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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Dental Health: 6 Essential Dental Care Tips You Need to Know

Approximately 27 percent of adults have untreated tooth decay. Nearly half of those over the age of 30 show signs of gum disease. According to a study, older adults with dementia have worse oral health. In general, Alzheimer's disease patients have a higher occurrence of periodontal problems. Clearly, we need to do a lot more to take care of our smiles. The problem is, many adults think that if they simply brush their teeth twice a day and floss once, then they've done their job. While these two things are certainly very important, there is more to good oral hygiene than just a simple brush and floss. So, what exactly do you need to do to take care of your teeth and mouth? Here are some essential dental care tips you need to know. 1. Brush More: Many people think that brushing twice a day is enough to have clean teeth. The problem is that we don't spend enough time brushing our teeth during each session. The average person spends about 30 seconds to a minute brushing their teeth. Experts recommend dedicating at least two minutes to this task as it helps remove more plaque. In fact, a study has found that brushing the teeth for two minutes removed 26 percent more plaque than brushing for 45 seconds. Furthermore, doing it for three minutes removed 55 percent more plaque than brushing for just 30 seconds. If you have trouble figuring out how long you've brushed or if two minutes feels like an eternity to you, try listening to a song or watching a short Youtube video while you do it. Those two minutes will fly by, and your teeth will be plaque-free. 2. Floss and Do It the Right Way: While nearly everyone brushes their teeth on a daily basis, only 40 percent of Americans floss every day and 20 percent don't floss at all. Even though flossing is just as important as brushing, for some reason, it's taken a back seat. Flossing does a lot more than just remove that big piece of spinach you got stuck in your teeth while eating dinner. It helps: Remove and prevent dental plaque Prevent gum disease Increases the effectiveness of brushing Reduces inflammation in your gums Of course, you also need to make sure you're flossing the right way. Use a piece of floss that is at least 18 inches long. This will help ensure you're using a fresh piece of floss for every tooth rather than reinserting bacteria you just removed. If you struggle to get to each space in between your teeth, consider buying disposable floss picks or investing in a Waterpik. 3. Clean and Change Your Toothbrush: Contrary to popular belief, it's no need to cover your brush after using it. In fact, this may actually cause new bacteria to breed. Instead, simply rinse your toothbrush after using it and allow it to air dry. Also, never share your toothbrush with anyone, even family members. Remember to change out your toothbrush (or brush head if you use an electric toothbrush) every few months or so. Using it for more than a few months won't allow you to get the best clean as possible. 4. Use the Right Brushing Technique: Most people tend to brush their teeth in a back and forth horizontal motion. However, this brushing technique will not give you the best clean. Instead, hold your toothbrush at an angle of 45 degrees and brush your teeth using short back and forth strokes. Then, clean the backs of your teeth and front anterior area by holding the toothbrush vertical and brushing with small strokes. If brushing the right way seems like a pain to you, invest in an electric toothbrush. Electric models take care of the motion for you - all you have to do is make sure you're hitting the backs and fronts of each tooth. Also, don't forget to brush your tongue as well. Plaque can build up on your tongue, which may lead to oral health problems and bad odors. A gentle, quick brush of the tongue is enough to keep it clean and healthy. 5. Watch What You Eat and Drink: Unfortunately, certain drinks and foods aren't just bad for our waistline; they're bad for our teeth as well. What you eat and drink can have a major effect on your oral health, so it's important to be aware of what foods and beverages are good for your teeth and which ones are not. When it comes to beverages, water is undoubtedly the best one for your teeth. Drinking water after every meal helps remove some of the negative effects of acidic and sticky foods. Beverages that should be avoided include sodas, juices, coffee, dark teas, and red wine. Sodas and juices contain sugars and acids that can wear your teeth down and cause bacterial growth. Coffee, teas, and wine tend to stain your teeth. Crunchy fruits and veggies, certain types of cheese, and fish are all teeth-friendly foods. Avoid candies, white bread and simple carbs, and anything with high amounts of sugar. 6. Visit Your Dentist Every Six Months: One of the most important things to do is visit your dentist every six months. The dentist does a lot more than just get your teeth cleaned. He can also remove plaque buildup, identify cavities and other oral health problems, screen for oral cancer, and take X-rays of your teeth to keep track of their progress. Even if you brush and floss every day, it's still very important to visit your dentist twice per year. This company can show you more services that a dentist offers. Ready to Put These Dental Care Tips to Good Use? As you can see, there are lots of dental care tips that can go a long way toward good oral health. If you have any questions about these tips, let us know in the comments below. Looking for advice to keep your smile healthy? Click here to find out more! Read Also: 5 Ways To Prevent Severe Dental Problems How You Can Effectively Ease Pain Caused By Braces: Top Tips

