Cocaine and Alcohol: Why This Combination Is So Dangerous

Cocaine and alcohol are commonly used recreationally together, with some studies showing that about 74% of cocaine users use alcohol at the same time. This combination can be dangerous, and even deadly. If you use cocaine and alcohol together, it’s important to understand the dangers, and what treatment is available.

Why Do People Use Cocaine and Alcohol Together?

People often believe that using cocaine and alcohol together enhances the pleasurable effects of each substance or that it balances out the effects of each. Some use alcohol to reduce the anxiety that sometimes comes with cocaine use. However, the effects of using both at the same time are unpredictable, and sometimes fatal.

Dangers of Using Cocaine and Alcohol Together

One of the risks of concurrent cocaine and alcohol use is overdose, due to each drug somewhat masking the effects of the other, which leads to taking more of both.

Studies also show that the combination of cocaine and alcohol increases the risk of sudden death from a heart attack or stroke. These risks come from a substance called cocaethylene.

Cocaethylene is a toxic chemical compound that forms in the body when cocaine and alcohol are used together. Instead of breaking down cocaine normally, the liver combines it with alcohol and creates cocaethylene, which has dangerous effects.

How it affects the body and brain:

• Stronger, longer-lasting stimulant effects: Cocaethylene can intensify and prolong feelings of euphoria, alertness, and confidence compared to cocaine alone, which may encourage people to keep using without realizing how much stress they are putting on their body.
• Increased heart strain: It significantly raises the risk of cardiovascular problems, including heart attack, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, and stroke. Cocaethylene is more toxic to the heart than cocaine by itself.
• Liver toxicity: Cocaethylene is harder for the liver to process, which can lead to increased liver damage over time.
• Mental and emotional effects: It can worsen anxiety, agitation, paranoia, and impulsive behavior, and may increase the risk of aggressive or violent actions.
• Longer presence in the body: Cocaethylene stays in the bloodstream longer than cocaine, extending both the stimulant effects and the physical stress on the body’s organs.

Overall, the combination of cocaine and alcohol is more dangerous than using either substance alone because of cocaethylene’s toxicity.

Alcohol and Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms

When someone stops using cocaine and alcohol together, withdrawal can involve a combination of symptoms from both cocaine and alcohol, which can make withdrawal more intense. The severity depends on how heavily and how long the person was using.

Common withdrawal symptoms include:

Mental and Emotional Symptoms

• Strong cravings for cocaine and/or alcohol
• Depression
• Anxiety, restlessness, or irritability
• Fatigue and lack of motivation
• Difficulty concentrating or “brain fog”
• Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or vivid dreams

Physical Symptoms

• Headaches and body aches
• Tremors or shakiness
• Sweating or chills
• Nausea
• Changes in appetite
• Increased heart rate or blood pressure

Cocaine-Specific Symptoms

• Extreme tiredness or sleeping for long periods
• Slowed thinking and movement
• Intense hunger
• Strong emotional swings

Alcohol-Specific Withdrawal Symptoms

• Severe anxiety or agitation
• Confusion or disorientation
• Seizures
• Hallucinations or delirium tremens (DTs), which is a medical emergency

Because alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening, especially for heavy or long-term drinkers, an inpatient medically supervised detox is recommended.

Detox for Alcohol and Cocaine Addiction

In a medically supervised detox, your vital signs, heart function, and withdrawal symptoms will be closely monitored. Medications such as benzodiazepines and vitamins like thiamine may be used to reduce the risks and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. The goal is to keep you as safe and comfortable as possible. Withdrawal may last for up to two weeks, although most symptoms and risks are reduced by about the seven-day mark.

Alcohol and Cocaine Addiction Treatment

Detox alone is not enough to ensure sobriety. More extensive treatment that includes intensive therapy is usually necessary. Therapy addresses any underlying issues that contributed to your addictions.

Several treatment options are available.

Inpatient Treatment

A 30 to 90 day inpatient treatment program includes a period of detox, but also includes intensive therapy, both individually and in groups. You may also be treated for any co-occurring disorders that you may have, such as anxiety and depression. Medication may be part of the treatment.

Most of your time will generally be spent in group therapy. Group therapy is critical to the treatment process, giving you the opportunity to share emotions, experiences, and challenges with peers. You’ll likely form mutually supportive relationships with some of these peers which may last beyond treatment.

The type of therapy most commonly used in addiction treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT teaches you to recognize your own irrational thoughts and negative emotions and to challenge them using more reality based, positive thinking. It also teaches healthy coping skills to face life’s challenges without alcohol and cocaine.

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs)

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) allows you to live at home while attending treatment for four to six hours per day, usually five days a week. The program may last anywhere from four weeks to ten weeks. The treatment consists of therapy similar to that of inpatient treatment, both in groups and individually.

Often, a PHP program is a transitional step that occurs after inpatient treatment, although it can be an alternative to inpatient treatment.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)

An intensive outpatient program (IOP) consists of two to three hours of therapy several days a week for eight to twelve weeks. Often, sessions are held in the evenings so that you can still go to work or attend school.

IOPs can be standalone treatments, or they can be attended after inpatient treatment, PHPs, or both.

Comprehensive Treatment

The most effective treatment, particularly for severe addictions, is a comprehensive treatment program that consists of an inpatient program, a PHP, and an IOP. Research shows that success rates increase the longer the treatment program. Even after IOP, support should continue through support groups, individual therapy, or both. Recovery from addiction is a lifelong process that requires dedication and a strong support network.

In Closing

It cannot be stressed enough how dangerous it is to combine alcohol and cocaine. It can cause serious long-term health issues and even be deadly. If you are struggling with cocaine and alcohol addiction, Bridges of Hope is here to help with several treatment options. We are committed to providing individualized, compassionate care so that you can begin a successful recovery journey. Give us a call today to learn more.