It is worth noting that some individuals may have unique reactions to the combination of alcohol and weed, which can further complicate the outcomes. Setting limits is an essential harm reduction strategy when it comes to mixing alcohol and weed. Understand your own tolerance and sensitivity to these substances and establish boundaries for yourself. It’s crucial to recognize and respect your body’s response to alcohol and weed, as everyone’s reaction can vary. By knowing your limits, you can avoid excessive consumption and potential negative consequences.
Although not as common, alcohol can cause psychosis –– which includes hallucinations and/or delusions. Turns out, you might not need much alcohol to change the way your body absorbs THC. While this might be nice for some folks, it can cause others to green out. This refers to a range of unpleasant physical symptoms that can result from a strong high.
- If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use involving alcohol or weed, seeking help and support from professionals is recommended.
- As the research indicates, people who use both alcohol and weed together tend to consume more of both.
- This happens because the brain gets mixed messages from neurotransmitters, too much even for regular users, especially when combined.
- Research indicates that there is an association between frequent heavy alcohol use and poor mental health, including psychological distress and low life satisfaction.
Researchers found that cannabis impairs driving ability in a dose-response manner, though the effect was smaller than for alcohol. However, when THC and alcohol were both on board, the risk of being deemed impaired greatly increased. When it comes to mixing alcohol and weed, it’s important to prioritize harm reduction strategies to minimize potential risks and negative effects. By making informed choices, setting limits, and seeking help and support, you can better navigate the potential challenges that may arise from combining these substances.
In addition, alcohol makes your body absorb more THC, which is the main active ingredient of marijuana, and this intensifies the effects. Scientists learned that smoking and being high on marijuana at the same time is extremely risky, not merely becoming intoxicated. When combined, the two can produce effects in concert that increase their overall harmfulness. When THC, the active ingredient of marijuana, and ethanol, the main ingredient of alcohol, are in your blood at the same time, they affect each other. Panic attacks, fainting, and vomiting can be very distressing reactions to cannabis, however, they are likely to improve within several hours. Medical attention is necessary if symptoms are serious or there is a concern of alcohol poisoning.
What To Know About Mixing Weed and Alcohol
Each person’s body reacts differently to substances like alcohol and weed. Factors such as body weight, metabolism, and overall health can influence an individual’s tolerance and sensitivity to these substances. Some individuals may have a higher tolerance for alcohol or weed individually, while others may be more sensitive to their effects.
Our Kansas City facilities provide comfortable residential detox with semi-private living arrangements and 24/7 medical supervision. Our medical staff of doctors, therapists, and case managers offers extensive care. Here at Midwest Recovery Centers, our experienced medical team provides 24/7 nursing care, medically safe withdrawal medications, and alternative therapies such as art, yoga, and nutrition. Our inpatient drug addiction rehab near Kansas City, MO, offers dual substance withdrawal treatment. Both drugs affect REM sleep, a stage of sleep during which the body can repair itself. Tests show that it’s much harder to drive when both alcohol and marijuana are consumed than when only one is consumed.
Mental Health Inpatient
In each session, participants consumed a different combination of placebo, low, and moderate doses of THC and alcohol. Weed appeared to slow down the rise of blood alcohol levels after consuming a high dose of alcohol. It’s also important to remember that people can have very different reactions to the same mix of alcohol and weed. If you’re out in a group, one person’s reaction might be very different than yours.
Side Effects of Mixing Weed and Alcohol
For young adults and college students, is it bad to mix weed and alcohol who represent the highest-risk demographic for simultaneous use, education about these dangers is crucial. Prevention efforts should focus on delaying the initiation of substance use and providing alternative coping strategies for stress, social anxiety, and academic pressure. We also offer Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), a low-level, non-invasive brain treatment for addiction and depression that is resistant to treatment. Stopping both of them after prolonged use can produce a severe and challenging withdrawal process. Physical symptoms are shaking, excessive sweating, difficulty sleeping, stomach issues, and intense mood fluctuations that combine and worsen. Mentally, it encompasses anxious, depressed, and irritable feelings, as well as intense urges to use again, hence it is very easy to relapse.
- Understanding the potential risks and dangers of mixing alcohol and weed is crucial for making informed choices about substance use.
- Alcohol can complicate recovery for individuals who use marijuana frequently.
- The impact on liver function can be more severe than with alcohol alone, as both substances require liver processing.
- When it comes to mixing alcohol and weed, it’s essential to understand the basics and the effects these substances can have on the body.
- Similarly, if you’ve already used cannabis, waiting several hours before considering alcohol allows you to gauge your level of impairment better.
Higher risk of dependence
If you’re concerned about your alcohol or cannabis use – whether separately or in combination – there are many confidential resources and professional support options available. The first step is often speaking with a healthcare provider or calling a substance use helpline, where trained professionals can help you assess your situation and discuss potential next steps. These confidential conversations can help you understand whether professional intervention might benefit your use patterns. Both drugs have similar effects on the body and mind, including drowsiness, slowed reflexes, and changes in judgment and time perception. Listen to your body’s signals, respect your limits, and prioritize your well-being.
Impact on Cognitive Function
Much clinical research on co-use of cannabis and alcohol has been concerned with investigation of pharmacokinetic interactions between the two drugs. Lukas and colleagues 71 assigned casual cannabis and alcohol users to a cannabis dose group (placebo, 1.26% THC, or 2.53% THC). During three experimental sessions, participants consumed beverages with three separate alcohol doses (placebo, 0.35, and 0.7 g/kg) and smoked cannabis corresponding to their assigned cannabis group 30 min later. Cannabis slowed the absorption of alcohol, and subsequently reduced the psychoactive effects of alcohol, ultimately suggesting that cannabis may change the bioavailability of alcohol.
Increased Risk of Accidents
Individuals who are drinking alcohol and consuming edibles should carefully monitor what they consume. Other forms of cannabis, including edibles, can also interact with alcohol to cause most of the same risks as smoking cannabis. Edibles are foods that contain marijuana or its active ingredients, such as THC. Research indicates that people who mix alcohol and cannabis are more likely than those who only drink alcohol to engage in sensation seeking behavior. Not everyone reacts in the same way to weed, alcohol, or a combination of both, and many factors play a role in how a person will respond.
Setting Limits and Knowing Your Limits
It’s important to note that the risk of accidents is not only limited to motor vehicles but also applies to activities that require physical coordination and mental alertness. As cannabis legalization spreads across the US, more people are finding themselves in social situations where both weed and alcohol are available. While alcohol has long been a familiar presence at parties, restaurants, and gatherings, marijuana is increasingly becoming as common. This combination – also known as crossfading – might seem like a natural pairing to some, but mixing these two substances can affect your body and mind in ways that are important to understand.
Reach out to professionals, such as doctors or counselors, who specialize in substance abuse and addiction. They can provide you with valuable support, treatment options, and strategies to overcome any challenges you may face. Connecting with support groups or attending therapy sessions can also be beneficial, as you can share experiences and learn from others who have gone through similar situations.