Cocaine - Reactions with Other Drugs or Substances

Reactions with Other Drugs or Substances

Cocaine is almost always used with other drugs, including alcohol, heroin, amphetamines, and marijuana. Combining drugs increases the chances of overdosing or experiencing serious side effects. The most common drug to be combined with cocaine is alcohol. Alcoholic beverages prolong the cocaine high and tend to reduce drug-induced paranoia. This combination creates a new substance, cocaethyeneA substance formed by the body when cocaine and alcohol are consumed together; it increases the chances of serious adverse reactions or sudden death from cocaine.. Cocaethylene is as powerful as cocaine, and its effects last longer. However, it can be more toxic to the heart. NIDA statistics indicate that the combination of cocaine and alcohol results in more deaths than any other illegal drug combination.

The combination of cocaine and heroin is called a "speedballA combination of cocaine (a stimulant) and heroin (a depressant); this combination increases the chances of serious adverse reactions and can be more toxic than either drug alone.." It is especially dangerous because cocaine speeds up the respiratory system, while heroin depresses it, or slows it down. At very high doses, however, cocaine can begin to depress the respiratory system as well. In speedballing, cocaine and heroin are typically ingested at the same time, but some users ingest the drugs alternately to feel either more energetic or more relaxed. This combination can be more toxic than using either drug alone. Comedian John Belushi died from speedballing in 1982.

Amphetamines are often combined with cocaine to extend the high. Cocaine creates a rush but it is short-lived. Adding amphetamines extends the high for up to ten hours. Using these drugs together increases the chances of an overdose and increases toxic effects.