Polydrug abuse is when someone uses two or more addictive drugs at the same time, or right after each other. Although polydrug abuse is common, people often do not understand the serious risks that come with combining substances. Even unintentionally combining prescription drugs has serious risks. The most dangerous side effect of polydrug abuse is that it increases the chances of overdose. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that in 2019 nearly half of overdose deaths involved more than one drug.
Polydrug abuse is using two or more addictive substances at the same time to intensify a high. Polydrug abuse is very common and especially popular among teenagers. Certain drugs will heighten the effects of another when taken together, whereas some drugs will counteract the effects of the other. For example, someone may take a stimulant and when they want to “come down” they will take a depressant. People can easily become addicted to two or more substances, especially when using them at the same time, and will crave one while high on another.
Unfortunately, people often unintentionally combine substances. This can happen when they take a drug that unbeknownst to them, has been laced or cut with another drug. This is most often the case with heroin. Heroin is very similar to fentanyl, but fentanyl is cheaper and easier to produce. Drug dealers will often cut heroin with fentanyl for their own profit and then sell it to people without disclosing what the drug is. This is extremely dangerous as fentanyl is much more potent than heroin and can cause an overdose with a much smaller amount.
People will also unintentionally combine substances when taking multiple prescriptions because they are unaware of the dangers. Some combinations of prescription medication can have deadly side effects when taken together, and almost all prescription drugs should not be taken while consuming alcohol. If you are unsure if the combinations of prescription medications are safe, consult your doctor.