Forever Young: Natural Ways to Live a Longer Life

There's nothing like a health scare or an accident to make you realize the value of your life. Whether it was your accident or a friend barely escaped death, you realized you need to live healthier. Or maybe you need to start nagging your elderly family member to stop smoking again. There are so many ways how to live a longer life, that it can get overwhelming. We've structured this post so you have one thing to do every month that'll improve your life and your health. It doesn't have to wait until January either - start this list right now! You're only one habit away from how to live a longer life. Month #1 Task: Drink More Water: There's a problem in the US where we drink too much soda and alcohol. While that's fine once in a while, neither should be a daily occurrence. If you drink more than one soda a day or more than one beer, make yourself add in one glass of water. If you want to go the extra step, then replace one of your beverages with water instead. If you don't drink either, then drink a glass of water when you wake up every day. It'll give your body a boost of hydration to start the day and help you wake up! Month #2: Stop Popping Pills: There's nothing wrong with taking the occasional Tylenol or ibuprofen when you're in pain - but people take them all the time. Before you pop them at the first sign of a headache, drink a glass of water, and rub your temples. You can buy pre-mixed essential oil headache sticks that will stop the pain in its tracks. Taking these pills too often can increase your risk of heart attack and even stroke by 10%. They're also hard on your kidney and your liver since that's where they process. If you do have to take one, try to take a lower dose and only take more if you need it. Month #3: Go to Sleep, Please! Just an extra half hour of sleep a night can do wonders for your life. Sleeping re-regulates everything, so you can see better results in your skin, your mood, your sex life - just about everything. That means putting down your phone before you go to sleep and picking up a book. The blue light our phones and devices emit confuse our brain's circadian rhythms. You can also invest in a sleep tracker watch or app on your phone that tracks your sleep cycles. Then, it can predict the best time for you to wake up when you're in light sleep. That will stop you from feeling groggy in the mornings and you'll bounce out of bed. If you can't sleep easily in general, go see your thermostat. Your body likes to sleep in a chilly room, so set it as low as your budget allows. 67 is a prime temperature. Finally, regulate your sleep schedule. Going to bed at the same time and waking up at the same time every day gives your body a routine, and bodies love routines! Month #4: Get Outside: We know it's hard to get time in the sun, especially in the winter. You drive to work as the sun is just coming up and when you get out, it's already going down. But humans are low on vitamin D, which we get from sun exposure. Not enough vitamin D can lead to depression and general fatigue. Try to take a quick walk outside during a break or eat lunch outside. If it's too cold - find a room with a lot of sunlight in your building. You can take it in a supplement or even buy sunlight if you're really struggling with your Vitamin D levels. But, try to get the real thing if you can - it's always better than faking it. Month #5: Take Time Off: Do you know those vacation days that are adding up? Or those weekends that just feel like work part two with all the things you try to stuff in? It could be hurting your longevity. The body needs a break from work and not taking one can lead to a heart attack. Even if you don't have the money to take time off work or have a real vacation, leave your Saturday unplanned for once. Laze around the house in your PJs and do nothing. Play with the kids and make a late breakfast. Go work in your garden - only if you enjoy it. Your body deserves a break. Month #6: Challenge Your Brain: Not only can this tip help you live a longer life, but it can also help you live a longer, better life. Is there a card game you love playing but never have time for? Do you like doing crosswords or playing sudoku? Keep doing it! Activating your brain in challenging ways keeps it working. Think of it as muscle (which it is), you need to work it out. Keeping your brain active longer can prevent or put off the development of dementia by a few years. That means you'll have more time you can be present with family and friends. If your loved one lives in a nursing home or works with an organization like Families Choice Home Care, ask their nurses if they'll play challenging games with them. Invest in some good mechanical pencils and an extra eraser or a new deck of cards. It's time to play! How to Live a Longer Life in 6 Months: The idea behind these tips is that they'll become a habit in their month, then the next month you'll build on that habit with the next tip. So by month three, you should be drinking more water, taking fewer pills, and sleeping at least a half-hour more. That's the best way how to live a longer life - small changes that add up over time. Want more health and fitness tips? Click here. Read Also: Five Benefits Of Meditation That Will Change Your Life Ways To Stay Fit And Healthy In Your Senior Years

