Nowadays, mixing alcohol and cannabis is becoming increasingly popular, particularly among younger adults and partygoers. It’s an opportunity for them to “amp up” the party enjoyment by mixing the high of cannabis with the alcohol. However, at House of Zen, we’ve observed how this mix could quickly turn from fun to risky.
Contrary to the misconception that taking both alcohol and marijuana together can be safe. Mixing the two substances not only gives you an increase in “high.” There are actual, real-time risks that include unpredictable reactions, higher risk of injuries, impaired mental health, and an increased risk of developing an addiction.
No matter whether you’re struggling with its high dosage use, worry about someone you love, or are just looking for answers, this comprehensive article will help you understand and clarify your point with research-based and scientifically approved results.
Why Do People Mix Alcohol and Weed?
Before we look at the risks, it’s important to ask why people cross over?
- Perceived Fun: Some believe mixing alcohol and marijuana creates the most intense and enjoyable experience.
- Peer Influence: Friendship or a party culture could influence cross-fading into appearing “cool” or less risky.
- Misconception: It’s believed that marijuana can help you get off alcohol (or in reverse). It’s not true – in fact, mixing both can cause more impairment.
Understanding these motives can help us comprehend the underlying causes of reckless behavior and open the door to healthier choices.
The Science of Crossfading: How Alcohol and Weed Interact in the Body
The effects of both cannabis and alcohol can affect the central nervous system to a great extent in powerful ways. Let’s look at how they interact on an emotional level:
Alcohol: A Potent Depressant
Alcohol is categorized as a depressant that slows the brain’s function, affecting decision-making and coordination. Drinking alcohol in huge quantities at one time can cause a decrease in motor control restrictions and the ability to make decisions.
Cannabis (THC): A Complex Psychoactive
The primary psychoactive component that is found in the cannabis plant, THC, alters perception and mood, memory, and movement. The THC can cause euphoria and calm, or even more sensations; however, it can also cause anxiousness and paranoia in certain individuals.
Cross-fading is More Than a Double Whammy
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the combination of substances causes unpredictability of physical reactions and chronic complications. This is the most crucial aspect: The effects of alcohol and cannabis interplay in ways that can multiply, not only add to, their effects.
Drinking alcohol before weeping (“Greening Out” Risk):
- Research has shown that drinking before smoking cannabis can increase the body’s absorption rate of THC.
- The outcome? More intense and unpredictably high, which can often lead to “greening out.”–Symptoms may include dizziness, vomiting, panic attacks, paranoia and some hallucinations, or even a temporary psychosis.
- This can overwhelm the body’s tolerance level or capacity to deal with stress.
Weeding before Alcohol (Alcohol Poisoning risk):
- Cannabis can trick the body into believing that it is less sluggish, which can delay the sensation of being drunk, leading to an increase in intake of alcohol.
- The “false sense of control” allows you to drink until you’re at the point of becoming poisoned by alcohol, and for a long time before you realize that you’ve consumed excessive amounts.
Immediate Dangers of Mixing Weed and Alcohol
Let’s look at some of the most risky short-term risks that are associated with crossfading
1. Greening Out
Greening out is the body’s heightened negative response to an overdose of THC and is usually aggravated by alcohol abuse. The symptoms are:
- Severe nausea and vomiting
- Sweating and dizziness can be a source of stress.
- Heart rate rapid, anxiety, and fear
- The paranoia, confusion and even hallucinations
2. Alcohol Poisoning
The danger of alcohol poisoning can be a life-threatening medical emergency that is caused when you drink too much alcohol within a short period. The symptoms can include:
- Inability or lack of consciousness to wake up
- Breathing that is slow or inconsistent
- Hypothermia (low temperature of the body)
- Seizures
Drinking marijuana in combination can hide warning signals, which can allow people to drink up to dangerous levels without even noticing.
3. Dramatically Increased Accident Risk
The effects of alcohol and marijuana are abrasive to the coordination of your brain, reflexes and judgment. Together, they increase these consequences, increasing by a third or more your chance of
- High-speed or drunk driving accidents (NHTSA research shows that drivers who are cross-faded tend to inflict serious injury)
- Burns, falls, and other injuries
- Unsafe behavior (unsafe physical contact, fighting and self-harm)
A study showed that users who were cross-faded were significantly more likely to be arrested or admitted to hospital after an incident.
4. Acute Mental Health Effects
Combining alcohol with marijuana may cause panic, anxiety, and anxiety attacks. If you have mental health problems, cross-fading may trigger symptoms of psychosis and also worsen depression or suicidal thoughts.
