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Mixing Amphetamine and Alcohol

Mixing alcohol with medications is a serious public health concern. For example, the effects of mixing amphetamine and alcohol sometimes include erratic or violent behavior. Identifying and getting treatment for individuals addicted to amphetamine and alcohol is therefore of the utmost importance. If you or someone you care about is struggling with a substance abuse problem, please call us to learn how to you can get the appropriate treatment.

Alcoholism Defined

Despite being a legal commodity for people aged 21 and over, alcohol abuse and alcoholism harm the lives of millions of people across the country. In simple terms, alcoholism is defined as an inability to manage one’s drinking, to the detriment of daily responsibilities like work and school. An alcoholic has trouble maintaining healthy personal relationships and is at much greater risk of developing mental illnesses such as depression. Alcoholics are also more likely to experiment with other drugs, get into trouble with the law, and generally take poor care of their health. Long-term effects of alcohol abuse include a weakened immune system, sleep disturbances, and severe damage to the liver.

Amphetamines and Its Common Side Effects

Amphetamines are a class of drugs that fall into the category of central nervous system stimulants. Due to their stimulating properties, doctors typically prescribe amphetamines for the treatment of narcolepsy and attention deficit disorders. These medications are not without their side effects, even when taken according to directions. Common side effects of amphetamines include:

  • Dry mouth
  • Constipation
  • High body temperature
  • Fast heart rate
  • Sweating
  • Restlessness
  • Paranoia
  • Exaggerated sense of power

In spite of their clinical benefits, amphetamines have a high potential for abuse, especially among people with a history of drug or alcohol dependency. Before a doctor prescribes an amphetamine, he or she will likely conduct a careful inventory of the patient’s records. Recently, alternative medications have been developed that don’t entail the addictive potential of amphetamines.

The Issues of Mixing Alcohol with Other Stimulants

Effects of Combining Alcohol and Amphetamines

According to a study conducted at the University of Kentucky, moderate alcohol drinkers are both more likely to misuse prescription medications and more susceptible to the effects of amphetamines. At the same time, the stimulating effects of amphetamines may allow a person to drink more alcohol than they realize. In any event, the combination of alcohol and amphetamines increases the chances of negative health effects, including overdose. Mixing alcohol and amphetamines can also lead to blackout states in which a person remains conscious but has no memory of certain events. During a blackout, a person can do or say things that put themselves and others in serious jeopardy.

Treatment for Alcohol and Amphetamine Addiction

Treatment for addiction to amphetamine and alcohol requires a holistic approach. Many people benefit from a stay at a supportive, in-patient care facility. Amphetamine and alcohol withdrawal includes both physical and psychological symptoms. For the worst of the physical symptoms, doctors can prescribe medications that reduce cravings and ease physical discomfort.

Support Group for Addicts Necessary

In the end, recovery from any kind of addiction requires a personal commitment. Having a network of caring friends and family members is critical to the success of the recovering addict. Both group and individual therapy sessions can provide people with a renewed and healthier sense of self. Cognitive-behavioral therapy with a professional counselor provides recovering alcoholics and addicts a means to confront and conquer the inner demons that drove them to substance abuse in the first place.

Addicts sometimes feel as if there’s no way out of the hole they’ve dug. Hopelessness and depression often accompany powerful addiction, but there is hope. The effects of mixing amphetamine and alcohol do not have to be permanent. Pick up the phone and call us today. This toll-free, national helpline will connect you with the best local information and resources for battling drug and alcohol addiction.


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