Polysubstance abuse occurs when a person becomes dependent on multiple drugs, using two or more substances simultaneously. A person may use numerous drugs to counteract one another, explore new ways of getting high, or just to function throughout the day. Polysubstance abuse can develop if a person no longer feels the drug’s effects and wants to explore other substances to get high. However, they never let go of the first drug. Abusing multiple substances is highly dangerous and increases the risk of overdose, which could lead to fatality.
If you have gotten wrapped up in polysubstance abuse, allow TruHealing Centers to help you disentangle from drugs and alcohol with our safe, effective substance abuse treatment programs. We will support your recovery with a customized combination of medication, behavioral therapies, and holistic treatments. Start on your path to healing and recovery today by calling [Direct] or completing our convenient online form.
What Are the Risks of Polysubstance Abuse?
The side effects of abusing more than one substance can happen all at once in an overdose, or they can spread out over time, slowly breaking the body down. Some of the side effects of polysubstance abuse include:
- A weakened immune system that leads to infections or illnesses
- Heart conditions that range from abnormal rates to stroke or heart attack
- Abdominal or digestive problems including nausea and vomiting
- Increased wear and tear on the liver which can eventually lead to failure
- Brain damage or seizures
- Lung disease or complications
Long-term polysubstance abuse can have a global effect on the body, causing organs and systems to deteriorate over time. As the addiction progresses, the person becomes obsessed with using drugs and alcohol and begins to isolate themself. Without the help of a professional substance abuse treatment program, a person struggling with polysubstance abuse will only sink deeper into addiction and cause irreparable harm to their body.
What Causes Polysubstance Abuse?
With the dangers of polysubstance abuse, you may wonder why a person would choose to misuse multiple substances. There are several reasons why a person may mix drugs and alcohol, such as they:
- Want to experiment with different types of euphoria
- Are curious to see just how high they can get
- Have developed a tolerance to their substance of choice, and the effects wear off sooner than they would like or are not as potent as desired
- Are simply unaware of the dangers of combining substances
- Are part of social circles that involve drinking and taking drugs simultaneously to amplify the effects
People engage in polysubstance abuse for different reasons. For instance, a person may develop an addiction to benzos and alcohol simultaneously while taking the benzodiazepines as prescribed to treat anxiety. For others, polysubstance abuse develops when treating pain from injury with prescription opioids while drinking alcohol socially. Although many prescription drugs should not be combined with alcohol, most people do not discontinue their alcohol use in response to their prescription medication. This is one of the most common contributors to polysubstance abuse.
What Are Your Options for Polysubstance Abuse Treatment?
A person who has an addiction to more than one substance may need extensive treatment, including inpatient detox, rehab, and aftercare. Dual diagnosis is necessary for co-occurring disorders so that treatment specialists can identify and address all issues. A person may also have to get help for mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or PTSD.
Addiction therapies can also be an invaluable part of polysubstance abuse treatment. Some options include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Yoga therapy
- Chiropractic therapy
- Nutritional therapy
- Mindfulness therapy
- Massage therapy
It is important to note that polysubstance use may require more intensive treatment than average, as the body is trying to break free from many cravings and withdrawal symptoms at once.
Find Support for Polysubstance Abuse at TruHealing Centers
It is nearly impossible to end addiction to multiple substances on your own. Professional help from a substance abuse treatment program, like those at TruHealing Centers, is needed to address the problem. When you reach out to one of our addiction treatment centers, you can discuss your current condition, go over your options, and enter a detox center as a first step.
Our team provides a wide range of treatments for all types of addictions, including alcohol, prescription drugs, cocaine, heroin, and meth. Contact us by calling [Direct] or completing our online form to start your polysubstance abuse treatment plan today.