The Long-Term Fallout of Mixing Alcohol and Weed
People often cross-fade frequently, thinking that it avoids severe disasters, and it’s safe. But research and facts prove otherwise.
1. Stronger Substance Dependence and Addiction
The repeated dosage of these substances can increase the chance of becoming addicted to cannabis, alcohol or both. Here’s why:
- The body develops a tolerance, and needs greater amounts of both substances to achieve the same results.
- This mix gives you a distinct, powerful feeling of joy and satisfaction, thereby enhancing the habit of reusing.
- Studies 2022 show crossfade users are twice as likely to develop drug abuse within a year.
2. Cognitive Damage and Lost Potential
Chronic use of combining weed or alcohol in adolescence or early adulthood is linked to consistently impaired driving performance and impaired brain development, affecting:
- Attention and memory (research indicates IQ drops and difficulties developing new abilities)
- Motivation and the process of making decisions
- Regulation of emotions
3. Organ Damage and Physical Health
Alcohol use disorder can be a burden on the liver. Marijuana use reduces blood flow, and it contributes to the damage to these organs, which are vitally important, increasing the chance of developing diseases and heart attacks, such as stroke.
Cannabis smoking could be a cause of lung irritation, particularly when it is mixed with tobacco, or in potentially hazardous environments.
Consistent vomiting that causes greening could be detrimental to the esophagus and can cause damage to the digestive system.
4. Lasting Mental Health Impact
Research studies show that regular crossfading is linked to an increased risk of anxious episodes and depression. Weed, specifically high-THC strains, could trigger psychotic symptoms for vulnerable people. Alcohol can also increase the effects. Loss of jobs, divorced family relations and loneliness are greater among those who frequently crossfade.
Warning Signs: How to Know if Mixing is Becoming a Problem
The ability to monitor one’s use, or an individual’s use, is essential to avoid the possibility of. The following are the signs to be aware of:
- More Tolerance: Using additional alcohol or weed to feel “normal”
- Blacking Out: Constant moments of memory loss, or periods that are not fully formed
- To cope: Turning into substances when you are sad or angry
- Health Decline: Unexpected depression, fatigue, and deteriorating physical health
- Dismissing Responsibility: Slipping and falling in the workplace, at school or even with relatives
- Failure to quit: Desiring to reduce and finding it difficult to cut back
Safer Choices: If You’re Not Ready to Stop
The best option is to stay clear of mixing. House of Zen understands that recovery is a process. If you or your loved ones decide to mix harm reduction techniques, they could save lives.
- Be aware of your boundaries.
- Build support groups or with trusted friends.
- Allow ample time between the use of each substance.
- Be alert for warning signs
- Do not drive
- Choose an exit strategy
- Be sure to drink plenty of water and get nourished.
House of Zen Can Help You Achieve Long-term Sobriety
We at House of Zen Recovery are aware of the dangers associated with cross-fading–we see its consequences and encourage the journeys to recovery which are a result of it.
Our method isn’t about judging or punishment. It’s about understanding, compassion and finding a fresh path to move forward. If you’re looking to reduce your intake, find methods to minimize harm or achieve sobriety.
How We Support Recovery
- Individualized Treatment Plans: These plans are based on evidence-based therapies for use of two substances, such as the management of medical conditions and withdrawal assistance.
- Therapeutic Community: Group and one-on-one counselling, connecting with people who’ve been where you are now so you don’t feel alone and helpless.
- Holistic Wellness: Meditation, yoga, and mindfulness techniques to rebalance the body and mind, as well as maintaining a diet, sleep and mental wellbeing.
- Training and Education: The practical coping strategies to stay clean of substances and rebuild your life again with a better purpose.
- Family Care: Healing of family members whose loved ones have been affected through crossfading. The help of family therapy and education complements this.
Final Thoughts
Mixing marijuana and alcohol isn’t simply something that’s an “edgy” thing to do it’s an extremely risky health hazard with serious, long-lasting effects. The initial event can turn into serious health issues such as hospitalizations or lost relationships, and even abandoned desires. The story doesn’t have to stop there.
We at House of Zen, believe in the power of second chances and giving a pathway to a healthier lifestyle. When you’re ready to quit or reduce the amount of harm you cause, or simply want assistance, we’re at hand.
If you or a loved one suffers from alcohol dependence, marijuana, alcohol, or both. Engage with us for a confidential discussion without any judgment. Remind yourself that recovery is attainable, and a better future is in your control.
