Polysubstance Abuse Treatment

What Is Polysubstance Use?

Polysubstance use means using more than one drug or substance at the same time or within a short period of each other. This can include alcohol, prescription medications, or illicit drugs. In simple terms, it’s mixing substances—whether on purpose or by accident. Sometimes people intentionally combine substances to enhance or change the effects—for example, drinking alcohol while using a stimulant to “take the edge off.” Other times, mixing happens unintentionally. This can occur when someone takes prescription medication without realizing it interacts dangerously with alcohol or another drug.

Common combinations

Certain substance pairings are especially common and risky, including:

Alcohol and benzodiazepines (like Xanax or Valium), which both slow down the body and can increase the risk of overdose.
Opioids and stimulants (sometimes called “speedballing”), which strain the body by pulling it in opposite directions.
Alcohol and opioids, which together can dangerously slow breathing and heart rate.

Risks and Dependence

Using multiple substances increases the chance of harmful interactions, accidents, and overdose. Over time, polysubstance use can also make dependence stronger or worsen an existing substance use disorder. This makes recovery more complex, but with the right support and treatment, healing is possible.

Risks and Realities of Polysubstance Abuse

Polysubstance abuse carries serious risks because combining drugs or alcohol can lead to unpredictable and often dangerous effects. The body may react in unexpected ways when substances interact, increasing the chance of overdose. For example, mixing depressants like alcohol and opioids can slow breathing to life-threatening levels, while combining stimulants and depressants can put intense strain on the heart and nervous system.

Compounding effects of tolerance and withdrawal

With polysubstance dependence, the challenges don’t just add up—they multiply. As tolerance builds across different substances, people may use more to chase the same effects, which raises the risk of overdose even further. Withdrawal becomes more complicated as well, since stopping multiple substances can trigger overlapping symptoms that are both physically and emotionally overwhelming.

Polysubstance abuse also worsens health issues over time. The stress of processing multiple substances can damage vital organs, while mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or psychosis often become more severe. Together, these effects create a cycle that makes recovery more difficult but also more urgent.

How We Approach Polysubstance Abuse Treatment

At Ashley, our approach to polysubstance abuse treatment begins with a strong clinical foundation. Patients have access to medical care that addresses withdrawal management and ongoing health concerns, behavioral therapies that help uncover the root causes of use, and trauma-informed support that ensures care is compassionate, safe, and respectful.

Because every person’s experience with polysubstance abuse involves a unique mix of substances, behaviors, and underlying challenges, we build personalized treatment plans for each individual. This tailored approach allows us to meet people where they are and provide the right balance of medical, psychological, and emotional support.

Support Across Locations

Treatment and recovery support are available through all of our program

Main Campus – comprehensive inpatient care with 24/7 medical and therapeutic support.
Bel Air Outpatient – flexible outpatient programs for those balancing recovery with daily life.
The Clubhouse – a safe, welcoming space for young people and their families to connect and find ongoing support.

No matter the setting, our mission is to provide compassionate, effective polysubstance abuse treatment that empowers lasting recovery.

Building a Life in Recovery

For someone with a history of polysubstance use, recovery is not about perfection—it’s about progress, healing, and hope. It can mean regaining physical health, repairing relationships, building coping skills, and learning how to live without relying on multiple substances. Recovery often includes moments of challenge, but it also opens the door to stability, purpose, and a renewed sense of self.

Lasting recovery doesn’t end with treatment—it’s sustained through continued connection and care. Outpatient programs provide structure and accountability while allowing individuals to return to daily life. Alumni connections offer encouragement and fellowship with others who share the journey. Family involvement helps strengthen support systems at home, creating a foundation where recovery can truly thrive.

If you or someone you love is struggling with polysubstance use, you don’t have to face it alone. Reach out to learn more about our treatment options and how we can support you on the path to recovery.