One of the most common misconceptions about substance use disorders is that people will always have one drug of choice. This false idea often leads to the belief that you can only become dependent on a specific drug, such as heroin, fentanyl, or marijuana. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case.
What Is Polysubstance Abuse
It is common today for people to use several drugs or substances within a short period without rhyme or reason. So, rather than chasing the specific feeling that substances such as alcohol or marijuana bring, they will take almost any substance as long it gets them high.
In most cases, people refer to polysubstance abuse as “mixing drugs.”
Symptoms of Polysubstance Abuse
Increased Tolerance
The user may struggle from polysubstance abuse if they consistently need higher amounts of different drugs to remain intoxicated.
Consistent and Uncontrolled Use
One of the most common signs of polysubstance abuse disorder is taking repeated amounts of the drug without intending it. So, you may be struggling with a polysubstance abuse disorder if you tell yourself that you are staying substance-free in the morning but find yourself mixing drugs a few hours later.
Interference With Activities
A user may have this disorder if they consistently choose to use drugs over participating in other social activities, such as meeting with friends or heading to school or work.
Withdrawal Symptoms
The user may be battling this disorder if they go through withdrawal symptoms, such as excessive sweating or headaches once they stop taking the drug. Alternatively, they may choose to continue taking the drugs to prevent these symptoms from occurring.
What Are the Dangers of Polysubstance Abuse?
Here are some specific dangers associated with polysubstance addiction:
- Increased risk of overdose: Using multiple substances at the same time can increase the risk of overdose because each substance can interact with the others in unpredictable ways, potentially leading to a toxic or fatal reaction.
- Increased risk of physical harm: Polysubstance use can also increase the risk of physical harm from accidents or injuries due to impaired judgment and coordination.
- Greater risk of mental health problems: Substance abuse can contribute to the development or worsening of mental health problems, and polysubstance use can exacerbate these effects.
- Greater risk of addiction: Using multiple substances simultaneously can increase the risk of addiction because it can lead to more frequent and intense substance use.
- Greater risk of social and interpersonal problems: Polysubstance addiction can also lead to social and interpersonal problems, such as strained relationships with friends and family, financial difficulties, and legal problems.
Get Help from a Rehab in Arkansas Today
Polysubstance abuse is a tremendously challenging issue to go through alone, as you often become dependent on various drugs simultaneously. This multi-drug use generally means that most people with a polysubstance use disorder often don’t know where to begin to get their life back on track. Fortunately, it does not have to be this way.
At our addiction treatment center in Arkansas, we work on helping people battling polysubstance abuse live a life free from all drugs. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you or a loved one is struggling with this disorder and would like to turn their life around. Our team has experience in helping people live drug-free and would be happy to offer any help they can.
