Mixing Alcohol and Marijuana

Combining Alcohol and Marijuana Use

Around the world, the most commonly used drugs are alcohol, marijuana and tobacco. Although most people that use these most likely have a preference, there are a lot of people that use these common drugs together. For example, “cross fading” is when both marijuana and alcohol are used at the same time. Combining drugs has several serious implications. For example, it is common for someone to experience the effects of marijuana more severely when they have alcohol in their system. It is also common for an individual to drink beyond their tolerance when they use both substances, which can lead to alcohol poisoning which can be fatal.

Can You Believe?

  • Teens who smoke marijuana and had an ongoing cannabis use disorder lost an average of 8 IQ points between ages 13 and 38
  • Marijuana smokers can experience the same breathing problems that tobacco smokers have
  • 1 in 6 users who start smoking in their teens become addicted to marijuana
  • People who use alcohol are more likely to use marijuana
  • In the first hour after using marijuana, you are 4.8 times more likely to have a heart attack

One of the most common reasons to mix drugs is to achieve an intensified high. But there are a lot of terrible outcomes associated with doing so. Both alcohol and marijuana are depressants, which means that they slow down the central nervous system. When they’re used in conjunction with each other, the effects are magnified, often in an unpredictable way. When someone has alcohol in their system, THC (the active ingredient in marijuana) is absorbed more quickly. The combination can lead to psychotic symptoms such as panic, anxiety or paranoia. It can often lead to sweating, vomiting, turning pale, feeling dizzy, and many other concerning symptoms. While there have been many studies on the individual impacts of alcohol and marijuana use, there is still a lot of information we do not know about how combined use affects a user.

End story

The use of alcohol and marijuana, whether used alone or in conjunction causes severe impairment and can be extremely dangerous for a user’s health and to the health of others (such as in a nearby vehicle). According to a 2009 study, the risk of driving under the influence of both alcohol and marijuana alone is greater than the risk of driving under only one alone. Keep this in mind… don’t drive after drinking or smoking. One wrong choice could alter a life forever. Learn more about alcohol and marijuana use with the resources below.

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