Drug Synergism
What is "drug synergism" ?
An interaction between two or more drugs that causes the total effect of the drugs to be greater than the sum of the individual effects of each drug. A synergistic effect can be beneficial or harmful.
"Four Loko" is an example of drug synergism. Explain why and explain the effects.
Caffeine + Alcohol (an upper and a downer)
Caffeine masks the intoxicating effects of alcohol, making the person feel less intoxicated than they actually are (this could lead to drinking more or to a person deciding to drive for example because they feel alert).
BAC stays the same despite caffeine's effect on the body.
Shrooms + Cannabis
May trigger more abstract or thought-provoking visuals and sensations.
May prolong the visuals and effects of mushrooms.
May provoke paranoia and anxiety.
May be taken to help "chill out" during a shroom comedown or to make the effects of shrooms last longer.
Candy Flip?
Acid + MDMA
Explaining poly drug use is hard! What is 1 phrase that you can ALWAYS say with confidence when talking about ANY AOD mix?
"Mixing ____ and ____ can cause unpredictable effects."
Getting "cross faded" is pretty common. What are the effects of mixing weed and alcohol?
First thing - not everyone responds to alcohol and marijuana in the same way!
- decreased motor control
- decreased mental concentration
- impaired ability to drive!
- marijuana suppresses the gag reflex, a person may not be able to throw up alcohol when they need to.
- nausea, spins
Upper + Upper?
- Amplified effects and side effects
- Could
- Increased heart rate, blood pressure, body heat, etc.
- Dehydration
- Increased risk for anxiety, paranoia, cardiovascular strain/stress - chest pain, etc.
- Increased risk for drug-induced psychosis (paranoid delusions, loss of touch with reality, trouble differentiating between what is real and what isn't)
Spliff?
Tobacco + Cannabis
True or False - a majority of UCSC AOD related deaths involve mixing.
True.
Explain the effects of mixing two downers (Ex: Xanax and Alcohol)
-Respiratory depression
-Intensifies effects of alcohol
-Slowed heart rate
-Heightened anxiety reduction
-Lightheadedness
-Excessive sedation and lethargy
-Decreased motor control
-Higher risk for blackout and overdose
Upper + Downer ?
- Cardiovascular strain/stress
- Stimulant masks depressant effects and vice versa - could lead to excessive use
- Myth that they "cancel each other out" or sober you up
- Stimulant properties may give someone the false confidence to drive for example
- Increased risk for dysrhythmias
- May be taken to enhance the positive side effects of each substance or to mitigate the negative ones.
- Remember - mixing can be unpredictable
Blunt ???
Cannabis in a cigar wrapper or tobacco paper
What are some common reason people mix substances?
For a new experience.
To amplify the high.
To "cancel" two substances out.
To help with a come down.
To make effects last longer.
To have a more intense experience.
Cocaine + Alcohol is a pretty common mix. What things should someone consider if they are going to mix coke and alcohol?
- These two substances do NOT "cancel each other out"
- Combining cocaine + alcohol produces a 3rd unique substance called cocaethylene (increases the already harmful risk of cardiovascular toxicity - pressure and stress on the heart, can increase and prolong euphoria, slower removal from the body compared to cocaine)
-cocaethylene has been associated with seizures, liver damage.
Coke + Molly + Alcohol
? :O !
Let's start with what we know!
We can simply acknowledge that this is a lot for the body to handle/process at once.
Coke and Molly have stimulant properties (body heat, heart rate, etc) + Alcohol is a depressant = strain/stress
Stimulants are generally dehydrating + alcohol makes you pee! (stay hydrated + take breaks)
Judgement can become impaired (think hyper alertness of stimulant + "near sightedness" and inhibition of alcohol)
The day after? Comedown from coke+ Molly can be exhausting! Serotonin is depleted, plus a hangover.
Drugs prescribed by a doctor or picked up over the counter (such as sleeping pills, antihistamines, antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and painkillers) also interact with alcohol. What effects might Rx drugs and alcohol have on the body?
Alcohol may effect the liver's ability to metabolize the medication - decreasing the medication's effectiveness.
Effects of alcohol can be multiplied (1 beer feels like 2)
Increased risk for liver damage with some medications + alcohol.
"Always check in with your psychiatrist/doctor first!"
MDMA + Alcohol. What might happen as a result?
-pulling your body in opposite directions.
MDMA and alcohol are both dehydrating! Risk of overheating. (Did you know? The most common cause of MDMA-related medical emergencies and death is heatstroke).Alcohol is a diuretic and MDMA causes urinary retention (kidney or bladder damage)
Risk for cardiac arrhythmia.
Popular rap song, "Mask Off" references the combination of Molly and Percocet. What is Percocet and what might this combination cause in the body?
Percocet is a brand name for Oxycodone - an opioid.
Upper + Downer combination effects.
May be taken to help ease off the comedown of Molly.