The practice of combining benzos and stimulants can lead to devastating and fatal results. It is common practice to combine the use of these 2 drug classes to lessen the effects of 1 or the other.
For instance, using stimulants causes a surge in alertness and energy, and taking a benzo may level off some of the intensity. However, using these combinations in conjunction with one another can be extremely dangerous.
Effects of Combining Benzos and Stimulants
The CNS, or central nervous system, is a system in the body made up from the brain and spinal cord. It is vital for many functions within the body such as breathing, cognition, and motor movements. Combining benzos and stimulants can have a profound effect on the CNS. Benzodiazepines are CNS depressants, they slow down brain activity and often result in a calm, sedative effect.
Stimulants, however, are the opposite. They increase activity in the CNS, raising alertness and energy levels. Combining these 2 can result in a conflict within the CNS, and can make it seem like their effects are not that intense. This can result in using higher doses, resulting in overdose or even coma and death.
Cocaine and Benzos
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug that is highly addictive. It is manufactured and distributed illegally on the street and is responsible for major impacts in communities across the county.
Benzodiazepines, or benzos, are medications commonly used in the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders that help calm the brain. Combining benzos and stimulants like cocaine can be extremely dangerous.
Their Effects on the Body, Emotions and Mind
The combination of these 2 substances can have a profound impact on a person. The effects on the CNS can result in dangerous impacts to health. From decreased breathing to slowed motor movement, memory impairment, and cognitive problems.
Emotionally, combining these 2 drugs can result in problems regulating emotions, as well as intense emotional upheaval. Between the conflicting ways they affect the CNS and the way the brain copes, depression and anxiety can be exacerbated by combining benzos and stimulants.
Adderall and Xanax
Adderall is another powerful stimulant drug that is available by prescription. It is used to treat conditions such as ADHD. Xanax, an extremely potent benzo, is used for the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders, as well as other conditions.
Much like cocaine, mixing this stimulant and benzo can result in dangerous impacts on the individual’s life. Combining benzos and stimulants can be extremely dangerous, and even fatal. This practice can result in addiction and the seemingly never-ending cycle that comes with it.
Their Effects on the Body, Emotions and Mind
The effects of these substances on the body can be intense. Both medications, alone, can be dangerous if misused. Combining the 2 only heightens these dangers and can result in severe impacts on all aspects of a person’s life. Emotionally, mixing these drugs can cause dysregulation, making it difficult to control emotions, and exacerbating any already present emotional conditions.
The body can experience some extreme impacts as well, and the impacts on the brain can be severe as well. Similarly to cocaine and benzos, Adderall and Xanax can lead to slowed motor movement and breathing as well as impaired cognition and memory.
How Long Does This Combo Stay in the System?
Metabolization of these substances varies based on several factors. Dosage, frequency of use, age, and a person’s metabolism can play a major role in how long they stay in the system. Combining benzos and stimulants can complicate the metabolization of the substances.
Benzos typically has a half-life of a few hours to days and can be detected in urine up to 10 days after use. Stimulants generally have a 4 to 12-hour half-life, but can still be detected in urine for a few days after use. Higher doses and long-acting benzos and stimulants can affect this general timeline.
Fatal Effects
Combining benzos and stimulants can be extremely dangerous. The conflicting effects of these drugs on the CNS can result in respiratory depression. This means breathing becomes dangerously shallow and slow, which can result in asphyxia and death.
This combination can also result in elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, and dangerous changes in heart rhythm which can lead to heart attack or stroke. Even when non-fatal, heart attack and stroke can lead to severe and lifelong impacts on a person’s life.
Benzo Withdrawal
Benzo withdrawal is one of the most physically challenging processes when it comes to detox. The physical symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and excruciatingly painful, on top of dangerous. Benzodiazepine withdrawal should be supervised to prevent complications and ensure safety.
Professional medical detox can help to prevent these dangerous impacts and help make the process easier to endure as well as help to ensure safety during the process.
Stimulant Withdrawal
Stimulant withdrawal is slightly different from benzo withdrawal. Many stimulants result in a psychological dependence over a physical one. While there may not be a physical need to use these substances, the psychological desire can be just as strong and detrimental.
The obsession and compulsion surrounding the use of stimulants can be just as uncomfortable and dangerous as physical symptoms. Having professional care and support makes the process of withdrawal safer and easier.
Overcoming Addiction
Struggling with any substance is a challenge. Struggling with multiple substances can complicate this challenge. The effects that polydrug abuse can cause can be extremely detrimental. For those who struggle with this practice, there is help available.
If you or a loved one are struggling with dangerous substances like benzos and stimulants, we can help. At Brentwood Springs we offer care that is tailored to an individual’s needs and strive to provide a safe and healing environment for recovery.
Call us today and begin your journey to a better life.
