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Knowing the Risks of Mixing Cocaine and Dextroamphetamine

mixing cocaine & dextroamphetamine

Cocaine and dextroamphetamine are both potent stimulant drugs that have significantly different medical and recreational uses, with some overlapping similarities that make them tricky to distinguish for the average person.

Cocaine is an illicit drug derived from the coca plant of South America and, according to metrics from Statista, is the second most popular illegal drug in the United States. Primarily affecting the central nervous system (CNS), cocaine produces a feeling of euphoria characterized by intense feelings of pleasure, energy, and confidence. On the other hand, dextroamphetamine is a prescription treatment commonly used for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. This medication helps improve focus, reduce impulsivity, and increase attention. Despite their legal differences, these substances share major similarities in their effects, and as such, pose unique risks.

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How Are Dextroamphetamine and Cocaine Similar? 

Both dextroamphetamine and cocaine affect the CNS and can produce feelings of increased alertness and euphoria. But how exactly do they work?

Both substances increase dopamine levels in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter that acts as the backbone of the body’s reward system. When dopamine is released, the body feels fantastic, and the brain begins associating the trigger responsible for its release (in this case, one of these stimulants) with the accompanying euphoria. 

According to research from the National Library of Medicine’s database, cocaine blocks the reabsorption of dopamine, allowing the neurotransmitter to remain outside the brain cells, leaving more of it available. By contrast, dextroamphetamine stimulates the release of neurotransmitters, leading to a surplus of dopamine. This means the high associated with these drugs are extremely potent and can cause long-lasting changes in the body. 

With all that extra dopamine floating around between synapses, both drugs increase focus and energy for the user. In the case of patients with ADHD, this effect helps them regain control over their executive functions, helping to improve their lives. However, when taken without a prescription or outside of doctor’s orders, these stimulants can be incredibly addictive. 

Long-term continued use can lead to a dependence on these drugs, owing to the permanent rewiring of the brain’s reward system: the body seeks out ways to obtain more dopamine, prioritizing the drug over every other aspect of an individual’s life. Both cocaine and dextroamphetamine also present side effects like increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, suppressed appetite, trouble sleeping, and cardiovascular damage.

How Are Cocaine and Dextroamphetamine Different?

Despite their overlapping commonalities, cocaine and dextroamphetamines differ in their intended usage, duration, method of consumption, and overall impact on the body. While papers found on PubMed show the former was a popular medication used in tonics and to anesthetize the cornea of the eye in the past, it’s no longer commonly prescribed due to its deeply addictive nature and associated health risks. The latter, on the other hand, is still commonly used in modern treatments and is legal as it’s considered safe and effective when used under medical supervision.

The duration of the euphoric effects associated with these stimulants varies. Cocaine is a short-lived drug, meaning the heightened sensations typically last between 15 and 30 minutes, which often contributes to frequent use to maintain the high, leading to an increased risk for addiction. Dextroamphetamine can last several hours depending on the format (for example: extended-release tablets), however, the effects are not as strong as with cocaine.

When it comes to the method of use, cocaine is most commonly snorted up the nose, delivering a powerful dose directly to the bloodstream via the brain and nasal tissues, which leads to a rapid onset of effects, increasing the risk for overdose. Users have also reported smoking or injecting this stimulant as an administration route. Dextroamphetamine is taken orally as a pill, tablet, capsule, or in liquid form, and is intended for controlled release into the bloodstream via the digestive system. Having to pass through the stomach and other organs means effects take longer to present.

Finally, another key difference between these two is their unwanted side effects. Regular users of cocaine may experience paranoia, hallucinations, and severe mood swings, whereas individuals who take dextroamphetamine, especially those using it illegally, report increased anxiety, restlessness, and even psychosis. Prolonged, long-term use of these drugs also poses risks. For example, since cocaine is a powder that’s generally snorted, damage to nasal tissues is common alongside heart failure and stroke. 

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Can You Overdose from Mixing Adderall and Cocaine?

While dextroamphetamine is a single-ingredient medication, it’s also a component of Adderall, another popular stimulant used to treat ADHD that is commonly misused. Adderall is a combination of amphetamine salts. Both of these drugs are to be used strictly as prescribed and under medical supervision, however, there has been a surge over the last few decades in recreational abuse of these substances. Paying close attention to the signs of dextroamphetamine addiction is crucial to prevent extreme consequences, like death. Mixing these substances with cocaine can have disastrously fatal effects, such as the following:

  • Overdose Risk: Symptoms of overdose when combining these substances, through mixing the street drug with Adderall, significantly increase the risk of overdose. Symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe agitation, confusion, and loss of consciousness. To increase the likelihood of survival, immediate medical attention is paramount.
  • Cardiovascular Damage: The rise in alertness and energy associated with these drugs are compounded when used together. This reaction requires more oxygen throughout the body to keep up with demand, putting excess straight on the heart, blood vessels, and other parts of the cardiovascular system. This can lead to high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, and even cardiac arrest or stroke.
  • Neurological Conditions: With increased levels of dopamine, these drugs can lead to severe brain issues, including paranoia, aggression, or even seizures. The longer the brain struggles to manage the overload of this particular neurotransmitter, the risk for these effects increases dramatically.
cocaine and dextroamphetamine

What Happens to Your Body When You Combine Dextroamphetamine and Cocaine? 

Compounding the stimulant effects of dextroamphetamine and cocaine creates a dangerous partnership between these substances that can cause acute and even permanent damage to the body and brain, such as:

  • Increased Addictiveness: Since cocaine abuse symptoms can appear as early as one day after the last use these habits can be particularly hard to break, as the addiction cycle is quite strong and often motivated by the relief of these painful side effects. Combining these substances can increase the addictive nature and make quitting even harder.
  • Excessive Dopamine: The blockage of dopamine reuptake can lead to dopamine toxicity, resulting in heightened euphoria followed by severe crashes and depression. Chronic use can impair the brain’s ability to regulate mood and reward.
  • Organ Damage: Prolonged use of these substances together can harm vital organs such as the liver and kidneys, as the body struggles to metabolize the toxins efficiently.

Break Free from Cocaine and Dextroamphetamine Treatment at Resurgence Behavioral Health

Understanding the risks associated with cocaine and dextroamphetamine—whether used independently or together—is crucial for making informed decisions about their use. While both substances can significantly impact the brain and body, their combined use poses severe and often life-threatening risks. While cocaine is known to be highly addictive, the same can be true of dextroamphetamine, which makes both stimulants key components to the addiction cycle. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction to dextroamphetamine, cocaine, or both, seeking professional help is essential.

At Resurgence Behavioral Health, we specialize in comprehensive addiction treatment tailored to each individual’s needs. Our California-based addiction treatment facilities provide a safe and supportive environment for recovery. With services ranging from medical detox to aftercare, we are committed to helping you regain control of your life. Call us today at 855-458-0050 to learn more about how we can help you or your loved one on the journey to recovery.

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David Rofofsky
David Rofofsky
After growing up in New York, David chose to get help with substance abuse in California because of the state's reputation for top-tier treatment. There, he found the treatment he needed to achieve more than nine years of recovery. He's been in the drug and alcohol addiction rehab industry for eight years and now serves as the Director of Admissions for Resurgence Behavioral Health. David remains passionate about the field because he understands how hard it is to pick up the phone and ask for help. However, once the call is made, someone's life can be saved.


Research | Editorial

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