When methamphetamine (meth) and alcohol and used together, the effects can cause adverse effects, from serious health problems to overdose.
The combination of alcohol and meth can also lead to
- unpredictable, reckless, and dangerous behaviors
- agitation, aggression, and even psychosis
- addiction
Here, we break down some health risks associated with mixing alcohol and methamphetamine.
Mixing Meth and Alcohol
Crystal meth carries various health risks, from strokes to heart attacks and kidney failure. But combining crystal meth and alcohol is even more dangerous.
The most significant risk is to a user’s cardiovascular system. While crystal meth raises the heart rate, alcohol is linked to cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, and high blood pressure. When someone uses meth and alcohol, the risk to the heart and brain is compounded.
Meth and alcohol are dangerous in other ways as well. Meth is considered an upper, meaning it blunts some of the depressive effects of alcohol. This can lead to more alcohol consumption than usual because you don’t feel as drunk.
The final effect of mixing meth and alcohol is psychological. Long-term addiction to the two drugs can lead to depression, anxiety, psychosis, and even suicidal thoughts.
Meth Vs. Alcohol Addiction
Meth Drug Addiction
In the last few years, opioids and heroin have stolen the headlines. Our nation is in the middle of an opioid epidemic that kills hundreds of people daily.
Public health officials have noticed a disturbing new trend. Some people addicted to heroin or painkillers turn to crystal meth because it’s cheap and widely available. While opioids pose more of an overdose risk than meth, meth is incredibly dangerous and causes death—especially when it’s combined with alcohol.
Alcohol Drug Addiction
Is alcohol worse than meth? Both are addictive substances. It’s important to remember that alcohol remains the world’s most harmful drug, according to a study published in The Lancet. The study noted that alcohol is linked to more than 60 diseases.
Alcohol was found to be the fourth most harmful drug to users and the first most harmful drug to society.
Hope and Healing at The Raleigh House
At The Raleigh House in Denver, Colorado, we take a whole-person approach to recovery from meth and alcohol use. This means we don’t just get the alcohol out of your system. We work with you to help you recover psychologically, mentally, spiritually, and socially. Rehab isn’t just about giving something up; it’s about getting your life back. Fill out our form or contact us today to learn more about the alcohol addiction treatment program or the crystal meth addiction treatment program at The Raleigh House.
