Methamphetamine (or ice) and poly drug use go hand in hand. Ice and other stimulants have a high prevalence in social settings that will include the presence of other substances. Alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, and GHB are often used in conjunction with ice to enhance the effects of both drugs.
The reasons for combining ice with poly drug use are varied, while the effects can be damaging and potentially lethal. This article will examine these causes and effects, and give insights on how to lessen the dangers.
The Hader Clinic treats ice addiction and mental health issues in tandem. If you or a loved one is looking to escape the grip of addiction, contact us for a Free 60-Minute Consultation.
What is poly drug use?
Poly drug use is the act of combining one substance with one or several other substances to increase the effects of the drugs. The more different types of drugs a person takes in one sitting, the more varied the effects they will feel. These effects can play a greater toll on the body and increase the likelihood of something going wrong.
The reasons for poly drug use
Mixing ice and other drugs can happen for a range of reasons. Most commonly, users want to achieve a desired effect. This may be a way to escape the reality of their day-to-day life, or to fit in with a particular social situation — such as a festival, rave, or party. Here are some other key reasons for ice and poly drug use.
- Amplify. Ice users often seek to amplify the effects of ice and other drugs, including GHB. This can lead to a range of compounding, magnified effects.
- Nullify. Ice is famous for its difficult comedowns. Users will often seek to ameliorate the negative effects of withdrawal by combining the drug with prescription medications, alcohol, or marijuana.
- Intoxicate. People under the influence of ice are prone to making reckless decisions. Dabbling in poly drug use is a key example of behaviour that is void of inhibition.
- Escape. The euphoric feeling provided by ice is incredibly addictive. People looking to dampen stress and anxiety will often turn to these drugs to cope.
The reasons for combining ice and other drugs will vary from person to person. As such, treatment for ice addiction and other kinds of drug addiction should be applied on a case by case basis.
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What happens when you mix ice with other drugs?
The effects of reckless poly drug use are unpredictable. These will also vary from person to person, and may differ in degrees of magnitude.
Combining ice with stimulants
Stimulants, like cocaine and GHB, are a popular choice for ice users due to their wide availability. Stimulants work to increase activity in the central nervous system, leading to increased feelings of euphoria. Users combining ice and stimulants often record a range of effects, including:
- Substance-induced psychosis
- Cardiovascular issues
- Panic and anxiety attacks
- Serotonin Syndrome
[content_aside]Did you know? Serotonin Syndrome is the accumulation of high levels of serotonin in the body. This can lead to tremors, diarrhoea, muscle rigidity, fever, seizures and even death.[/content_aside]
Combining ice with depressants
Depressants, like cannabis and alcohol, can work in the opposite direction of stimulants. They slow the nervous system down, making them a popular choice for addressing methamphetamine comedown. Poly drug users of ice and depressants have noted a range of effects, including:
- Cardiovascular problems
- Increased psychosis and mental health issues
- Increased risk of overdose and death
Combining ice with medications
Legal, prescribed medications, like Ritalin, benzodiazepines, and opiates, fall into the categories of stimulants and depressants. These can have a range of adverse effects, including:
- Heart, lung, and other organ problems
- Anxiety and depression
- Paranoia and other mental health issues
How to get help with ice addiction and poly drug use
For many ice users, the appeal of poly drug use comes back to availability. If an addict has access to ice, its likely that they will be able to procure a range of other substances. This makes it incredibly easy to combine substances on a whim.
The only way to begin breaking the cycle of ice addiction and poly drug use is to remove oneself from the situation. The most effective way to do this is through residential inpatient treatment. Patients need a safe, secluded, and secure space to overcome their addiction without the temptation of any substances.
To get help with ice addiction and poly drug use, give The Hader Clinic a call. Our Free 60-Minute Consultation will help you come to understand what it will take to get clean. Following this, we can admit you to our inpatient facilities immediately to help you overcome withdrawals and proceed with treatment.
Why choose The Hader Clinic?
The Hader Clinic has been treating ice addiction and other kinds of drug addiction for decades. Not only do we facilitate medically supervised detox — but we also treat the root causes of the disease, including its physical, emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual effects.
