Dangers of Mixing Heroin and Meth

Unfortunately, both heroin and meth are incredibly addictive and dangerous when taken separately, making the dangers of mixing them far greater.

It’s not uncommon for people who have substance use disorder to take multiple substances simultaneously. Many people who enter drug treatment programs have polysubstance addictions. There are different reasons for this. Some people purposely enjoy combining multiple drugs to enhance their effects. Others may have become addicted to each drug separately. Multiple drugs may also be taken as a way to counteract the effects of each. For example, people taking drugs may combine an upper with a downer in order to avoid falling asleep, or alternatively as a way to help them fall asleep after using a stimulant drug.

Two drugs commonly misused together are meth and heroin. Unfortunately, both of these drugs are incredibly addictive and dangerous when taken separately, making the dangers of mixing heroin and meth together far greater. Both meth and heroin are classified as being highly addictive, with a range of severe mental and physical side effects. A person combining meth and heroin may experience a powerful high, but they’re at risk for short-term consequences and long-term health effects.

An Overview of Meth

Methamphetamine is also called crystal meth or just meth. It’s a synthetically manufactured drug that people can snort, smoke or inject. Meth is classified as a stimulant. When someone intakes meth, it creates a feeling of extreme euphoria, a sense of well-being and a false sense of happiness. Meth can also cause users to feel extremely energetic, talkative and social, and it decreases the appetite of the user. Compared to a lot of other drugs, the effects of meth are relatively long-lasting. The high can last for six to eight hours, and as long as 24 hours. Meth is a drug that’s popular among people into all-night party scenes. The use of meth allows people to stay up for hours, or even days at a time.

Unfortunately, despite the intense high that people may chase by taking meth, it’s one of the most dangerous and deadly drugs. Meth is made with toxic chemicals, and it begins to destroy the organs and systems within the body of the person misusing the drug. Chemicals used to make meth can include drain cleaner, antifreeze, and battery acid. It is also extremely addictive. Some users report being addicted to meth after trying it only one time.

What Is Heroin?

Heroin is an opioid, and like other drugs in this class, it is a depressant. When heroin is first taken it causes the user to feel a short-lived but powerful sense of euphoria. That high lasts for only a few minutes in most cases. Following the euphoria, a heroin user will start to feel drowsy. This is why it’s not uncommon to see people nodding off after the use of heroin. Heroin users may also appear as if their arms and legs are “heavy,” and they may have problems with coordination.

Heroin and other opioids have a powerful impact on the brain. When someone takes heroin, it binds to opioid receptors in the brain and central nervous system. The action of heroin triggers a flood of certain chemicals into the brain, which is responsible for the high but also for triggering the compulsive nature of addiction. Heroin stimulates the brain’s reward center, which is a key component in addiction.

The Dangers of Mixing Heroin and Meth

While both cause a high, heroin and meth have opposite effects from one another. Meth is a stimulant with long-lasting effects. Heroin is a depressant that slows the activity of the central nervous system, including breathing. A heroin high doesn’t last long, often only a few minutes. It’s not uncommon for people to find the combining depressants and stimulants appealing. The slang name for combining a depressant with a stimulant is called a “speedball.”

Despite the allure of an intense high, the dangers of mixing heroin and meth are significant. When meth and heroin are combined, it’s difficult to determine when too much of either has been taken. This lack of awareness can increase the chances of a fatal overdose. The stimulant masks the effects of the depressant. As a result, the user’s breathing may become slow, but they’re unable to notice until it’s too late. Since the effects of meth outlast heroin, a person’s heart rate may also rapidly change pace. Their heart rate can go from very slow and depressed and then speed up very quickly. A rapid change in heart rate and respiration rate can cause arrhythmias, heart failure or stroke.

When someone simultaneously abuses two highly addictive substances like meth and heroin, treating their drug use is even more complex. A treatment plan for someone who’s abusing heroin and meth has to take into account each drug separately, and also the combined effects of the two. There are also differences in withdrawal symptoms with meth compared to heroin, so this has to be addressed in the early stages of detox and treatment. Regardless of the challenges of treating polydrug use, it’s important that help is sought as soon as possible. Both meth and heroin are not only dangerous in the short-term but can cause severe cognitive, physical and psychological effects with long-term use.

The Recovery Village offers treatment options for people who engage in drug mixing, and tailored, individualized programs that can help improve the chances for a successful recovery. If you’re suffering from a substance use disorder, or you have a loved one who is, please contact our team to learn about the options available.