Quick Answer: Polysubstance abuse involves the frequent and/or illegal use of two or more substances over a period of time or in proximity to one another. The increase in this kind of use can lead to dependency, harmful medication interactions, overdoses, psychological health problems, and other severe health complications.
Key Takeaways
- It is important to recognize as well that polysubstance abuse is when there is the use or misuse of more than one substance, either intentional or unintentional.
- The substance(s) could be alcohol, prescription drugs, opioids, or stimulants, or cannabis and/or drugs.
- Chemicals can generate unexpected reactions when combined and increase the risk of overdose.
- Cravings or pursuit of drugs, loss of control, withdrawal, relationship problems, neglect of responsibilities.
- Treatment type will vary between different treatment facilities, and include medical evaluation, detox, treatment, medication, and recovery support.
- Recovery is possible, and professional therapy can offer support to treat drug addiction and mental health issues.
What is Polysubstance Abuse?
Polysubstance abuse is often a blend of two or more substances used together or in rapid succession and isn’t all that complicated. These can be illegal, prescription, or legal substances. The pattern is especially disturbing if it interferes with a person’s functioning or health, relationships or responsibilities.
The terms “polysubstance abuse,” “substance use disorder,” and “polysubstance use” are more commonly used to medically describe everyday and online searches. Now known as polysubstance use disorder, polysubstance abuse happens when someone uses more than one substance and their behavior negatively impacts health and quality of life, explains the Cleveland Clinic.
For example, mixing prescription sedatives with alcohol, or taking cocaine after drinking alcohol or combining opioids with stimulants. It’s possible to mix prescription medications with other substances, too, which would be considered polysubstance use.
What’s important is not all polysubstance use is done on purpose. One person may take more than one drug at once without realizing if a drug has been contaminated or laced with another substance. According to the CDC, people can become exposed to more than one drug on purpose and/or accidentally.
What Causes Polysubstance Abuse?
There is no single cause of polysubstance abuse. People have different patterns of drug use. This can be due to genetics, the environment, stress, trauma, mental health problems, social factors, or repeated exposure to addictive substances.
Some begin with a medication and then begin to take another with the idea that it will influence or enhance the results of the first medication. Some individuals may use a second drug to control undesirable feelings or other sleep, worry, stress, and withdrawal problems.
Regularly using substances can affect the brain over time, which alters how it functions in terms of reward and motivation. Cravings will intensify, and it will be harder to quit. Addiction is not just a “will problem. It is a medical disorder that may affect behavior, decision-making, relationships, and daily activities.
Psychological well-being can also have an impact on using substances, and substances can also impact psychological well-being. People with depression, anxiety, trauma symptoms or any other mental illness can turn to drugs as a coping mechanism. But as substance abuse can intensify emotional indications, it can be a challenging cycle.
Common Examples of Polysubstance Abuse
With polysubstance abuse, people may be using nearly any combination of drugs.
Examples include:
- Alcohol and cocaine
- Prescribed sedatives (sleeping pills) and alcohol.
- Opioids and benzodiazepines
- Prescription drugs or illegal drugs
- Cannabis and alcohol
- Cocaine and opioids
- Taking one or more prescription drugs improperly
“Any combination cannot be assumed to be safe for use because some people have used it before and had no issues immediately,” – said the spokeswoman.
Depending on the dose, tolerance, health, medications, and substances, impacts can differ. Mixing drugs can create more intense and unpredictable effects and can even be fatal, warns the CDC.
Why is Polysubstance Abuse Dangerous?
The greatest potential threat posed is that various substances can have varying impacts on the body.
Avoidance of lowering respirations is an example of both opioids and benzodiazepines depressing respirations. Mixing depressants can therefore further raise the risk of harmful respiratory depression and overdose. Meanwhile, stimulants can lead to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Mixing stimulants or adding a stimulant to a depressant doesn’t always ‘counteract’ the stimulant effects.
