Mixing Meth And Alcohol

If you’re thinking of mixing alcohol and meth, we strongly advise you not to. It’s not safe under any circumstance to mix these two drugs. The effects are extremely dangerous and wildly unpredictable. You never know what could happen.

It’s common for people who combine these two drugs to experience sudden cardiac arrest, respiratory depression, accidents, alcohol poisoning, overdose, and even death…even if they’ve taken the drugs before.

We know that it may sound fun to combine two drugs, whether to stay out partying longer or to “soften the crash” of a meth comedown. But combining meth with alcohol abuse could be deadly.

If you’re curious about the effects of combining these two drugs, we suggest you read the rest of this article where we detail the dangers that you’re in. And, if you or someone you know is struggling, we want you to know that there’s help available in the form of meth and alcohol addiction treatment.

Why You Shouldn’t Mix Methamphetamine And Alcohol

We know that you might think this combination enhances your experience, but it actually does the opposite: It puts you at risk of overdose and could even lead to dependence.

You’re quite literally playing a game of Russian roulette when you combine the two. According to the National Institutes of Health’s study Alcohol Interaction with Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Opioids, Nicotine, Cannabis, and γ-Hydroxybutyric Acid by Singh, Ashok K, “alcohol may inhibit meth’s metabolism, resulting in higher blood meth metabolism”.

The science is clear: binge drinking alcohol while taking crystal meth makes you both more stimulated AND more depressed. Plus, you’re so numb you don’t know how much you’re taking off either. And to top it off, it could lead to so much meth in your bloodstream that you experience an overdose or worse.

What is Meth And How Does it Work?

Methamphetamine, sometimes called crystal meth or “ice”, is an extremely dangerous and highly addictive central nervous system stimulant. Your central nervous system (CNS) is like your body’s central command centre. It’s responsible for regulating your heart rate and breathing, as well as keeping your mood stable and coordinating movements.

When you take meth, you send that system into overdrive. Everything becomes amplified. This results in a euphoric high where your body is flooded with feel-good chemicals like dopamine.

Other names for crystal meth include ice, glass, crank, shards, or Tina, but no matter the name, the effects of methamphetamine abuse are just as dangerous.

NOTE: Crystal meth is a Schedule 2 drug under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning it is against the law to produce, distribute, and sell meth in most jurisdictions.e in regards to drinking habits.

What is Alcohol and How Does it Work?

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, which means it slows down your brain activity.

You know how you feel more “relaxed” when using alcohol? That’s because it causes reduced brain activity, drowsiness, lowered inhibitions, and a temporary sense of calm.

Other effects of alcohol include:

Alcohol is, in many ways, the most dangerous drug on the planet. It’s not only socially accepted and widely available, it’s sometimes glorified in the media.

The fact that alcohol is a depressant that numbs you out is where the main problem lies. Many people take alcohol with meth to continue partying all night or to soften the crash of a meth comedown.

But once you’re numb, you have no idea how much meth you’re taking or how much alcohol you’re drinking. This is why overdose is so common. 

Let’s cover a bit more about the dangers of mixing these two dangerous drugs.

What Are the Side Effects of Mixing Crystal Meth With Alcohol?

The main side effect of mixing crystal meth with alcohol is that it can cause severe mental and physical damage to your body. It’s as plain as that. We’ll let you see the science for yourself.

This is from a study published in the National Library of Medicine entitled Alcohol Interactions with Psychostimulants: An Overview of Animal and Human Studies:

“Co-abuse of alcohol with psychostimulants can lead to several neurophysiological dysfunctions such as a decrease in brain antioxidant enzymes, disruption of learning and memory processes, cerebral hypo-perfusion, neurotransmitters depletion as well as potentiation of drug-seeking behaviour. Moreover, co-abuse of alcohol and psychostimulants can lead to an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, myocardial oxygen consumption and cellular stress, and the risk of developing different types of cancer.”

We know that’s a lot to take in, but boiled down, it says that polysubstance abuse (when you mix multiple substances) involving alcohol and meth use can lead to negative effects like brain injuries, memory issues, heart issues, and even cancer.

Here are some other dangerous side effects that mixing these two drugs can cause:

Risk Behaviours

Mixing meth and alcohol lowers your inhibitions and impairs judgement. That’s why people want to take these drugs while partying. The problem is that this can lead to reckless decisions and risky behaviours. You might take risks you normally wouldn’t, like driving under the influence, engaging in unsafe sex, or getting into fights. 

Alcohol numbs meth’s effects, so you might feel invincible or like you can do anything to anyone. It’s NOT a safe situation to be in.

Addiction

Meth is a highly addictive drug. According to the Centers for Disease Control on their page, Patterns and Characteristics of Methamphetamine Use Among Adults — United States, 2015–2018, 52.9% of methamphetamine users who reported using from 2015 to 2018 reported having meth use disorder. That means more than half of the people who use this drug are addicted to it. That's staggering.

But mixing methamphetamine and alcohol use makes it even worse...

In fact, according to a study entitled Alcohol Interaction with Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Opioids, Nicotine, Cannabis, and γ-Hydroxybutyric Acid published in Biomedicines in March 2019, approximately 77% of people diagnosed with amphetamine dependence also have an alcohol use disorder. This is sometimes called co-occurring alcohol and meth addiction.