How Do I Get Back In Shape? Fitness Experts Share Their Tips!

The most common question many personal trainers get is ‘how do I get back in shape’. As good-intentioned as that question is, there’s no way anyone can answer it for you. Deep inside, you know the way to get back in shape is to make some tough choices. It’s that simple. It can be difficult to balance out your work, caring for your kids, resting, binging and signing up for a gym like Fit Athletic. Getting back in shape means making some serious changes in your routine, which is always a huge challenge. In this article, we’ve asked personal trainers from the best San Diego fitness centers to share their thoughts on the topic and give their best advice on how to get back in shape. Stay In Shape: Yes, it’s easier said than done, but the truth is that the best way to get back in shape is to stay close to the shape, or the ideal look, weight, and BMI for you. As we grow older and more busy at work, skipping gym time comes rather naturally. The worst mentality you can develop is that it’s just one day. But day by day, you’ll lose the motivation to work out and stay in shape. Soon enough, you’ve come to the point where you don’t recognize yourself anymore. Going to the gym is better than not going to the gym. If you skip going to the gym because you only have 30 minutes to work out, you’re making a huge mistake. Because 30 minutes is still more than zero. Even a bad day at the gym can contribute to maintaining the harmony in your body. No matter how much you just want to sit back and binge Netflix for the rest of the day, you have to make sure you stay motivated to work out continuously. Staying in shape is the key to never having to put in the extra effort to get back in shape. Take Your Time: While your desire to get back in shape is commendable, it can also lead to serious injuries if you’re not careful. As bad as you might feel about getting out of shape, going in fast and hard is not a good idea. It took some time to get out of shape, and you cannot undo that instantly. Instead, this is a process that requires patience and caution. Don’t try to make up for the lost time the day you get back to the gym. Instead, allow your body some time to adjust to the new regime through slow, natural progression. If you strain and injure yourself, you can only hinder your progress. Set Realistic Goals: This picks up where the last point left off. There’s a big chance the first few workouts will leave you completely exhausted. That’s only natural. You have to pave the way back to your ideal shape with realistic goals. Setting realistic weight loss and muscle mass goals will ensure your workouts are effective and will motivate you even more. Deceiving yourself that you can look like an action movie star in the first month of getting back to the gym will only ruin your motivation because such a goal is unrealistic. And don’t forget all those other obligations and activities outside the gym that made you quit in the first place. All those deadlines are still waiting and someone still needs to pick the kids up from school. So instead of implementing a heavy training schedule to get back in shape, focus on short but intensive workouts. Striking a balance is key to a harmonious life and the key to getting back in shape. Read Also: How To Avoid Getting Bored At The Gym 10 Winter Fitness Hacks To Help You Stick To Your Fitness Goals

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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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

Dental Health: 6 Essential Dental Care Tips You Need to Know

Forever Young: Natural Ways to Live a Longer Life

How Do I Get Back In Shape? Fitness Experts Share Their 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:

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