Nearly half of drug overdoses that led to death in 2022 were the result of multiple drugs, according to the CDC.
Other potential complications are the following:
- Accidental overdose
- Breathing problems
- Heart problems
- Seizures
- Damage to the liver or kidneys.
- Cognitive difficulties
- An increase in anxiety or depression
- Relationship problems
- Financial difficulties
- Work or school issues
- Legal consequences
Multiple substances can have overlapping effects and make a person seriously ill, although he/she thinks he/she is taking a familiar dose.
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Signs and Symptoms of Polysubstance Abuse
It may be challenging to identify polysubstance abuse, as symptoms will differ from drug to drug. Signs consist of physical or behavioral changes.
There may be signs of a potential problem, such as:
- Strong cravings
- Taking drugs or substances more frequently than they are intended to be used
- Being dependent on substances to feel “normal” or function
- Spending lots of time getting or using drugs.
- Keeping drug use a secret from family or friends
- Neglecting personal hygiene
- Absence from work, school and appointments
- Not enjoying activities that used to be pleasurable
- Using even when there are health issues or relationship issues.
Feeling withdrawal symptoms when you aren’t taking the substance anymore
According to Cleveland Clinic, some of the behavioral changes that may be seen as clues to polysubstance use disorder include hidden substance use, substance use instead of responsibilities, neglecting personal care, and using substances as a crutch to do things.
A single sign is not an indication of addiction. The person using can be evaluated by a health care provider regarding the pattern of use and state of health.
How is Polysubstance Abuse Diagnosed?
The first step of treatment is often a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare provider. They might query the nature of the drug or drugs administered, how often they are administered, how much is administered, if drugs are mixed or not, and if there are withdrawal signs or symptoms when the drugs are not administered.
They might also inquire about:
- Physical health
- Mental health
- Family history
- Previous treatment
- Medications
- Work, School Performance
- Relationships
- History of attempts to quit using substances
Occasionally, blood or urine tests are employed to determine if there are drugs in the body; diagnosis is not only dependent on a drug test.
Further, it is important to note polysubstance use disorder in the DSM-5-TR is not its own distinct disorder, like the different substance use disorders are. Symptoms and history may lead to a diagnosis for one or more of the specific substance use disorders.
How is Polysubstance Abuse Treated?
So, treatment for polysubstance abuse ought to be individualized. One treatment doesn’t fit all.
Treatment can consist of any of the following, depending on the individual’s needs:
Medical Detox
Certain mixes of drugs could produce severe and dangerous withdrawal reactions. Medical supervision for monitoring symptoms and assessing the need for medications and/or additional medical support.
Therapy
Therapy can assist individuals in understanding the underlying causes of drug and alcohol usage, identifying potential triggers, understanding the management of cravings, and knowing how to build healthier coping techniques and long-term recuperation.
Other evidence-based therapies may be provided as needed, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational approaches, and family therapy.
Medication Management
Some drugs are available to treat specific addictions. For instance, the use of opioids and alcohol can be treated with FDA-approved drugs. Always make medication decisions in consultation with a qualified healthcare provider.
Dual-Diagnosis Care
Substance use may also be happening in conjunction with depression, anxiety, trauma, and/or other mental health problems, so managing both may be important during the treatment process.
Ongoing Recovery Support
When patients complete alcohol and drug rehab, their recovery may not be over. A person continuing to receive treatment, support groups, relapse-prevention planning, family support and healthy habits, can maintain the changes accomplished during treatment.
Can Polysubstance Abuse Be Prevented?
The first step in prevention is for people to learn about the risks of drug mixing. Never rely on drug use to counteract another drug. Appropriate application of prescribed medicine as well as communicating with physicians about all medicines, supplements, drinking, and drugs can help keep harmful interactions to a minimum.
Also keep in mind that there could be an unknown exposure to another agent. As stated, the CDC says drug names can refer to various other materials that you wouldn’t expect to be in a drug, and illegally manufactured fentanyl is one of them.
