Mix &
Match
On a night out we may dabble and take a combination of alcohol and drugs. Everyone should know what drugs work in synergy and what drugs are a pretty risky mix.
Mixing Drugs
We choose to mix drugs for different reasons – it may help to enhance the effects of one drug in particular or to dull the negative side effects of another. Despite the reason, some combinations scream ‘danger, danger’ and others are less risky.
Before we kick off down the path of mixing drugs, it’s important to remember that the strength of any drug is relative to how much is taken, our size and weight, our tolerance to the drug and whether we are taking the mixture at the same time or at different times. There is no safe level of drug use, and it can be difficult to predict the effects of multiple drugs taken at once.
Mixing Stimulants
When using two stimulants at once, there’s an additional strain put on the body which increases the likelihood of developing heart problems, and it runs the risk of experiencing anxiety, panic attacks and psychosis – and this is on top of the side effects from each drug.
Serotonin syndrome is caused when stimulant drugs (and sometimes other drugs) are mixed and we have too much serotonin in our brain. It leads to experiencing mental confusion, hyperactivity, muscular problems and other serious effects including rapid heartbeat, muscle spasms and death.
Examples of stimulant drugs:
- Tobacco
- Cocaine
- Ice
- Amphetamines
- MDMA*
*MDMA isn’t technically a stimulant, but it has the same effects when mixed with stimulants – so keep this in mind when thinking about mixing stimulants.
Mixing Depressants
Using a double dose of depressants can significantly impact our breathing and slow down the activity of the central nervous system – which is kind of essential for being able to function. Slowing down the signals between the brain and the body can lead to impaired judgement and coordination. Some other serious effects of mixing depressants include vomiting, blackouts, memory loss, passing out, coma, and even death.
Examples of depressant drugs:
- Alcohol
- Benzos
- GHB
Opioids have some of the same effects when mixed with depressants, so keep this in mind when thinking about mixing depressants with other drugs. Some inhalants are also classified as depressants.
Examples of opioid drugs:
- Fentanyl
- Heroin
- Methadone
- Oxycodone
Mixing Stimulants and Depressants
Mixing and matching depressant and stimulant drugs can put the body under dire strain as it works to compete with the opposing effects of each drug – it’s the worst game of tug and war ever! The heart can experience major stress and it can result in developing or exacerbating heart conditions. Other negative effects include respiratory infections, bronchitis, dehydration, overheating and kidney failure – so yikes…
Mixing Mind Altering drugs
Some drugs are not considered stimulants or depressants, so what do we call these? They can fall under the categories of disassociates, cannabinoids and psychedelics. Cos they alter our minds, we’ve collectively called them ‘mind-altering drugs’.
Examples of mind-altering drugs:
- Ketamine
- Nitrous Oxide
- LSD
- Magic Mushrooms
Mixing mind-altering drugs can amplify the effects of the trip – or the intensity of the hallucinations or visual distortions.
MIXING MEDICATIONS
Taking other drugs while on medications like painkillers, anaesthetics, steroids, antidepressants, antipsychotics, antihistamines, and reproductive medicines like Viagra and the contraceptive pill can produce unpredictable and negative effects. It is recommended that you consult a doctor if you are on prescribed medication before taking any additional drugs.
What not to mix!!
When certain drugs are mixed the chances of overdose or experiencing severe side effects are increased. While everything in moderation is the best approach to drug use, in our queer communities, we tend to mix particular drugs, so it’s best for us to all be aware of what we shouldn’t mix and to find out what the interaction side effects are.
- Ketamine and Alcohol
- Ketamine and GHB
- Ketamine and Opioids
- Cocaine and Opioids
- Alcohol and GHB
- Alcohol and Opioids
- Alcohol and Benzos
- GHB and Opioids
- GHB and Benzos
- Opioids and Benzos
To find out what the effects of these interactions are, head to TripSit or look at the interactions by a particular type of drug.
There are also some dangerous combinations to be aware of when mixing antidepressants and alcohol and other drugs. It’s best to chat with a healthcare professional about the possible interactions.
DISCLAIMER:
The information given on this page is not medical advice and should not be relied upon in that way.