One may wonder how it is possible for someone to be addicted to more than one substance. Would not the feelings that are experienced when under the influence of alcohol be changed because one has already taken an illicit drug such as heroin or cocaine, or perhaps a prescription drug?
Much of that would depend on whether the other substance was acting as a stimulant or a depressant. Alcohol acts as a depressant; therefore, if someone wanted to dampen the effects of a stimulant drug, it is possible that drinking alcohol would do so.
Another person may feel, although erroneously, that taking a drug with alcohol enhances that drug’s effects. This is particularly true of those who take drugs that produce a narcotic or lethargic effect. If their desire is to feel as little as possible—whether it be pain, stress, or any emotion for that matter—he or she may welcome the “double punch” that mixing the two drugs provides.
No matter what the reason is for someone wanting to mix drugs, or even if the ingestion of two or more different drugs is accidental, the scary fact is that doing so increases the risk of overdose or even drug poisoning. Either of these can lead to severe illness and even death.
As evidenced in the preceding paragraph, dual drug addiction can be dangerous. For this reason, it is very important that someone entering a drug treatment facility, such as an alcohol rehab center to be forthcoming to facility personnel about any and all addictions from which they may be suffering.
This is because dual diagnosis treatment is usually different than that which is intended for addiction to one substance only. Different methods will need to be employed. Even the duration in which one remains in the inpatient phase of the program may be longer, while adjustments may be necessary when entering the outpatient portion of the treatment.
Overcoming addiction is possible even when a dual diagnosis has been made. By calling 1-800-559-9503 or visiting http://drugrehabcenter.com/, you can find dual diagnosis treatment programs that can help you or a loved one.
