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Maryland Polysubstance Addiction Treatment Center

Understanding Polysubstance Addiction

Polysubstance addiction refers to the simultaneous dependence on multiple substances, such as alcohol, prescription medications, and illicit drugs. This form of addiction is complex, as it involves managing multiple dependencies, each affecting the body and mind in different ways. Polysubstance addiction can make treatment more challenging, as each substance may require unique approaches to address withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and behavioral issues.

Polysubstance addiction often begins when individuals experiment with different substances or use one substance to cope with the side effects or withdrawal symptoms of another. For example, someone struggling with opioid dependence might turn to alcohol or benzodiazepines to ease withdrawal or enhance the effects of the opioids. Over time, this can develop into a dependency on multiple substances, making it more difficult to stop using any of them.

Common combinations of substances seen in polysubstance addiction include:

  • Alcohol and Benzodiazepines: Often used together to increase relaxation, but combining these substances can be highly dangerous and increase the risk of overdose.
  • Opioids and Cocaine: A dangerous combination often referred to as a “speedball,” which mixes the stimulating effects of cocaine with the sedative effects of opioids.
  • Alcohol and Marijuana: Common among those who use marijuana to manage the negative effects of alcohol or vice versa.
  • Prescription Medications and Street Drugs: Combining medications like opioids, benzodiazepines, or stimulants with illicit drugs like heroin, methamphetamine, or cocaine.

What Is Polysubstance Addiction?

Polysubstance addiction is a multifaceted condition where an individual is dependent on multiple substances at the same time. This addiction can manifest in a variety of ways, from combining legal substances like alcohol and prescription medications to illicit drug use. Because each substance can affect the brain and body differently, treating polysubstance addiction requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the individual’s unique physical, emotional, and psychological needs.

Is Polysubstance Addiction Common?

Yes, polysubstance addiction is unfortunately common. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), a significant portion of people who struggle with addiction are dependent on more than one substance. Research shows that in 2022, nearly half of drug overdose deaths involved multiple drugs. This highlights the need for specialized treatment programs tailored to those who face the challenge of polysubstance addiction.

Polysubstance Addiction Statistics

According to the national institute on alcohol abuse and alcoholism (NIAAA):

  • Alcohol plays a role in about 1 in 5 overdose deaths related to both prescription opioids (22.1%) and benzodiazepines (21.4%) each year.
  • According to data from 2000 to 2018, depression, suicide attempts, and antidepressant use have all been increasing in the U.S. People commonly drink alcohol to cope with depression, but alcohol worsens depression over time, and those who report binge drinking are twice as likely to have suicidal ideation in the past year compared to non-drinkers (6.3% vs 3.4%). Of those who die by suicide, 1 in 5 (21%) had a BAC of 0.10% or higher at the time of death.
  • All opioids, such as morphine, methadone, oxycodone, fentanyl, and hydrocodone, when combined with alcohol, could increase the risk of overdose leading to death via suppression of the respiratory centers in the brain. Alcohol plays a significant role in roughly 15-20% of all opioid-related deaths and the risk begins at low doses of both substances.

Dangers of Polysubstance Addiction

Health Risks:

  • Increased risk of overdose, especially when combining opioids, alcohol, or benzodiazepines.
  • Chronic organ damage, such as liver disease (from alcohol) or heart problems (from stimulants like cocaine).
  • Respiratory depression, particularly when opioids are combined with sedatives.
  • Risk of mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, and psychosis.

Mental Health Dangers:

  • Polysubstance use can exacerbate mental health conditions, leading to a co-occurring disorder.
  • Heightened risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior.
  • Difficulty distinguishing the effects of individual substances, complicating the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions.

Signs of Polysubstance Addiction

    Mood or Personality Changes

    Individuals with polysubstance addiction often experience dramatic mood swings, ranging from euphoria to depression or irritability. These shifts can happen unpredictably, making it difficult for others to anticipate how the person will react in different situations. This erratic behavior may be a result of the interaction between multiple substances, which can significantly alter brain chemistry and emotional regulation.

