Dangers of mixing Cocaine and Alcohol

Why do people mix alcohol and cocaine together?

Many people mix cocaine and alcohol because they feel it enhances their overall experience. Cocaine’s stimulating effects bring a surge of energy and confidence, which can make social situations more exciting, while alcohol’s relaxing qualities help users feel more at ease in those same moments.

For some, alcohol can soften the jittery or anxious feelings that cocaine often brings, making it easier to continue socialising without becoming overwhelmed. This mix is also appealing to those who want to lessen the harsh comedown from cocaine, with alcohol offering a temporary cushion. Despite these perceived advantages, the risks of mixing these substances far outweigh the temporary benefits.

What is cocaethylene?

Cocaethylene is a psychoactive metabolite that forms when cocaine is consumed alongside alcohol. When these substances are mixed, the liver produces cocaethylene, which is chemically similar to cocaine but potentially more harmful, especially to the heart. With a longer half-life than cocaine, cocaethylene can extend and intensify the psychoactive effects experienced by users, leading to a longer-lasting high.

Like cocaine, cocaethylene increases dopamine levels in the brain by blocking its reuptake, and it may also impact serotonin reuptake.

What makes cocaethylene so dangerous?

Cocaethylene is significantly more harmful to health than cocaine alone, particularly to the cardiovascular system. Studies show that it is over ten times more cardiotoxic than cocaine alone, leading to a greater increase in heart rate and blood pressure.

Animal studies confirm that cocaethylene is both more potent and longer-lasting than cocaine, with some dogs suffering cardiovascular collapse when exposed to a combination of cocaine and alcohol.

As a stronger sodium channel blocker, cocaethylene slows down the heart’s electrical signals, increasing the risk of severe heart complications. While human studies are limited, the available research suggests cocaethylene’s cardiotoxic effects could be extremely dangerous.

Short-term and long-term effects of mixing cocaine and alcohol

The rise in cocaine use across the UK over the past decade has led to an increasing number of people mixing alcohol and cocaine, sometimes even regularly. With this growing trend comes an urgent need for education on the short- and long-term effects of combining these substances.

Short-term effects of mixing cocaine and alcohol

• Increased euphoria: The combination creates a heightened sense of pleasure, but this can also lead to risky behaviour and poor decision-making.
• Formation of cocaethylene: When alcohol and cocaine are consumed together, the liver produces cocaethylene, which can intensify the effects but also increases toxicity in the body, putting added strain on the heart and liver.
• Elevated heart rate and blood pressure: Cocaethylene raises heart rate and blood pressure even more than cocaine alone, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
• Impaired judgement and coordination: The mix often leads to poor decision-making, reckless behaviour and accidents due to loss of coordination.
• Aggressive behaviour: Users may become more irritable or aggressive, creating dangerous situations in social or personal environments.

Long-term effects of mixing cocaine and alcohol

• Liver and heart damage: Cocaethylene is particularly toxic to the liver and heart, leading to severe damage over time, with a higher risk of heart disease and liver failure.
• Increased risk of addiction: Regularly mixing alcohol and cocaine can lead to dependence on both substances, making it harder to break free from the cycle of addiction.
• Cognitive decline: Long-term use can result in significant memory loss, reduced ability to concentrate and cognitive impairment, making everyday tasks challenging.
• Mental health disorders: Users are at higher risk for anxiety, depression, paranoia and other psychological issues, as the combination of substances takes a toll on brain chemistry.
• Higher risk of overdose: Cocaethylene’s increased toxicity raises the chances of fatal overdose, especially with prolonged use or higher doses.

I’ve mixed alcohol and cocaine together- What should I do?

If you’ve mixed cocaine and alcohol, whether recently or in the past, it’s important to understand how this combination affects your body and know what steps to take if things go wrong. Educating yourself can make all the difference.

If a small amount of cocaine and alcohol was mixed

In this case, you may feel heightened effects like increased energy and lowered inhibitions but it’s important to know that even small amounts can strain your heart and nervous system. Stop drinking alcohol immediately, avoid taking any more cocaine and try to calm yourself in a safe space. Stay hydrated with water and avoid physical exertion, as this can increase your heart rate further.

If you feel unusually anxious, dizzy or experiencing chest pain, contact a healthcare professional or seek advice from urgent care.

If a large amount of cocaine and alcohol was mixed

Mixing large amounts of cocaine and alcohol is extremely dangerous. The body forms cocaethylene when these substances are combined, which can increase the toxic effects on the heart and liver. This may lead to a rapid or irregular heartbeat, extreme agitation, seizures or even heart failure.

If someone has mixed a lot of cocaine and alcohol or if they begin experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath or confusion, call emergency services immediately. Stay with them, keep them calm and avoid leaving them alone until medical help arrives.

I have been mixing cocaine and alcohol frequently- What should I do?

If you’ve found yourself frequently mixing cocaine and alcohol, it’s important to consider whether this behaviour might be a sign that it’s time to seek help. Both cocaine and alcohol can be highly addictive on their own, and combining them can lead to even more severe consequences, both physically and mentally.

It’s crucial to check in on yourself and assess whether you may need extra support to break this cycle. Below are six questions that could help you determine whether it’s time to reach out for help. While these are not official diagnoses, answering ‘yes’ to any of them might indicate that addiction to one or both substances is present:

• Do you find it difficult to have a night out without using cocaine and alcohol together?

• Have you tried to cut down on your cocaine or alcohol use but found it hard to stop or reduce?

• Do you feel the need to use more cocaine or drink more alcohol to get the same effect as before?

• Have you experienced negative consequences—such as legal, financial or relationship problems—due to mixing cocaine and alcohol?

• Do you feel cravings for cocaine or alcohol when you’re not using them, especially when thinking about social situations?
• Have you experienced withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety or irritability, when you don’t use cocaine or alcohol?

If these questions resonate with you, it could be an indicator that seeking professional help may benefit your health and well-being.

Where can I get help for cocaine and alcohol addiction?

Oasis Runcorn offers a comprehensive programme to help those struggling with cocaine and alcohol addiction. Our approach begins with an initial assessment to understand your needs, followed by a medically supervised detox to manage withdrawal symptoms safely. Our therapy programme includes one-on-one counselling, group therapy and holistic treatments like yoga and art therapy, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.

Oasis Runcorn provides aftercare support, ensuring long-term recovery by giving you the tools to stay sober and prevent relapse in the future.

If you or a loved one are struggling with an addiction to cocaine, alcohol or both, know that Oasis Runcorn is just a phone call away. Begin your journey to sobriety today.