Understanding Polysubstance Use: Risks, Signs, and How to Get Help

Polysubstance use, the simultaneous or sequential consumption of multiple drugs, is a dangerous trend contributing to the ongoing drug crisis in the United States. Unlike traditional substance abuse patterns focused on a single drug, polysubstance use often involves combining substances like alcohol, opioids (including fentanyl), stimulants, and depressants. This practice significantly increases the risk of overdose, dependence, and severe health complications.

The Rise of Polysubstance Use

Experts identify polysubstance use as the “fourth wave” of the U.S. drug epidemic. This wave follows the initial surge in opioid prescriptions, the rise of heroin use, and the explosion of synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Factors contributing to polysubstance use include:

Changes in drug supply: The unpredictable availability of specific substances may lead individuals to use whatever is accessible.
Increased tolerance: Users may combine drugs to achieve a more intense high or counteract the diminishing effects of a single substance.
Balancing effects: Some individuals may attempt to use different drugs to manage the side effects of others, such as using stimulants to offset opioid sedation.
Unintentional exposure: The presence of fentanyl in the illicit drug supply, even in drugs not typically expected to contain it, increases the risk of accidental overdose.

How Polysubstance Use Affects the Body and Mind

Combining multiple substances amplifies their individual effects, often unpredictably and dangerously.

Physical effects: Mixing opioids with benzodiazepines can severely depress breathing, potentially leading to fatal overdose. Combining stimulants like cocaine with alcohol can strain the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Mental health effects: Polysubstance use can exacerbate existing mental health conditions and increase the risk of new ones. Individuals may experience heightened anxiety, paranoia, depression, cognitive impairment, and memory problems.

Identifying Polysubstance Use

Recognizing polysubstance use can be challenging due to the varying symptoms associated with different drug combinations. However, some common indicators include:

Behavioral changes: Extreme mood swings, paranoia, confusion, impulsivity, and aggression.
Physical signs: Uncoordinated movements, slurred speech, dilated or constricted pupils, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, and physical deterioration.
Evidence of drug use: Presence of multiple drug paraphernalia (pill bottles, needles, pipes, etc.), track marks, and frequent nosebleeds.
Social and interpersonal problems: Neglecting responsibilities, financial difficulties, legal issues, and strained relationships.

Short-Term and Long-Term Side Effects

Short-term effects:

Dizziness and nausea
Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Impaired judgment and risky behavior
Difficulty breathing
Seizures or overdose

Long-term effects:

Liver and kidney damage
Cognitive impairment and memory loss
Increased risk of stroke and heart disease
Mental health disorders
Substance use disorder
Increased fatality risk

How to Get Help

Struggling with polysubstance use can feel overwhelming, but seeking professional help is a vital step towards recovery. Numerous resources are available to support individuals and their families. Medical detox provides a safe and monitored environment for managing withdrawal symptoms. Therapy and counseling, particularly behavioral therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can help address the underlying issues that contribute to substance use. For opioid use disorder, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) utilizing medications like methadone or buprenorphine can significantly reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Peer support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and SMART Recovery offer invaluable community, shared experiences, and accountability. Finally, harm reduction strategies like access to Naloxone (Narcan), supervised injection sites, and needle exchange programs are essential for minimizing the risks associated with drug use and preventing overdoses.

How to Help Someone Struggling with Polysubstance Use

How to Help Someone Struggling with Polysubstance Use
Supporting a loved one with polysubstance use can be challenging, but here are some ways to help:

Educate yourself: Understand the substances involved, their effects, and available resources.
Approach with compassion: Avoid judgment and express concern in a supportive, non-confrontational manner.
Encourage professional help: Offer to help find resources, schedule appointments, or accompany them to treatment.
Set boundaries: Protect your own well-being by setting clear limits on what behaviors you will and will not tolerate.

Combating the Polysubstance Use Crisis

Polysubstance use is a complex and growing public health crisis fueled by various factors, including the evolving drug landscape and the unpredictable nature of combining substances. This dangerous practice poses significant risks to physical and mental health, increasing the likelihood of overdose, dependence, and long-term complications.

Remember:

By understanding the signs of polysubstance use, the potential consequences, and the available resources, we can work together to combat this crisis and support individuals and families affected by this devastating issue.