    Risky or Reckless Behaviors

    Polysubstance abuse can impair judgment and decision-making, leading to dangerous actions such as driving while intoxicated, engaging in unsafe sexual practices, or participating in illegal activities. The combination of different substances often amplifies this risk, as each drug may alter behavior in its own way, creating a more impulsive or disinhibited state.

    Impact on Professional and Personal Lives

    As addiction progresses, the person may begin neglecting responsibilities such as work, school, or family obligations. Polysubstance abuse can create cognitive impairments, emotional instability, and a lack of motivation, making it challenging to maintain regular employment or personal relationships. Over time, this can result in job loss, financial difficulties, and the breakdown of important social connections.

    Unexplained Weight Change

    Some substances, such as stimulants, can cause a decrease in appetite, leading to significant weight loss. In contrast, substances like alcohol or marijuana may stimulate appetite, leading to weight gain. The combination of substances can cause unpredictable changes in eating habits, making weight fluctuation a key physical sign of polysubstance addiction.

    Poor Coordination or Tremors

    Many substances impair motor skills, balance, and coordination. For example, alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opioids can cause dizziness, poor hand-eye coordination, and unsteady movements. Tremors or shaking, particularly in the hands, may occur as a direct result of substance abuse or withdrawal from substances, signaling the body’s difficulty in functioning without the presence of the drug.

    Symptoms of Polysubstance Withdrawal & Detox

    Common withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on the specific substances involved, but they often include:

    • Alcohol & Benzodiazepines: Anxiety, seizures, tremors, sweating, and nausea.
    • Opioids & Stimulants: Intense cravings, fatigue, irritability, muscle aches, and depression.
    • Cocaine & Alcohol: Anxiety, agitation, mood swings, and body aches.

    Detoxing from polysubstance addiction can be dangerous, especially if withdrawal symptoms from multiple substances occur simultaneously. A medically supervised detox program is often necessary to safely manage these symptoms.

    What to Expect From Polysubstance Addiction Treatment

    A successful treatment plan for polysubstance addiction involves addressing all aspects of the individual’s addiction. This typically includes detoxification, followed by inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation. The treatment process focuses on physical recovery, mental health support, and coping strategies for maintaining sobriety.

    Counseling for Polysubstance Addiction Treatment

    • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals recognize and change negative thought patterns that contribute to substance use. It’s especially important for polysubstance addicts, as it addresses the complex behavioral triggers for each substance.
    • Group Therapy: Group therapy offers a supportive environment where individuals can share their experiences, gain insights, and learn from others facing similar struggles.
    • Family Therapy: Addiction impacts not only the individual but their loved ones as well. Family therapy helps to rebuild trust, repair relationships, and foster a strong support system for long-term recovery.

    Inpatient Polysubstance Rehab in Maryland

    Ashley Addiction Treatment offers a specialized inpatient program that provides 24/7 care for individuals struggling with polysubstance addiction. This intensive program offers a structured environment where patients receive medical detoxification, therapy, and holistic treatments to address the full scope of their addiction. The goal is to help individuals achieve stability, rebuild their lives, and develop the skills necessary to maintain long-term recovery.

    Outpatient Polysubstance Rehab in Maryland

    For those who do not require full-time residential care, Ashley offers outpatient services designed to provide flexibility while still offering intensive treatment. Outpatient programs include individual therapy, group therapy, and support groups, all tailored to help individuals in recovery balance their day-to-day lives while maintaining their commitment to sobriety. Outpatient treatment is often used as a step-down after inpatient care or for those with less severe substance dependencies.

    Supporting Your Entire Recovery

    At Ashley Addiction Treatment, we provide a tailored, compassionate approach to help individuals overcome polysubstance addiction. Our team of professionals is dedicated to helping you achieve lasting recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with polysubstance addiction, contact us today to learn more about our treatment options and take the first step toward a healthier, substance-free future. Please reach out to our helpline, available 7 days a week, at 1-800-799-HOPE (4673), or contact us here for more information on how we can help.