Combining or mixing substances is common practice at parties, clubs, and other social events.
Many people rely on drugs and alcohol to have a fun night out with friends. However, people don’t pay attention to the damage these substances can have on their bodies while they’re partying it up. At our rehab center in Delaware, we know that using drugs like speedball has become more prevalent amongst young adults. If you’re relying on drugs or alcohol to have a good time, you’re increasing your chances of developing an addiction and other health problems.
What is Speedball?
Speedball is made up of a combination of cocaine and heroin. Cocaine is a stimulant that increases alertness and energy levels, while heroin is a depressant that works to decrease alertness. These drugs combine to create a powerful high. Speedball can be snorted, but users will typically inject it directly into the bloodstream to experience a more intense reaction.
People who become addicted to the effects of speedball may have trouble recovering on their own. The first few stages of recovery can be challenging, but certain treatments can help make the process smoother. Individuals who decide to receive addiction treatment can begin their journey with a medically-monitored detox. Detox is a method that is used to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and make the early stages of recovery as manageable as possible.
How Heroin and Cocaine Contribute to Speedball Side Effects
Heroin is an addictive depressant that can cause respiratory failure, especially when it’s taken with other substances. Cocaine is a highly potent and addictive stimulant that has the opposite effect of heroin. Cocaine use requires more oxygen while heroin affects respiratory function. This combination can affect a person’s lungs, heart, and brain. Many people assume that because heroin and cocaine cause opposite side effects, they’ll cancel each other out when taken together. However, this combination only strengthens these symptoms.
The effects of speedball are especially dangerous because they force the body to process heroin and cocaine simultaneously. A person who takes a depressant and a stimulant together may experience a “push-pull” reaction. They may feel as if they’re going back and forth between alertness and drowsiness.
Some speedball drug effects include:
- High blood pressure
- Irregular heart rate
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- High body temperature
- Drowsiness
- Slowed breathing
- Inability to concentrate
- Confusion
- Paranoia
Speedball makes breathing difficult, preventing the individual from receiving a healthy amount of oxygen. The effects of cocaine also wear off quicker than those of heroin, and users may continuously inject themselves with more speedball to stay high. Long-term use of speedball can result in heart and brain damage that may be irreversible.
At Banyan Treatment Centers Delaware, we know the effects of speedball can lead to further health complications in the future. Speedball addiction, or any form of substance abuse, may be difficult to recover from -- but it’s possible. Our residential treatment program is one of the many forms of addiction treatments we offer designed to help people heal from drug or alcohol abuse and get sober.
Don’t wait a moment longer to get help. Call us now at 888-280-4763 to find out how we can help you achieve sobriety.
