Dealing with multiple addictions can be a difficult challenge to overcome. The impacts of using multiple substances can be difficult to manage and overcome. However, with the right care and the right support, these individuals can not only overcome their addictions, they can grow and thrive in their life, free of addiction. Recovery is possible with the right help.
Understanding Multiple Addictions
What is polysubstance abuse? It is common practice for individuals using substances recreationally to combine different things to either enhance or alleviate the effects of one or the other. For example, those using stimulant drugs like cocaine or methamphetamines may turn to alcohol or other substances with sedative effects to alleviate, or ‘come down’, from the effects of the stimulant drugs. This can be a dangerous practice as the way the substances interact with one another can be unpredictable.
Furthermore, continuing this can lead to dependence on not only the main substance, but the substances used to manipulate the effects of the other. Multiple addictions can be extremely challenging to overcome, however with the help and guidance of professionals it is possible.
Common Types of Co-Occurring Addictions
There are several different ways that multiple addictions can manifest. Some of them are more dangerous than others, but all of them can result in devastating impacts on an individual’s health and wellness. Some common types of co-occurring addictions are:
- Alcohol and cocaine: cocaine is commonly used to reverse the sedative effects of alcohol, making for a dangerous combination
- Cocaine and heroin: this is known as speedballing and can increase the risk of fatal overdoses.
- Opioids and benzodiazepines: using things like heroin with Xanax can have fatal effects. They are both CNS depressants and combining these two can increase the risk of overdose.
The Risks of Polysubstance Abuse
Polysubstance abuse is dangerous. The way the substances interact with one another can be extremely unpredictable, increasing the risk of overdose or impacting the individual’s physical well-being. Dealing with multiple addictions can complicate the healing process, particularly without the right professional care. Withdrawal can be more intense when multiple substances are being used.
The effects of the substances can be dangerous. Especially, when they are taken together or in short proximity to one another. Polysubstance abuse increases the risk of both fatal and non-fatal overdose and often can lead to physical impacts on health and wellness. Cardiac issues can occur, resulting in high blood pressure or increased heart rate. The liver may be impacted, making filtering the toxins out more difficult and resulting in various problems in vital organs in the body.
How Rehab Can Help
Drug rehab can help those who are dealing with multiple addictions. It provides a safe and healing environment where they can begin a journey of recovery with professional care and support to help guide them through the beginning stages. Through group and individual counseling, the individual can begin exploring how their thought and behavior patterns influence their substance use.
Once identified, the individual can then learn the necessary tools and skills that can help them implement new and healthy coping skills to prevent relapse. Rehab provides a separation from the substances as well as support that is needed to begin building a foundation for recovery from multiple addictions.
Benefits of Rehab for Multiple Addictions
The benefits of getting help for multiple addictions are immense. It offers comprehensive care that can address the multi-faceted condition and help along the road to healing. Therapists and medical staff can create personalized treatment plans that cater to the individual’s specific needs. Rehab can also provide holistic care for those with multiple addictions.
Addiction affects the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of those who are struggling. Holistic care addresses the person as a whole, physically, emotionally, and mentally. Relapse prevention is a major component when it comes to recovering from multiple addictions. Having a relapse prevention plan in place can help set the person on a path to successful, long-term recovery.
The Importance of Personalized Treatment Plans
Healing is not a linear process. Everyone has a different path when it comes to recovering from addiction. Having a personalized treatment plan allows the individual seeking help to have peace of mind knowing that their care team focuses on their specific needs. Addiction treatment is not a cookie-cutter process. What works for one person may not work for the next person.
So, it is crucial to have a treatment plan that addresses each person’s specific wants and needs for recovery. This can include MAT, trauma therapy, or 12-step programs. Whatever the path, rehab can help someone overcome addiction to multiple substances.
Get Help Dealing with Multiple Addictions
Polysubstance abuse is something that affects many people daily. It can affect mental and physical health, as well as overall well-being. This can lead to an array of physical impacts, as well as impacts on social life and status.
Help is available for those who are dealing with multiple addictions. If you or a loved one are struggling with polysubstance abuse and addiction, we can help. At Extra Mile Recovery, we provide a healing environment where those under our care can begin overcoming their struggles.
Call us today and embark on your journey down the road to recovery.
