What Is Polysubstance Abuse?

Consuming any drug over the prescribed amount presents risks, but using multiple substances simultaneously or within a short timeframe exacerbates the risk even further due to the unpredictable ways different drugs interact in the body. Taking multiple drugs around the same timeframe is known as polysubstance abuse, but exactly what is polysubstance abuse and how does it elevate the risks? When multiple substances are combined, they can amplify each other’s effects in ways many users find difficult to anticipate, potentially leading to severe respiratory depression, cardiac problems, or organ failure.
An example of polysubstance abuse would be mixing cocaine and heroin, known as speedballing. Mixing these substances can dramatically increase the risk of overdose, as each substance compounds the others’ effects as a stimulant and a depressant, which sends mixed signals to the brain, causing potentially deadly effects. The risks of polydrug use are further elevated by various individual factors like tolerance, existing health conditions, and the intensity of the substances involved. Users may not realize that some drugs remain active in their system long after the obvious effects wear off, making it dangerous to ingest additional substances hours or even days later. The best way to avoid polysubstance is to avoid mixing substances altogether and to always inform healthcare providers about any substances recently used when seeking medical attention.
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What Is the Meaning of Polysubstance?
Polysubstance use refers to a pattern of using multiple psychoactive substances, either simultaneously or within a short period. This can include any combination of legal substances and illegal drugs.
There are different types of polysubstance use:
- Intentional mixing: When someone deliberately combines substances to achieve specific effects or to enhance the effects of one drug with another.
- Unintentional mixing: When someone takes drugs that have been mixed or cut with other substances like fentanyl without their knowledge.
- Sequential use: Using different substances like taking sudafed and alcohol over hours or days, when one drug may still be active in the system while another is introduced.
People may engage in polysubstance use for various reasons, such as:
- To intensify or prolong a high
- To counteract the negative effects of one substance with another like using stimulants to offset alcohol’s depressant effects.
- To manage withdrawal symptoms
- Due to multiple addictions or dependencies
Polysubstance use disorder is the clinical term for diagnosing a patient who compulsively uses multiple substances in a way that causes significant impairment or distress in their life. This condition requires specialized treatment that addresses all substances being used, as well as any underlying mental health conditions.
Is Polysubstance Abuse a Diagnosis?
Yes, polysubstance use disorder is the clinical term for diagnosing a patient who compulsively uses multiple substances in a way that causes significant impairment or distress in their life. This condition requires specialized treatment that addresses all substances being used, as well as any underlying mental health conditions. However, the diagnosis criteria have evolved over time. Healthcare specialists will now diagnose patients with multiple substance abuse issues as having a substance use disorder and specify the substances of addiction rather than using a general polysubstance use disorder diagnosis.
For a patient to receive these diagnoses, they must meet specific criteria including:
- Using substances in larger amounts or for longer than intended
- Unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control use
- Spending significant time obtaining, using, or recovering from substances
- Experiencing cravings
- Failing to fulfill major obligations due to substance use
- Continuing use despite social or interpersonal problems
- Giving up important activities because of substance use
- Using in physically hazardous situations
- Continuing use despite physical or psychological problems
- Developing tolerance
- Experiencing withdrawal
What Is the Difference Between Substance Abuse and Polysubstance Abuse?
Substance abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of a single psychoactive substance, such as alcohol, cocaine, or opioids. When someone struggles with substance abuse, they will often use one primary substance in ways that lead to significant impairment or distress in their daily life. This can include failed attempts to control use and the development of tolerance and withdrawal symptoms.
On the other hand, polysubstance abuse involves the misuse of multiple different substances, either simultaneously or within a short period. This pattern of abuse is typically more complex and dangerous than single substance abuse, as it involves managing the interactions between different substances like how the body reacts to methadone and Xanax and their combined effects on the body and mind.
How Do You Treat Polysubstance Abuse?
Professional addiction treatment in a caring and supportive facility is the most effective treatment for polysubstance abuse. After a medical evaluation of the patient’s mental and physical health, it typically begins with a comprehensive medical detox process under close professional supervision. This is crucial because withdrawing from multiple substances simultaneously can be extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Treatment specialists can carefully manage the withdrawal timeline for each substance, as different drugs leave the system at different rates and may require specific medications to manage withdrawal symptoms safely. After detox, patients usually benefit from a combination of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). MAT may involve medications like buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone, depending on the specific substances involved, while simultaneously treating any co-occurring mental health conditions during CBT.
The treatment plan should also address underlying trauma, mental health issues, or environmental factors that may have contributed to the substance use. Patients who attend support groups and ongoing aftercare programs have a better chance of maintaining long-term sobriety. These programs help patients build a strong support network, develop life skills, and create a structured environment that supports their recovery journey.
Learn What Is Polysubstance Abuse and Overcome Addiction at Resurgence Behavioral Health
Knowing what is polysubstance abuse and its dangers can help people realize the risks of their substance use and seek help immediately. To enhance the chances of addiction recovery, the most successful treatment outcomes often occur when patients commit to a full continuum of care, starting with intensive inpatient treatment and gradually transitioning to less intensive levels of support like outpatient services as they progress in their recovery. The key is finding a professional treatment center with supportive staff and evidence-based treatment programs to help each patient.
At Resurgence Behavioral Health, we offer patients a full continuum level of care so they have access to professional support throughout the recovery process. Our scientifically-backed treatment programs help patients learn to manage the mental and physical aspects of addiction. We can treat patients suffering from multiple drug addictions and mental health issues at the same time. Please reach out to us at 855-458-0050 today to discover more about how our addiction treatment facility can best serve your recovery needs.
External Sources
- Cleveland Clinic: Polysubstance Use Disorder
- CDC: Polysubstance Use Facts
- National Library of Medicine: Patterns and motivations of polysubstance use: a rapid review of the qualitative evidence
Addiction Treatment that
Just Works
Individualized treatment programs delivered in a comfortable, relaxed setting promote healing in your recovery journey.