Mixing Alcohol
and Drugs

Mixing alcohol, marijuana, prescription medications, and other drugs is dangerous. It’s difficult to predict the exact effects because each person reacts to these substances differently. Studies show that youth are more likely to abuse alcohol, marijuana, prescription medications, and other drugs than adults, and that they are also more likely to use more than one substance at a time. The adolescent brain is often likened to a car with a fully functioning gas pedal (the reward system) but weak brakes (the prefrontal cortex), which is why it is so susceptible to substance use and sometimes using multiple substances. It is important for parents and caregivers to talk with kids about the dangers of using substances and also combining them.
Also, studies have found a connection between youth use of alcohol and tobacco, and use of illicit drugs. Of the youth who reported heavy drinking (five or more drinks on the same occasion on each of five or more days in the past 30 days), 69.9 percent also reported using an illicit drug. In comparison, illicit drug use for those who were NOT current alcohol users was reported at 5.2 percent. Youth who smoke tobacco are nine times more likely to meet the medical criteria for alcohol abuse and 13 times more likely to meet the medical criteria for illicit drug abuse and dependence. Research suggests that nicotine can cause structural and chemical changes in teenage brains, increasing the risk of alcohol, marijuana, and opioid use.

What Is Polysubstance Abuse?
Polysubstance abuse is defined as abusing three or more substances for a period of 12 months or more. Polysubstance abuse is a common problem in teenagers, and usually begins with substances like tobacco, marijuana, or alcohol. Three of the following symptoms must be shown during a 12-month period to receive an official diagnosis of polysubstance dependence:
Tolerance. The user has to keep using more and more of a substance at one time to get high because the usual amounts are less effective.
Withdrawal. The user shows withdrawal symptoms when drugs stop being used; or the drug is used specifically to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Inability to stop using/Loss of control. Repeated use of more drugs than planned. The user has unsuccessfully attempted to cut down or stop using the drugs or shows a persistent desire to stop using, but cannot.
Time. The person spends a lot of time studying drugs, obtaining drugs, using drugs, being under the influence of drugs, and recovering from the effects of drugs.
Interference with activities. The user has reduced the amount of time involved in recreational activities, social activities, and/or work because of the use of drugs.
Harm to self. The person continues to use substances despite having a noticeable physical or psychological problem caused by or made worse by the use of drugs.