Combining Drugs
 

Mixing drugs can be DEADLY.  When different drugs are mixed (taken or used) together they not only add to each others’ effect but actually multiply each individual drug’s effects or strength.  An example of a common, but dangerous, combination is using alcohol and marijuana together.  The alcohol combines with the THC, the drug in marijuana, and produces a serious distortion in sensory perception, distortion in a person’s sense of time and a decrease in their reaction time.  Combing alcohol and marijuana can also be dangerous because marijuana surpresses nausea.  This can be very harmful because one of the body’s natural defenses against alcohol poisoning is to vomit.  Therefore, when mixing the two drugs together, the person is preventing their body from getting alcohol out of their stomach before it enters the blood stream, which could be fatal.

An often overlooked mixing of drugs occurs when a person takes a prescription drug and also uses other prescription drugs, over the counter drugs, or illegal drugs.  Remember, a drug is any substance that effects the mind and/or body, regardless of if it is legal or illegal.  Therefore, it is very important to make sure your doctor knows every drug you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and drugs you obtain without a prescription (illegal drugs).  If you have any problems related to medication, call your physician or pharmacist immediately. Drugs always interact with one another, in some cases creating serious medical problems.  Interactions will vary according to the dosage, your age, gender, and your overall health.

 It is wise to avoid consuming alcohol while taking any drug, especially if it is a central nervous system depressant.  This is extremely dangerous because the two drugs cause similar effects.  For example, Antihistamines are used to relieve or prevent the symptoms of colds and allergies.  Avoid using alcohol when on this type of drug because antihistamines combined with alcohol will cause greater drowsiness and a greater slowing of the body’s reactions and functions, than if either drug were used alone.  This is also true for mixing alcohol with illegal drugs such as G (GHB), Ecstasy (MDMA), and Special K (Ketamine). Even, mixing two different types of drugs, such as a depressant and a stimulant, can be very harmful.  (WARNING: Many times, a combination of drugs can be lethal.) 

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