Drug abuse can pose a serious risk to health, a person who starts mixing drugs may end up with even more health problems. Taking two or more drugs together inadvertently or accidentally typically leads to an increased feeling of drowsiness and relaxation, but can have adverse consequences in the long run, especially if the mixed drugs are depressants, such as Valium, heroine, and alcohol.

The following are some of the risks of mixing depressants and other drugs.

Impaired functionality

Substances such as Valium or heroine taken together with alcohol can break down the central nervous system (1) to an extent that it shuts down the body completely. The compromise of the central nervous system prevents oxygen from reaching the brain, resulting in dizziness, seizures, permanent brain damage, loss of sight, and unconsciousness.

Death

Combining depressants can be a fatal undertaking. Due to their chemical composition, depressants can impair breathing to a rate that causes heart failure. In some cases, individuals may fall into coma and face death.

Social problems

Higher intake of mixed drugs such as depressants often leads to poor decision making, which can result in spousal divorce, social anxiety issues, losing custody of children, anti-social personality and joblessness.

The elderly are at high risk for harmful drug and alcohol interactions. Aging slows down the ability of the human body to break down alcohol, so the substance stays in a person’s body longer. Older people are also more likely to consume medications that interact with alcohol. In reality, they often need to take more than one medication.

Treatment options…

If you or your loved one are struggling the result of the consequences of drug mixture, and are unable to stop abusing substances or undo the damage on your own, then treatment is the only way to recover. Some of the treatment options include:

Medical detox 

Inpatient treatment that includes medical detox (2) will address withdrawal symptoms to help treat underlying issues of depression, trauma, and other mental symptoms following drug abuse. These conditions may also be treated via psychotherapeutic treatment options. If urgent medical issues are detected during initial assessment, the person undergoing the detox program will be referred to a physician who will oversee the other part of the patient’s care. Part of the detox plan will also include a detailed treatment roadmap that identifies goals, details, and problems about how to help the patient reach optimal recovery.

Rehabilitation

How to find the help you need with alcohol rehabilitation is an important and early search that patients should start as soon as possible. Admittance in rehab centers help individuals recover under experienced eyes. Rehab centers offer various courses that enable individuals to cope with emotional triggers that lead them to abuse of depressants. Group sessions, CBT, and detoxification are only some of the help rehab centers can provide individuals. Trained professionals at rehab centers also offer support when it comes to treating co-occurring mental illness. Treating underlying mental illness along with substance abuse enables better case and prevents future drug abuse.

Sober Living Homes

Once a patient leaves rehab, aftercare (3) plays a significant role in avoiding in preventing drug and alcohol abuse in the future. Sober living homes provide individuals with the environment they need to cement what they learn during recovery. Health focused services, intensive psychotherapy, and life skills development lay the foundations for a continuing a clear-headed lifestyle.