Mixing Cocaine And Meth: Dangers And Effects

Cocaine and methamphetamine (meth) are both powerful stimulants that have similar category of  effects on the mind and body.

Both cocaine and meth can have severe side effects and lead to fatal overdoses on their own but are even more risky when taken together.

Find out more about the dangers of polysubstance abuse.

Why Do People Mix Cocaine And Meth?

Cocaine and meth are stimulants both known to produce intense highs, so a person choosing to mix these drugs is likely searching to increase these effects even further.

People may not realize how dangerous it is to combine drugs or may not care because of the high. This may be why polydrug abuse, or the abuse of two or more drugs at the same time, is so common.

What Happens When You Mix Cocaine And Meth?

Mixing cocaine and meth creates an intense rush of energy and alertness, followed by an uncomfortable crash period.

Unfortunately, mixing these two illicit drugs may also cause a high potential for overdose.

Dangers Of Using Cocaine And Meth Together

Stimulants are never meant to be combined. They only serve to amplify and prolong each other’s effects in dangerous ways.

When used over time, both cocaine and meth are considered to be highly addictive. When used together over time, they also amplify each other’s addictiveness.

These two drugs are also both illegal, so they are purchased on the street. This means that consumers are unlikely to know what they are getting because both drugs can be cut with additives and adulterants.

Side Effects Of Using Cocaine And Meth Together

Like all stimulants, cocaine and meth are known to cause a temporary increase in alertness and energy. The side effects, however, can be unpleasant.

Side effects of cocaine include:

• insomnia
• nausea
• diarrhea
• anxiety
• bloody nose
• trouble breathing
• chest pain

Side effects of meth include:

• insomnia
• nausea
• erratic behavior
• loss of appetite
• increased heart rate
• increased blood pressure
• panic attacks

Risks Of Mixing Cocaine And Meth

Any time two stimulants are taken together, there are a lot of risks.

This is especially true if the person taking them has any pre-existing conditions or if the drugs are combined with high energy activities that further accelerate their heart rate.

Immediate risks of mixing cocaine and meth include:

• stroke
• heart attack
• seizures
• sexual trouble
• overheating
• confusion
• erratic behavior

Both cocaine and meth pose a risk of overdose and death when you use them — even the very first time.

When used repeatedly over a prolonged period of time, these drugs can also pose serious risks to a person’s health, finances, work, and personal relationships.

Long-term risks of mixing cocaine and meth include:

• substance use disorders
• increased risk of stroke
• increased risk of heart attack
• brain damage
• extreme weight loss
• tooth decay
• depressive and anxiety disorders

Cocaine And Meth Abuse Can Lead To Addiction

Cocaine and meth are both highly addictive substances and tend to make each other even more addictive when used together.

Someone addicted to both of these substances is at even greater risk of addiction or other negative effects if any co-occurring mental health disorders are present.

Polydrug use disorders can require specialized treatment, and fortunately many substance abuse treatment centers are now prepared.

Find Substance Abuse Treatment Today

If you or someone you love could benefit from professional treatment for substance abuse, call us today. We have more information for you about how to start your recovery journey.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff