When we think of drug use we often think of illegal drugs and the black market. However, the three most common substances used around the world are caffeine, alcohol and nicotine – all substances that are obtainable legally, and legal to consume. But there are another class of drugs that are also available to us that may slip past our attention – Those we get by prescription. Of these, I have chosen to focus on amphetamines and how these are often abused and consumed with alcohol.
Amphetamines are classified as stimulants and this offers a hint at why people may use these with alcohol, which is a depressant. As described in previous posts, substance users often take one substance to achieve one effect & then take a different substance to counteract the unwanted side effects of the first substance. This can be the case when mixing amphetamines & alcohol. Mixing drugs is always dangerous despite the common mythologies that are often propagated about drugs & drug use.
The level of intoxication achieved by taking amphetamines depends on how the substance is consumed, the strength of the substance & dose, as well as the individual’s tolerance. Although amphetamines are often prescribed for legitimate clinical purposes they are considered to have a high potential for abuse, particularly by those with a history of abuse with other substances. This combination of factors may provide a perfect storm: People with moderate drinking habits have been shown to be more likely to abuse prescription drugs. The legitimate & common availability of amphetamines to patients opens up an avenue for abuse. Add to this black market availability and the potential for abuse is worse still.
Some of the common side effects of using amphetamines include:
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• High Body Temperature
• Fast Heart Rate
• Sweating
• Restlessness
• Paranoia
• Exaggerated sense of power
Add alcohol into the mix and the user becomes much more susceptible to these side effects while the simluanting effects of amphetamines, counteracting the depressant effects of alcohol, can make it possible for the user to drink more, becoming more intoxicated than they realise, increasing the chances of experiencing adverse health effects, as well as increasing the chances of overdosing. The user is more prone to violent outbursts & erratic behaviours, making themselves & others around them vulnerable. Mixing these two substances also increases the chances of blacking out, a state in which the user is still conscious but is left with a patchy memory or none at all of events while intoxicated.
Other potential side effects resulting from mixing alcohol & amphetamines include:
• Extreme fatigue
• Heart & Liver Damage
• Muscle necrosis – The premature death of cells in the muscles.
• Convulsions & Seizures
• Suicidal Ideation
• Depression, anxiety & psychosis
• Stroke
If you’d like to talk about drugs or drug use, or any other mental health issue, get in touch with BroadMinds Therapy for a private & discrete, free consultation. Call 0899420568, email help@broadmindstherapy.org or message us via our website or facebook page.
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Integrative Counselling And Psychotherapy 