So, you can see how both of these diseases go hand in hand.

Over time, your brain starts relying on both substances, which makes it harder to stop. This cycle leads to physical dependence, intense cravings, and long-term damage to mental and emotional well-being. If you keep trying to quit taking drugs but can't, please contact an addiction support centre immediately.

Violence

Both meth and alcohol can increase aggression and violent behaviours. Together, they can make tempers explode. And, to make matters worse, alcohol consumption can totally numb you out, which makes it almost impossible for you to use your “thinking brain” to control your emotions.

Do you see how that can be dangerous? Meth heightens your paranoia and impulsivity, while alcohol removes self-control. Taking these two drugs together could get you into fights, domestic violence situations, or dangerous confrontations. Many people don’t even realise how unpredictable their behaviour becomes when they’re drunk and high (or they can’t remember what they did at all).

Cardiovascular Risks

Respiratory Problems

Meth alone makes it hard to breathe, and alcohol makes things worse by slowing down your respiratory system. Now, imagine mixing both of those things together. 

When you mix them, your body struggles to get enough oxygen, and that’s where things can take a dangerous turn. If you pass out after drinking too much, your breathing could slow to dangerously low levels or even stop completely. 

Sadly, you may not even feel it happening. It’s a terrifying thought. You might just slip into unconsciousness, and if no one’s there to wake you up, you may never wake up at all.

Overdose

Meth and alcohol are one of the most dangerous mixtures because people usually do it while partying to enhance the high. This is extremely dangerous.

Meth tricks your brain into thinking you're more sober than you really are. People take meth so they can party all night without feeling the typical alcohol crash. Normally, you’d get sleepy and want to go home, but not when you’re on meth.

And alcohol only makes the situation worse. It slows down your body's ability to sense danger. You might not realise how much meth is in your system until it's too late. 

The combination of excessive alcohol consumption and meth pushes your body to the brink. It puts you at increased risk of seizures, coma, and fatal overdoses.

What Are The Treatment Options For Crystal Meth And Alcohol Addiction?

There are plenty of easily accessible treatments for both alcohol and meth addiction. You just need to reach out.

If you're struggling with drug and alcohol dependence, there is hope. You don't have to live this way anymore. You can break free from alcohol and meth, reclaim your life, and live a long and happy life free of substance abuse.

The best way to break free of the grip of drug abuse is to go to a rehabilitation clinic like ours in Thailand. At a treatment centre, you'll get away from the triggers of home, finally, restore some order, and give yourself some space to heal.

Here are the treatments for alcohol abuse and meth abuse in more detail:

• Detox: Detox is a form of addiction treatment where an addict goes to a medical facility to rid their body of the substance under 24/7 supervision. Drug dependence is a wicked disease. The withdrawal symptoms from meth addiction and alcohol addiction can be extremely unpleasant. Going to a detox centre makes it easier to get through them. You'll most likely be given medication to assist you through withdrawal symptoms.

• Inpatient Programmes: Inpatient rehab offers 24/7 care in a structured environment, away from the triggers and temptations of home. There's a saying in our community: You can't heal in the same environment where you got sick. That's what inpatient is for. These programmes typically last 30 to 90 days and provide therapy, medical support, and life skills training to help you adjust to your new life in sobriety. If you've been struggling with addiction, an inpatient can totally transform your life. Many of our patients have said they've felt like they've gotten a new lease on life after breaking free from their addiction and healing their inner trauma.

• Outpatient Programmes: Outpatient treatment allows you to get help while still living at home and managing work, school, or family responsibilities. You can attend on your own time, and you might not even have to miss work or school. Programmes range from a few hours a week to intensive daily sessions (depending on your needs and treatment provider). Outpatient may require you to attend counselling, group counselling, support groups, medication-assisted therapy, or other forms of drug treatment. It depends on your situation.

• Support Groups: We’ve seen firsthand how support groups can make a major difference in recovery. Addiction is isolating. And the opposite of addiction is connection. Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and SMART Recovery bring people together who truly get what you're going through. They provide a safe space for you to talk about issues and gain support from those who’ve been there before. These meetings help keep you accountable, remind you why you’re staying sober, and give you a safe place to talk when things get tough.

How Can The Cabin Help Heal Your Drug Addiction?

Meth abuse and alcohol addiction can destroy lives. The relentless negative cycle of highs, lows, and regrets is enough to drive you insane.

But there is hope. You don't have to live with the shame, guilt, and regret of addiction anymore. There's a better way to live.

We are Asia's longest-running and most respected rehabilitation centre. We offer a comprehensive inpatient experience, unlike anything you'll find in the Western world at a fraction of the price (even when you consider flight tickets). And with direct flights to Thailand from major cities in Europe (and even the USA now), it's a lot closer than you might think.

If you're seeking addiction treatment, we want to help. Here, you'll experience a tranquil and fulfilling recovery process surrounded by Buddhist temples, stunning nature, and caring staff dedicated to your recovery. Our addiction treatment programmes even include fun and exciting activities like excursions in nature, Muay Thai boxing, and art therapy.

If you're struggling with addiction, reach out to us for your free evaluation. We want you to get help no matter where it is. Contact us today, and we will respond within 24 hours.