Cocaine and alcohol, on their own, are both dangerous substances. Cocaine is a powerful stimulant, while alcohol is a depressant. But combined, cocaine and alcohol can create a dangerous, even deadly, mix.
This article explores everything you need to know about cocaine and alcohol, including the dangers of using them together, the signs, and what you can do (Cocaine test).
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What is cocaine?
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that comes from the coca plant. Its chemical name is cocaine hydrochloride. When cocaine is used, it increases levels of dopamine in the brain, which creates a feeling of euphoria. This is why cocaine is often abused recreationally.
Cocaine can be snorted, injected, or smoked. It’s also sometimes referred to as blow, coke, or powder. Cocaine is a white powder that ranges in purity from 10-90%. Sometimes, it’s even mixed with other substances like baking soda or cornstarch.
Cocaine is a Schedule II drug, which means it has a high potential for abuse but can be used medically under certain circumstances. Cocaine is sometimes used as a local anesthetic for certain eye, ear, and throat surgeries.
Effects of cocaine on the body
Short-term effects of cocaine use include:
- Euphoria
- Increased alertness
- Talkativeness
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Restlessness
Long-term effects of cocaine use include:
- Addiction
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Violence
- Depression
How long does cocaine stay in your system?
Cocaine can stay in your system for up to 48 hours and be detected by Drug Tests. Cocaine is metabolized in the liver and excreted in the urine. Depending on how much cocaine you’ve used and how often you use it, cocaine can be detectable in your system for a few days to up to a week.
Related: Cocaine Abuse and Implications in Driving
What is alcohol?
Alcohol is a depressant drug that is found in many different types of beverages, including beer, wine, and hard liquor. Alcohol is produced when yeast ferments the sugars in fruits or grains.
The active ingredient in alcohol is ethanol. When people drink alcohol, it slows down the function of the central nervous system. This can lead to slurred speech, impaired motor skills, and decreased inhibitions.
Alcohol is a legal substance that can be bought and consumed by people who are 21 years of age or older in the United States. However, alcohol abuse is a serious problem.
In fact, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, about 15 million adults in the U.S. have an alcohol use disorder. This means that they drink in a way that is harmful to their health, or they continue to drink even though it causes problems in their life.
Effects of alcohol on the body
Short-term effects of alcohol use include:
- Euphoria
- Relaxation
- Decreased inhibitions
- Slurred speech
- Impaired motor skills
- Anterograde amnesia (blackouts)
Long-term effects of alcohol use include:
- Liver damage
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Brain damage
- Memory problems
- Weight gain
- Depression
- Anxiety
How do cocaine and alcohol interact with each other?
Cocaine and alcohol interact with each other in the body to create a third substance, cocaethylene. Cocaethylene is more toxic than cocaine or alcohol alone and can stay in the body for up to 48 hours.
Cocaethylene is formed when cocaine and alcohol are metabolized by the liver. The liver breaks down alcohol first, and cocaine is metabolized second. This process creates cocaethylene, which can build up in the body and cause serious health problems.
Why do people mix cocaine and alcohol?
There are a few reasons why people might mix cocaine and alcohol. Some people may do it to enhance the effects of cocaine, while others may do it to counteract the effects of alcohol.
In particular, cocaine is often used as a way to stay awake and drink for longer periods of time. This can lead to cocaine and alcohol being used in a dangerous cycle where a person constantly uses one substance to offset the effects of the other.
Still, others may not be aware of the dangers of cocaine and alcohol interactions. They may not know that cocaethylene is formed when the two substances are combined.
What does cocaethylene do to the body?
1. Increases the risk of liver damage
Cocaethylene can damage the liver, and this damage can be cumulative. This means that each time you use cocaine and alcohol together, the risk of liver damage increases. The reason for this is that cocaethylene inhibits an enzyme in the liver that is responsible for breaking down fat.
2. Increases the risk of heart problems
Cocaethylene can also increase the risk of heart problems. It does this by increasing the heart rate and blood pressure. The mechanism for this is not fully understood, but it is thought to be due to the fact that cocaethylene interferes with the way calcium is metabolized in the heart.
3. Increases the risk of death
Cocaethylene is also more toxic than cocaine or alcohol alone. This means that it’s more likely to cause overdose and death. In fact, studies have shown that cocaethylene is responsible for 20-30% of cocaine-related deaths.
Data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) shows that cocaine and alcohol were present in about half of all cocaine-related deaths in the United States. That’s an estimated 4,000 deaths each year.
4. Increases the risk of violence
Cocaethylene has also been linked to increased aggression and violence. This may be due to the fact that it increases the heart rate and blood pressure, which can lead to feelings of irritability and agitation.
In one study, people who had used cocaine and alcohol together were more likely to engage in violent behavior than those who had used cocaine alone.
5. Increases the risk of problems in pregnancy
Cocaethylene can also cross the placenta and enter the fetus. This can lead to several problems, including low birth weight, premature delivery, and stillbirth.
If you’re pregnant and using cocaine or alcohol, it’s important to get help so you can stop. Using cocaine or alcohol during pregnancy can have serious consequences for both you and your baby.
6. Increases the risk of other health problems
Cocaethylene can also increase the risk of other health problems, including gastrointestinal problems, urinary tract problems, and neurological problems.
These are only some of the risks associated with cocaine and alcohol use. If you or someone you know is using these substances, it’s important to get help as soon as possible.
How can you tell if someone has taken cocaine and alcohol?
There are a few signs and symptoms that may indicate that someone has taken cocaine and alcohol. These include:
- Elevated heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
If you or someone you know is exhibiting these symptoms, get help immediately. Cocaine and alcohol use can be extremely dangerous and even deadly.
If you’re concerned that someone you know is using cocaine and alcohol, there are a few Home Test Kits that can help you determine if these substances are present in their system. Home test kits are available for both cocaine and alcohol.
Conclusion
If you mix cocaine and alcohol, it’s important to be aware of the risks. Cocaethylene is more toxic than cocaine or alcohol alone and can cause serious health problems. If you’re going to use cocaine, it’s best to avoid drinking alcohol simultaneously.
