Combined Drug Intoxication (Polydrug Use)


In This Article
Combined drug intoxication (CDI), or polydrug toxicity, is the outcome of abusing multiple drugs. It occurs when you combine multiple substances at a time.
Additionally, polydrug use isn’t limited to illicit substances. Some people combine multiple prescription medications, vitamins, supplements, and alcohol to achieve stronger effects or self-medicate.
Contact a medical professional if you, or someone you know, experiences CDI. CDI can cause various side effects that require medical attention.
What Are the Dangers of CDI?
Although mixing substances can amplify feelings of euphoria, it’s also potentially fatal. For instance, mixing stimulants like cocaine and ecstasy can increase the high but also increase your risk of a heart attack.
Additionally, CDI is one of the common causes of emergency room admissions. It can have a profoundly negative effect on your heart and other essential organs, resulting in:
- Heart problems
- Heatstroke
- Tremors and seizures
- Brain damage
- Coma
- Suppressed bleeding
- Respiratory problems
- Liver damage and failure
What Are the Signs of Combined Drug Intoxication?
Effects of CDI will vary depending on the drugs used. Some common signs of polydrug toxicity include:
- Drowsiness
- Hypotension
- Slower heart rate
- Irregular heartbeat
- Pinpoint pupils
- Respiratory depression
- Sweating
- Runny nose
- Tremors
- Agitation
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Dysphoria
- Joint aches
- Hallucinations
- Ataxia
- Hypothermia
- Nystagmus
- Convulsions
- Coma
If you notice any of these signs, contact emergency medical help. Especially if they’re showing signs of an overdose, like seizures, difficulty breathing, unresponsiveness, and bluish skin or lips.
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What Drugs are Most Commonly Mixed Together?
Alcohol is one of the most commonly misused substances. Many people put their lives at risk by combining it with other stimulants.
Some drugs commonly combined with alcohol include marijuana, painkillers, cocaine, heroin, amphetamines, antidepressants, and ecstasy.
Some drugs commonly misused and sometimes combined include:
- Acetaminophen and warfarin
- Painkillers and supplements
- Xanax and Molly
- Amphetamines and benzodiazepines
- Cocaine
- Antihistamines
- Drugs for treating ADHD like Adderall
- Methamphetamine
What Are Some Lethal Substance Combinations?
Some drug combinations can be dangerous and potentially fatal. These include:
- Cocaine and heroin
- Benzodiazepines and prescription opioids
- Alcohol and opiates
- Alcohol and cocaine
- Alcohol and benzodiazepines
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How is Combined Drug Intoxication Treated?
Although CDI has some dangerous side effects, it can be treated if proper care is delivered immediately. However, not everyone reacts to treatment in the same way.
Your treatment plan will be tailored to your needs and the substances you’ve been using. In some cases, you may need dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring disorders like anxiety, depression, etc.
Combined drug intoxication programs might also address issues like physical ailments and family problems. The different methods used by experts to treat polydrug use include:
- Inpatient treatment: Involves checking yourself into a rehab facility for 24-hour medical supervision.
- Outpatient treatment: A treatment program where people are allowed to leave the rehab facility.
- Medication-assisted treatment: Involves using medication, counseling, and therapy to treat addiction.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy: A short-term therapy technique that explores the link between thought patterns and addiction.
- Support groups & aftercare: Provides a much-needed community to help maintain sobriety after treatment.
How to Prevent Combined Drug Interaction
The best way to avoid CDI is to follow your doctor’s directions regarding your prescription and dosage.
If you feel like your prescription isn’t effective, talk to your doctor instead of self-medicating. You should also avoid drinking while taking prescription drugs.
If you’re struggling with mental health problems or substance use disorders (SUDs) that push you towards polydrug use, consider getting professional care.
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- “Common Alcohol and Drug Combinations.” US Santa Cruz. Student Health and Outreach Promotion, 2022.
- “Polysubstance Overdose.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024.
- Font-Mayolas, S. & Calvo., F. “Polydrug Definition and Assessment: The State of the Art.” Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022.
- Pergolizzi et al. “The Challenge of Polysubstance Use Overdose.” Open Journal of Social Sciences, 2021.
- Kumar, S. “A Case of Combined Drug Intoxication.” Journal of Forensic Toxicology and Pharmacology, 2015.
- Lesser, B. “Dangerous Combinations of Drugs.” Dual Diagnosis, 2024.

