Marijuana (cannabis) and alcohol are two of the most commonly used substances in the United States today, and they are often used together at parties or in social settings which can lead to dangerous interactions and complications. Around 30% of people between the ages of 18 and 25 report smoking marijuana, and almost 80% admit to participating in different forms of alcohol use within the past year. Smoking weed and drinking simultaneously has become so normalized, especially among adolescents and younger people, that it is often not regarded as dangerous. Combining both substances, however, creates an extremely potent combination that increases the risk of life-threatening consequences.
The mixing of these two substances is commonly referred to as “crossing” or “cross-faded.” When an individual is crossed, not only are their perceptions changed, but the depressant effects of drinking alcohol can cause an increased slowing of the central nervous system as well. One study found that amongst current alcohol users, almost 12% used marijuana with over half (7.5%) using the substances simultaneously.
When an individual smokes marijuana, differing levels of THC enter the bloodstream and are transported throughout the body. The THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) stimulates cannabinoid receptors, which induces the many effects of cannabis. When you mix alcohol and cannabis, the bloodstream becomes polluted with toxic substances that cause a person to feel drunker or higher.
Symptoms of Mixing Alcohol and Weed
Because the active ingredient in both substances interacts with the same part of the brain, people who mix the two will see symptoms that are far more intense than if they were to use either substance on its own. When people combine their cannabis use with any amount of alcohol, they are more often than not seeking the calming effects of marijuana alongside the relaxing effects of alcohol. But, because of their blood alcohol levels that mix with the potent effects of THC, the side effects that occur are not always positive.
Along with intensely distorted perceptions that change the way a person sees, smells, hears, and feels, mixing weed and alcohol may also cause side effects such as:
- Cognitive Impairment
- Slowed Movement
- Lack of Judgement
- Decreased Breathing
- Increased Heart Rate
- Lack of Inhibitions
- Loss of Coordination
- Memory Loss
- Unconsciousness
- Risk Taking Behaviors
- Hallucinations or Paranoia
- Respiratory Depression
- Overdose
- Brain Damage
- Suicidal Ideation
- Blackouts
Though each person’s experience may be different, the dangers that are associated with the mixing of these two substances are always there. THC and the active ingredients in alcohol cause the central nervous system to slow down, and when mixed, this can cause the CNS to slow down to such a degree that unconsciousness and overdose are possible. When this happens, the person may continue to experience depression of the brain even if they have stopped drinking, which can lead to death if left untreated.
The long-term dangers of mixing these substances aren’t all necessarily chemical, either. When a person mixes two depressants, they experience a decrease in their inhibitions. This means that what they would or would not normally do no longer applies. Because of this, users may find themselves participating in activities they wouldn’t normally. Some of the more common dangers associated with the effects of mixing alcohol and marijuana are:
- Increased tolerance of both substances, meaning that an individual will need to use more of both alcohol and marijuana in order to achieve the same effects as before. This can lead to long-term dependence and addiction to both substances.
- An increased likelihood of worsened mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or psychosis. People who mix substances are also more likely to experience long-term health problems.
- Exposure to risky sexual situations may lead to unwanted pregnancies or STDs. Because both substances cause depression in an individual’s central nervous system, users of both have an increased likelihood of sexual assault as well.
- An increased risk of alcohol poisoning.
Marijuana and Alcohol Overdose
Any form of substance abuse can lead to an overdose. With that being said, it is unlikely to overdose on marijuana alone, though they may green out. When an individual combines marijuana with any dose of alcohol, the likelihood that he or she will experience a risk of overdose increases. Symptoms of an overdose can include:
- Loss of Consciousness
- Confusion
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Inability to wake the person up
- Slow or Irregular Heartbeat or Breathing
- Pale or Blue Skin
- Dulled Responses
In the event that someone is overdosing, it is absolutely vital to seek medical attention immediately. Stay with the individual to ensure that they do not choke on their own vomit. Roll them onto their side. Call 911 and continue trying to wake the person up until medical professionals arrive. In many states, there are laws protecting both the person who has overdosed and the person who reports it from legal complications due to the involvement of drugs. It is critical to seek help immediately.
Treating Weed and Alcohol Addiction
When it comes to treating marijuana use and alcohol abuse, seeking help through a dual diagnosis treatment facility is most beneficial. Because this would be considered a poly-drug addiction, people suffering will need help from experienced professionals, most likely in an inpatient setting. Here, the client may need to participate in a detox program under medical supervision. This is the safest and most effective way to rid the body of any substances. Though people typically do not need to be detoxed from marijuana, they do often require detoxification services for alcohol consumption. Withdrawing from alcohol dependence is an extremely painful and dangerous experience if done alone, but with the help of doctors and FDA-approved medications, this process can be completed easily and safely.
Once detoxed, the client will then be assigned their very own treatment team that helps develop a treatment plan that not only addresses their specific addiction but that also helps prepare them to live a life of sobriety. These plans often include different forms of therapy, group meetings, medications, and holistic activities that teach relapse prevention strategies and long-term coping mechanisms.
Here at Live Another Day, we have compiled a list of the best dual diagnosis treatment centers and rehab programs for each state and major city. This directory provides an unbiased rating of the best programs that are available to you or your loved ones. Each drug abuse program and addiction treatment center offers different programs and treatment options, but finding the right one can be the difference between life and death.