The Effects of Mixing Meth and Alcohol

Meth and alcohol are some of the most dangerous and commonly used substances because of their mood-altering effects. The 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health revealed an increase in meth use in the United States. The number of methamphetamine users increased from 1.2 million in 2017 to 1.6 million in 2018.¹ According to the same survey in 2018, 86.3 percent of adults reported they drank alcohol at some point in their lifetime, and 26.45 percent claimed reported over consumed alcohol in the past month.² On their own, both meth and alcohol can cause serious harm, but the effects of mixing meth and alcohol can increase a person’s risk of disease and even death. Individuals battling with meth addiction or alcohol addiction can get help in our rehab center in Pennsylvania. 

What is Meth?

Meth, also known as methamphetamine, is a powerful, potent, and highly addictive stimulant that affects a person’s central nervous system. It usually comes in the form of a white powder and is normally snorted. Methamphetamine makes the user feel alert, awake, and energized. The euphoric feeling meth induces is what makes users want more, which can develop into an addiction. 

The repercussions of meth abuse include:

• Paranoia 
• Hallucinations
• Disturbed brain function
• Change in cognitive behavior
• Memory loss
• Hygiene problems (meth mouth)

People who become addicted to meth may be in danger of developing diseases and other illnesses that can be life-threatening. Because of its addictive nature, meth abuse is a difficult form of addiction to overcome without receiving proper help. Fortunately, programs like our meth addiction treatment program help those caught in the grips of methamphetamine addiction find sobriety. 

What is Alcohol?

Despite its popularity, not many know what’s actually in alcohol. Alcohol, also referred to as ethanol or ethyl alcohol is an ingredient found in drinks like beer and wine that causes intoxication. Alcohol is made when yeast breaks down the sugars in different foods. It’s labeled a sedative-hypnotic drug because it works by depressing the central nervous system and slowing down its functions.³ Similar to meth, it produces the feeling of euphoria and alertness but can cause breathing problems and even coma when too much is drunk. People combatting alcohol addiction should seek alcohol treatment. 

Mixing Meth and Alcohol: A Dangerous Duo

Meth and alcohol are an extremely threatening pair. Regardless of how it’s ingested, this combination of crystal meth and alcohol can result in rewarding feelings that distract the user from its negative symptoms. 

Some of the effects of mixing meth and alcohol include: 

• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Severe weight loss
• Tooth decay
• Depression
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations 
• Odd feelings on the skin, which can lead to scratching and wounds
• Aggression
• Brain damage
• Cardiovascular disease
• Seizures
• Damage to the central nervous system

The once pleasurable feeling that resulted from this combination fades after the harm done on the body is realized. The temporary high produced by mixing crystal meth with alcohol is not worth the negative aftermath. At Clearbrook Treatment Centers, we advise individuals who are addicted to meth or alcohol to get treatment. 

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction please reach out to us at 570-536-9621.

Sources:

1. UNODC- August 2019 – United States: Methamphetamine use on the rise among adults aged 26 and older
2. NIH- Alcohol Facts and Statistics
3. NIH- Sleep, sleepiness, and alcohol use