Many individuals struggle with addiction because they cannot properly address a separate issue from the primary one. Sometimes a dual diagnosis treatment is needed to treat a co-occurring mental health issue and get the proper treatment. At other times, the complication with addressing an addiction problem arises because multiple addictions are co-occurring. When an individual is addicted to consuming a range of substances to achieve intoxication, it’s called polysubstance abuse. This type of abuse is harder to recognize and diagnose because the effects of one drug can mask the effects of other drugs. There are also multiple overlapping symptoms seen with polysubstance abuse.
If you wonder whether you or a loved one is suffering from polysubstance abuse, our team can help. Contact Baltimore Detox Center today by calling [Direct] or completing our online form for more information. Our substance abuse treatment programs are an excellent way to begin your recovery.
What Is Polysubstance Abuse?
Polysubstance abuse is regularly abusing multiple drugs. Although polysubstance abuse often refers to the abuse of multiple illicit drugs, it can include prescription medications and alcohol abuse. In some cases, the abuse begins with mixing prescriptions haphazardly or with drinking. Individuals should always inform doctors of all medicines and confirm that mixing medications won’t cause adverse reactions. The most common reason for a patient to be admitted into a drug rehab center for polysubstance abuse is intentionally abusing multiple drugs to increase their effects.
The most commonly seen drugs of abuse in polysubstance abuse disorder are:
Specific drug combos accomplish specific ends, depending on the user’s physiology and preferences. Alcohol is commonly mixed with stimulants, sleeping pills, marijuana, or opioids. Opioids are most commonly taken with benzodiazepines. Cocaine and heroin, known as a “speedball,” is particularly dangerous. Mixing a depressant with a stimulant can have hazardous consequences on the body, increasing the risk of seizures, organ failure, and death.
Recognizing The Signs of Polysubstance Abuse
One aspect distinguishing polysubstance abuse from other drug abuse disorders is that the cases are highly individualized. Often, the disorders of polyabuse patients within a typical rehab setting won’t resemble one another. There typically aren’t “drugs of choice,” but instead, the addict is indiscriminate in their choice of drugs.
Polysubstance abuse symptoms often seen are:
- Obvious withdrawal symptoms when access to drugs is lost
- Repeatedly using more drugs than planned
- Losing large amounts of time and money
- Self-destructive behavior
- A social life revolving around intoxication
- Obsession with finding and using drugs
Some Tips for Staying Sober While Battling Multiple Addictions
The first step in sobriety is acknowledging your polysubstance abuse and seeking help. With this level of addiction, there is a greater risk incurred in not receiving timely treatment. There are several tips to remember that can help you maintain sobriety through rehab and beyond. Some tips for staying sober are:
- Familiarize yourself with coping skills learned in addiction therapy.
- Choose friends that respect your sobriety and recovery goals.
- Spend your time with people who won’t have a negative influence.
- Seek outlets and form new rituals that can ground you in the renewed version of yourself going forward.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Often people initially begin engaging in substance abuse to feel better. Most people will realize after completing their recovery that the key to feeling better is a healthy lifestyle. You will likely build your recovery upon the foundation of health: balanced nutrition, quality sleep, stress management, and exercise.
Find Treatment for Polysubstance Abuse Today at Baltimore Detox Center
Inpatient detox is the best course of action for a polysubstance addiction because it is generally more challenging to treat. An adequate inpatient treatment program for polysubstance abuse offers the sustained and consistent care treating polysubstance abuse requires. A comprehensive treatment plan, free from distractions, is necessary for success. Please call Baltimore Detox today at [Direct] or complete our online form for more information about the recovery plan right for you.
