When we think of substance abuse, we typically imagine a person being addicted to one particular substance. However, polysubstance abuse is an addiction to getting high by any means necessary— instead of having one “drug of choice.” Suffering from polysubstance abuse presents its own set of unique challenges and dangers and requires a unique treatment approach. Let’s review signs of polysubstance abuse and when you should seek polysubstance addiction treatment.

What is Polysubstance Abuse?

People who suffer from polysubstance abuse are addicted to the feeling of being high, so they will seek out any type of substance to achieve that high. A polysubstance addiction usually includes at least three substances. Most commonly, people suffering from this disorder combine illicit drug use with prescription medications or alcohol abuse. Some users also have a particular drug they prefer, and intentionally also abuse other substances to intensify the high they achieve. This type of substance abuse is particularly dangerous and requires a unique treatment approach in order to overcome it.

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Why is Polysubstance Abuse Dangerous?

Polysubstance abuse is extremely dangerous because substances can react negatively when combined with other substances, which often increases the likelihood of overdose. ^[1] That’s because different drugs affect different parts of the body to achieve the desired effects, this can overwhelm the body and cause serious complications.

For example, drinking alcohol while under the influence of a prescription substance can cause differing effects. Some other dangerous combinations of substances include:

Stimulants like Adderall or Ritalin can conceal alcohol’s effect, so the user may not realize how intoxicated they are.
When combined with prescription opiates, alcohol can cause slowed breathing, low blood pressure, and even death.
When mixed with cocaine, alcohol can cause serious heart problems leading to heart attack and death.^[2]

Polysubstance abuse is also common among people who are suffering from mental health disorders. Medications for managing mental health are often abused and combined with other substances to achieve a greater high. ^[3] Combining multiple types of drugs can cause serious and life-threatening complications including:

Seizures
Coma
Brain damage
Organ damage
Respiratory failure

For these reasons, mixing or combining substances is more dangerous than abusing a single substance.

What Are the Signs of Polysubstance Abuse?

Determining if a loved one has polysubstance abuse can be difficult. Below are warning signs and symptoms of polysubstance abuse. If you show any of the following signs you may need help from a polysubstance addiction treatment center.

1. Abusing a minimum of three substances, not including nicotine or caffeine. The substances can include:

Prescription or illicit opiates
Alcohol
Amphetamines
Benzodiazepines
Hallucinogens
Cannabis

2. Lack of Control:

The person may not be able to control how often or how much they use
They may wish to quit, but not be able to.

3. Tolerance Buildup:

The person begins requiring more and more of each substance to obtain similar previous effects.

4. Time Consuming:

The person spends more time figuring out how to get the drug, and use it than they do on hobbies, work, or even sleep.

5. Harmful behaviors:

The person continues to use even though it is damaging their physical and mental health, relationships, and jobs.

6. Withdrawal Symptoms :

The person begins to exhibit symptoms of withdrawal, such as dizziness, nausea, or headaches. And they continuously seek more substances to avoid these symptoms.

If you suspect that a loved one is suffering from polysubstance abuse, encourage them to seek treatment immediately.

When Should I Seek Polysubstance Addiction Treatment?

Considering the dangers of polysubstance abuse, seeking treatment is vital. Addiction is not a condition that you can overcome alone. The best time to seek treatment is as soon as you realize there is a problem. It may feel scary or overwhelming to seek help, but a polysubstance addiction treatment center can help.

Attempting to quit on your own can be dangerous, and medical detox will be necessary.^[4] After undergoing a safe and comfortable medical detox, you will be ready to tackle your addiction. It is important to discover the cause of the addiction and work towards overcoming any underlying issues you may be experiencing. Through addiction treatment, you will kick your addiction once and for all.

If you are ready to overcome your polysubstance addiction, contact Ocean Hills Recovery today. Our experienced staff is here to help you through every step of the way.

Sources:

^[1] https://harmreduction.org/issues/overdose-prevention/overview/overdose-basics/opioid-od-risks-prevention/

^[2] https://www.healthline.com/health/cocaine-and-alcohol

^[3] https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/trends-statistics/infographics/comorbidity-substance-use-other-mental-disorders

^[4] https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-the-risks-of-quitting-cold-turkey-21813

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does drug and alcohol rehab last?

The length of your stay at drug and alcohol rehab will vary for each person attending rehab and from treatment center to treatment center. Most inpatient programs are at least 30 days long; however, some programs may incorporate a shorter inpatient stay with a more extended outpatient stay. The best rehab centers will provide a more custom treatment plan for each person that takes into account the individual’s needs before determining the length of treatment. Ocean Hills Recovery offers a variety of options for addiction treatment. A typical stay at our inpatient drug and alcohol rehab programs last between 30 to 45 days.

Do I need inpatient or outpatient treatment?

Outpatient is an excellent option for people who are unable to take time away from work or their families while receiving addiction treatment. Inpatient treatment is an excellent option for people who can be away from their work or families for at least several weeks for treatment. We recommend that you contact a reliable treatment center, like Ocean Hills Recovery, for a complete assessment before you decide whether inpatient or outpatient treatment for addiction is best for you.

Should I get addiction treatment locally or away?

The answer to whether you should go away or stay local for addiction treatment is very individual. Many people need to get away from their everyday life for them to fully submerge themselves in their addiction recovery process. For these individuals, going to an out of state treatment center is the best option to be able to commit fully and concentrate on their recovery. For others, this is not an option because of work or family obligations.

What do I do if I don’t have insurance for drug rehab?

There are options for drug rehab, even if you don’t have insurance. When you decide to get help, the best thing to do is to find a treatment philosophy that you believe may help and contact them for assistance. Rehab professionals can help you determine if you have insurance coverage for addiction treatment, and what options are best for you. Many drug rehabs accept insurance but also have private pay, or financing options available. Contact our rehab admissions specialist today, and we can help you navigate insurance questions, payment options, and treatment plans.

How to find a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website is a great place to start when you are looking for a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. We recommend that you make a list of a few different centers to contact and speak with them to get a feel for their programs, therapies, and staff and find the center that you feel most comfortable with. Have a list of questions that you can ask each center to help you through the process. One of the most important questions to ask is if the rehab holds accreditation by CARF. Having a state license is no longer enough to ensure that a rehab center is reputable. If the rehab holds CARF accreditation, they have had to meet a more strict set of guidelines and procedures.

Do I need detox before addiction treatment?

Many people require detox to help manage withdrawal from alcohol and other drugs. There are several factors that we take into consideration to determine if you will need detox before addiction treatment. Our admissions professionals work with each person to obtain a thorough history of substance use and other medical conditions to help make the appropriate recommendations for care. You must give accurate information so that we can keep you as comfortable as possible if you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms. However, detox is only the first step in addiction recovery. For long-lasting addiction recovery, a person must deal with the underlying issues that lead to substance use in the first place. Contact us today for a confidential assessment.

Signs of Polysubstance Abuse and When to Seek Polysubstance Addiction Treatment