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The Dangers of Mixing Alcohol with Marijuana

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Marijuana is the number one drug used by people who drink alcohol. While people may consider it harmless to combine the drugs, these two substances can actually lead to severe health consequences. The most life-threatening risk is alcohol overdose: mixing alcohol with marijuana has been shown to greatly increase the amount of alcohol a person ingests. While you can’t necessarily overdose on marijuana, an alcohol overdose can lead to death.Healthcare professional talking to client about mixing alcohol and marijuana

Fortunately, Vertava Health offers rehab programs to help those who need to stop using alcohol and marijuana. If you’d like information about our alcohol rehab center, call us at 844.470.0410 today.

Should You Mix Alcohol and Marijuana?

While moderate amounts of alcohol are not usually a health risk, combining alcohol with other drugs can make even small amounts dangerous.

If alcohol is mixed with marijuana, it can result in side effects that range from uncomfortable to life-threatening.

Marijuana comes from the cannabis plant. While this drug has been shown to have therapeutic properties, it’s important to remember that everyone reacts to cannabis differently.

Depending on the type and strain, people may experience side effects like paranoia, euphoria, nausea, fatigue, or loss of coordination. The population most likely to mix alcohol and marijuana are teens and college-aged males.

Consequences of Mixing Alcohol with Marijuana

When used in moderation, alcohol, and marijuana are not considered deadly. However, people who use these drugs simultaneously have been known to drink or smoke more than they intended to. This can trigger dangerous consequences, including alcohol overdose.

One study found that people who drink alcohol and smoke marijuana separately had a much lower risk of driving crashes than those who used the substances together. Those who used the two substances simultaneously also reported higher instances of academic problems.

Alcohol and marijuana can both contribute to increased symptoms of depression. Combining these drugs can be especially dangerous for people struggling with low mood or depressive thought patterns.

Mixing alcohol with marijuana also increases a person’s risk of alcohol dependence. People who smoke marijuana and drink have heavier drinking patterns and higher rates of alcohol addiction compared to people who only use alcohol.

Effects of Mixing Alcohol and Marijuana

Both alcohol and marijuana have a lengthy list of side effects. Alcohol interacts with the central nervous system and can cause people to lose physical control of their bodies. Marijuana affects cannabinoid receptors brain and can lead to fatigue, memory issues, and increased appetite.

Additional side effects of alcohol and marijuana include:

  • Speech problems
  • Anxiety
  • Relaxed muscles
  • Tremors
  • Altered sense of time
  • Trouble forming thoughts
  • Problems with body movements
  • Memory issues
  • Sense of well-being
  • Change in mood
  • Depression
  • Increase in risky behavior

Combining the two drugs can amplify the side effects of each substance. Some people may also experience a quicker onset of the drugs’ side effects.

Mixing alcohol and marijuana can lead to more significant health impacts that include:

Increased Levels of THC in Blood

THC is the active ingredient in marijuana. If a person smokes marijuana and then ingests alcohol, it can result in higher levels of THC in the bloodstream. This is due to how the substances interact with the body’s systems.

This reaction can result in higher levels of impairment, especially regarding the ability to drive. Mixing alcohol and marijuana can also increase a person’s heart rate. This physiological response can also trigger mental symptoms, such as feelings of panic or anxiety.

Unpredictable Reactions

Often, people are unaware of how they will react to different strains of marijuana. This can lead to accidentally smoking a type that induces extreme paranoia.

People who combine alcohol and marijuana may also find themselves in a more altered state than intended. This can lead a person to make risky decisions or be put in unsafe situations.

Additionally, some people experience a group of symptoms known as “greening out” when they smoke marijuana. Symptoms include nausea, dizziness, and sweating. This condition is more likely to occur when alcohol and marijuana are mixed together.

Alcohol Overdose

When a person has too much alcohol in their bloodstream, certain areas of the brain may not be able to function properly. This is called an alcohol overdose and can impact a person’s breathing, heart rate, and temperature regulation.

Symptoms of alcohol overdose include confusion, unconsciousness, trouble breathing, seizure, and clammy skin. Alcohol overdose is more likely to happen when alcohol is combined with other drugs, including marijuana.

Using alcohol and marijuana together can accidentally lead a person to drink too much. If you see someone experiencing signs of an alcohol overdose, call 911 immediately.

Getting Help For Alcohol and Marijuana Use at Vertava Health

Mixing alcohol with marijuana may seem harmless, but for many people, it becomes a problem they don’t know how to control. Fortunately, Vertava Health provides personalized treatment programs for those who need help with alcohol and marijuana. Patients who attend our treatment centers benefit from services including:

  • Medical detoxification
  • Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
  • Group counseling,
  • Wilderness therapy sessions

To learn more about the dangers of mixing alcohol with marijuana and how we can help you, reach out to one of our specialists today at 844.470.0410