Beware the hidden dangers!
Wednesday, 21 April 2010.
Originally from express article 21 April 2010
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| Diana Rands from CADS. |
In this age of instant information I really hope that everyone who imbibes in the range of mind altering drugs has a good knowledge of the perils of mixing substances.
Google is your friend – use it!
I think that the most commonly used mind altering drug that people often forget about is…alcohol!
Yes it is mind altering, and yes it is dangerous – especially when taken in large prolonged doses (i.e. a night on the town) and especially when mixed with other substances!
The first rule on understanding how a drug works is to know if it is a depressant, stimulant or hallucinogenic. If you take two drugs that belong in the same category – then the effect will be increased. This sounds like more bang for your buck – but actually it can result in your night ending with a quick trip in the wee white van.
Some examples:
Alcohol is a depressant – GHB is a depressant (a VERY potent one). A recreational dose of GHB can easily turn into a recipe for unconsciousness if you add alcohol.
Benzodiazepines (like Valium or Ativan) are also depressants, so mixing them with alcohol can produce severe drowsiness, and sometimes depressed heart and breathing functions. It is important to know that this effect can last until the next day and impair your driving ability.
Ketamine is an anaesthetic – mix with respiratory depressants like alcohol or valium, and you risk nausea, vomiting and even stopping breathing.
So... what about stimulants?
- One side effect of speed (amphetamines) is it enables people to keep on partying (and drinking alcohol) for longer. Not only is this really hard on your body (especially your liver and kidneys), but it also increases opportunities for and the likelihood of bad behaviour i.e. fighting, drunkenness, unsafe sex etc.
- Remember that caffeine is also a stimulant – so drinking coffee and red bulls will potentiate those speedy feelings including anxiety and aggression.
- Amyl Nitrate is a stimulant, and can be very dangerous if combined with Viagra, as the combination can cause dangerously low blood pressure (hypotension). There have been deaths as a result of this combination.
I hear that you can always tell who is on ecstasy as they are the ones not drinking alcohol. Well this is a good thing as alcohol can lead to increased dehydration – which results in a nasty come down, and drinking alcohol puts a much greater strain on your kidneys – which have to work pretty hard anyway!
Reactions are fairly unpredictable when mixing substances between categories. For some the effects are increased – but not for others. All put increased strain on your vital organs.
Harm reduction is about making informed decisions about how you choose to enhance your evening. Be smart!!! Remember when you are planning your evening’s entertainment, how you can optimize the positives and reduce the negatives...
If you have concerns about your own or someone else's alcohol or other drug use contact CADS on 8451818 to discuss this or you can call in to any CADS unit without appointment any weekday morning between 10am and 1pm and see someone face to face. Or visit our website www.cads.org.nz. If you live outside Auckland contact the Alcohol and Drug Helpline 0800 787 797.
> More items from Di's Drug Column
