What Is Polysubstance Abuse?

What is Polysubstance Abuse?

Polysubstance use is consuming more than one drug at once. Individuals engage in this to accomplish a more significant feeling from the effects of taking multiple substances. Usually, the user will have a preferred drug, and they will combine that with other drugs to enhance the primary drugs affect

For example, individuals who abuse opioids, like painkillers or heroin, will sometimes mix them with benzodiazepines to experience a more intense feeling of relaxation and sedation effect. Although the combination of certain drugs will enhance the desired effects, polysubstance abuse may also increase the potential adverse effects of the drugs taken

Intentional Polysubstance Abuse:

When a person takes a drug to increase or decrease the effects of a different drug or wants to experience the effects of the combination

Unintentional Polysubstance Use:

When a person takes drugs that have been mixed or cut with other substances, like fentanyl in cocaine, without their knowledge

What Defines Polysubstance Abuse?

Typically, polysubstance abuse is defined by an individual that uses three different substances, although other definitions state it only requires using two substances. Any addictive substance can be a part of polysubstance abuse; alcohol is the more popular used one

A few other drugs that are used in polysubstance abuse include:

Amphetamines / Benzodiazepines / Hallucinogens / Inhalants / Marijuana / Opiates

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Although most instances of polysubstance abuse include mixing illegal drugs and alcohol, prescription meds may also be involved

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Dangers of Polysubstance Abuse:

Acute Health Problems / Overdose / Death