Treat it like it would be an overdose of any type of drug, and request assistance if there has been an overdose.
Get Help for Polysubstance Abuse in Orlando
If multiple substance uses have begun to be difficult to control, there is no need to wait until things are a crisis to seek help. Orlando Treatment Solutions can assist you in figuring out treatment choices dependent on your dependency, psychological well-being needs, and recovery objectives.
If you’re worried or need to reach out to help someone, getting a professional assessment might be the first step. There is help, and there is a way to recovery.
Call Orlando Treatment Solutions today to find out more about addiction treatment and make the next step to recovery.
Final Thoughts
Familiarity with polysubstance abuse is important, as there can be risks involved when individuals use more than one drug, which may prove to be difficult to predict. It can start as a bit of a joke or to help relieve stress, but it can become a habit that impacts physical well-being, mental health, relationships, and everyday tasks.
Fortunately, you can treat polysubstance abuse. A professional evaluation can be utilized to determine the substances involved, evaluate any health or mental health issues, and develop a treatment plan. Contacting Orlando Treatment Solutions can be vital for both you and your loved ones when you’re suffering from a multiple substance addiction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Polysubstance Abuse
What is the meaning of polysubstance abuse?
Polysubstance abuse means repeatedly misusing or using more than one substance, either at the same time or within a short period. It may involve alcohol, prescription medications, illicit drugs, or combinations of different substances that affect health and daily functioning.
What are three examples of substance abuse?
Three examples include repeatedly drinking alcohol despite harmful consequences, misusing prescription opioids by taking them without medical direction, and repeatedly using cocaine despite problems affecting health, relationships, work, or other responsibilities.
What is the difference between substance abuse and polysubstance abuse?
Substance abuse generally refers to harmful or problematic substance use involving one or more substances. Polysubstance abuse specifically describes problematic use involving multiple substances, either together or within a relatively short period.
What is the definition of polydrug?
Polydrug use means using more than one drug or psychoactive substance. The substances may be taken together or separately within a short period. Polydrug use can be intentional or unintentional and may increase the risk of harmful interactions.
What are the 4 types of drug abuse?
There is no universally accepted clinical classification consisting of exactly four types of drug abuse. Substance-related problems are generally assessed according to the substance involved, pattern of use, symptoms, impairment, and severity of a substance use disorder.
What is Polly drug slang for?
“Polly” can sometimes be informal shorthand for “polydrug” or “polysubstance,” meaning the use of multiple substances. However, slang varies by community and context, so the specific meaning should be determined from how the word is being used.
What is the most abused drug in the world?
There is no single answer that applies to every country or measurement. Alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, and other substances have high levels of use globally. Patterns differ substantially by country, age group, availability, and whether legal or illicit substances are measured.
What are 5 common signs of addiction?
Five common signs include strong cravings, difficulty controlling use, continued use despite harmful consequences, neglecting responsibilities, and withdrawal symptoms. Other signs can include secrecy, increased tolerance, relationship problems, and spending significant time obtaining or using substances.
What are the 8 types of substance abuse?
There is no standard medical list of exactly eight types of substance abuse. Clinicians commonly assess substance-specific disorders involving alcohol, opioids, stimulants, cannabis, sedatives, tobacco, hallucinogens, inhalants, and other substances according to established diagnostic criteria.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, or addiction-treatment advice, diagnosis, or emergency care. Substance use and withdrawal can involve serious medical risks. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional for an individualized assessment. If someone is experiencing a suspected overdose or other medical emergency, seek emergency medical care immediately.
References
- Cleveland Clinic, Polysubstance Use Disorder: Cleveland Clinic: Polysubstance Use Disorder
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Polysubstance Use Facts: CDC: Polysubstance Use Facts
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Substance Use Resources: SAMHSA: Substance Use
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction: NIDA: Drugs, Brains, and Behavior
