of intellectuality in our society. People are getting dull with all the unnecessary entertainment. Don't be someone that everyone can be! Be special and work with your perspectives throughout. If necessary, take multivitamin supplements and stay fit for more to deal with. 5. Get Enough Sleep Your sleeping behavior can deal with everything! Yes! That's true! If you are willing to take care of your body and also want to lead a healthy lifestyle, sleep is a must. From short power naps at office breaks to 7-8 hours of night sleep every day, it can keep you more aware, not just from your body but from the inside. 6. Take Breaks And Go Out We often get overwhelmed while taking breaks. Well, it's unnecessary. Don't get afraid to take breaks, as it is necessary to work your mind properly. Long working hours, gyms, family tension, and everything else will go with the flow when you get enough rest. However, plan it to make it work better. Do not go for unnecessary breaks, but understand your mind and body before you take the break. We are not just talking about the office breaks but also about your trips every year. Go for vacations and heal your mind and body while being close to nature! Read Also: 8 Awesome Health Benefits Of Dark Chocolate Ways To Balance Your Life With Healthy Hearing The Diet To Follow For A Healthy Gut

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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Addiction Treatment: 11 Tips to Find the Best Rehabilitation Center

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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

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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