Combining drugs and alcohol may be expected in many party scenes, but it can endanger your mental and physical health. It is especially prevalent in the LGBTQ community. Polysubstance abuse can lead to more severe addictions that are much more difficult to overcome. But with the right help, you can break free.
If you or a loved one is a member of the LGBTQ community and struggling with addiction to multiple substances, La Fuente Hollywood’s polysubstance abuse program can help. Call us at 888.903.9898 today to learn more about our Hollywood, California, substance abuse treatment center.
What Is Polysubstance Abuse?
Polysubstance abuse refers to the use of multiple substances, such as drugs or alcohol, simultaneously or in rapid succession. Some of the most common combinations of substances used in polysubstance abuse are:
- Alcohol and benzodiazepines
- Alcohol and marijuana
- Opioids and benzodiazepines
- Cocaine and alcohol
Individuals mainly engage in polysubstance abuse to increase the effects of drugs or alcohol. But in some cases, a person may not know they should not mix particular substances. For example, someone taking a prescription opioid for pain after an injury may not realize that they should not drink alcohol alongside it.
What Are the Risks of Polysubstance Abuse?
Polysubstance abuse can amplify the risks associated with abusing any one individual substance. It can also introduce new consequences for one’s health and well-being. Some of the risks of polysubstance abuse include:
- Overdose – When combining substances, it can be more difficult to manage your dosage, making it easier to overdose.
- Addiction – Dependence on multiple substances can be more challenging to treat.
- Adverse interactions – Certain substances can be especially dangerous when mixed, possibly leading to a coma or fatal overdose.
Combining two or more stimulants or depressants can be particularly hazardous. Using multiple stimulants such as cocaine and Adderall can speed up your body’s functions to dangerously high levels, leading to elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, and risk of heart attack. On the opposite end, taking multiple depressants like alcohol and Xanax can drastically slow your body’s functions, which can cause your breathing to stop altogether. The increased dangers of polysubstance abuse require specialized care so that you will see the best results from a specialized polysubstance abuse program.
How Does a Polysubstance Abuse Program Work?
Although treating polysubstance abuse can be more challenging than addiction to one substance, overcoming your dependence with the right treatment program is possible. Polysubstance abuse programs generally include:
Detox
During detox, you will be under the supervision of addiction treatment specialists. They will support you as drugs and alcohol leave your body, which results in uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Polysubstance abuse can lead to more severe withdrawal, but your detox team will administer medications to ease the discomfort.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Medication-assisted treatment significantly improves recovery outcomes for most people. You will likely receive some of the same medications as in detox, but your dosage may change as you progress in your recovery. Addiction treatment medications help to reduce cravings and minimize lingering withdrawal symptoms that can throw you off track. With a lowered desire for drugs or alcohol, you will be less likely to succumb to triggers and relapse.
Behavioral Therapy
No polysubstance abuse program is complete without behavioral therapy like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). As the medication works to keep you comfortable, therapy goes deeper to help you get to the root of substance abuse. Therapists work with you in individual and group counseling sessions to identify your specific triggers and develop a plan to eliminate, avoid, or minimize them.
Get Help for Polysubstance Abuse at La Fuente Hollywood
At La Fuente Hollywood, we take a personalized approach to treatment. We understand that every individual is unique and requires a customized treatment plan. Our team of professionals will work with you to develop a plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. Reach out to us at 888.903.9898 or online to enroll in our polysubstance abuse program.