What Are the Dangers of Using Alcohol and Marijuana?

It's not uncommon for people to mix substances, even though doing so can be extremely dangerous. One of the most common polysubstance use combinations people engage in is alcohol and marijuana. Yet, doing so can be risky. When used separately, both alcohol and marijuana can be risky. Thus, it's no wonder using them together can sometimes be the most dangerous. Let's consider the dangers of alcohol consumption and marijuana use, the risk of developing substance use disorder (SUD), and what steps can be taken to achieve healing and recovery.

Help is available for those struggling with SUD, but the first step is recognizing and acknowledging the problem. Alcohol and marijuana use has become so casual that most can't see the harm of it, but we can help. Speak with a doctor or mental health professional and call West Coast Recovery Centers to seek treatment today. 

The Risks of Alcohol Consumption and Developing Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction – generally referred to today as alcohol use disorder (AUD) – affects millions of Americans nationwide. In 2022 alone, a national survey indicated that 28.8 million adults had AUD in 2021. A number of factors can lead to the development of AUD, including: 

• Genetics and a family history of alcohol or addiction 
• The presence of co-occurring mental health conditions
• Starting to drink at an unusually early age 
• Social influences, like peer pressure 
• Early exposure to trauma, such as parental neglect or abuse

Many roadblocks can hinder a person's recovery from AUD. Lack of resources, inability to enter into residential treatment, or financial hardships can all make seeking treatment difficult. However, it's also challenging for some to accept the severity of AUD when alcohol consumption is so widely accepted across society. 

From holiday parties to football games and summer barbecues, alcohol has a strong presence in many cultures. Such wide acceptance makes the dangers of excessive alcohol use seem less realistic. Yet, the fact remains that excessive drinking can lead to: 

• Accident-related injuries 
• Severe alcohol poisoning 
• Development of chronic conditions such as liver disease 
• Acts of violence, including homicide or domestic violence 
• Increased erratic and risky behavior 
• Cognitive impairments

Of course, those who drink excessively are at a greater risk for developing AUD, but how do these risks increase when people use alcohol and marijuana simultaneously? 

Can Casual Marijuana Use Lead to Cannabis Dependency?

SUD is an umbrella term that is used to describe an inability to stop or control substance use. An individual with SUD will continue using a substance of choice despite the health risks or problems that it is causing within their professional and personal lives. Many associate severe SUD with alcohol and drugs like heroin or prescription opioids. However, any substance can have power over a person, and in any case, it can become a problem. This holds true even for those who use marijuana.

Cannabis use has become increasingly common over the years, and many are under the impression that you can't become dependent on it. Unfortunately, that's not always true. Ironically, many experiment with marijuana in the hopes of helping issues like anxiety and depression. Unfortunately, this can often lead to more severe symptoms or the development of depression, in some cases. 

Some are at risk for developing a cannabis use disorder, and the dangers of marijuana use – and drug use in general – are far greater when combined with alcohol. 

What Are the Dangers of Alcohol and Marijuana Use?

Using any two substances simultaneously is dangerous. In the case of alcohol and marijuana, both are depressants and can significantly impair one's ability to function. When mixed, the effects of each substance become more intense than they would on their own. Some people may even use both substances to experience this intended result. 

The active ingredients in alcohol and cannabis – ethanol and THC respectively – impair the parts of the brain that control our behaviors, judgment, reflexes, and emotions. These brain parts are also responsible for our decision-making skills and overall inhibitions. Combining the two can cause a wide range of responses, including but not limited to: 

• Impaired cognitive ability 
• Poor judgement 
• Slowed reflexes 
• Increased heart rate 
• Distorted vision 
• Short-term memory loss
• Impaired motor function 

In extremely severe cases, using alcohol and marijuana together can also cause: 

• Audio or visual hallucinations 
• Extreme paranoia and delusions 
• Increased risk of overdose and severe respiratory complications 

Treating Alcohol and Marijuana Dependency

We hope individuals understand the dangers of using alcohol and marijuana together, as well as the risk they can pose for ongoing dependency. Additionally, we encourage those struggling with dependency on alcohol or marijuana to seek professional help immediately. Treatment for alcohol and marijuana dependency requires both addictions to be treated simultaneously, but it is possible. 

At West Coast Recovery Centers, we help clients rediscover their lives through sustainable recovery. We do this through clinical approaches, utilizing individual and group therapy, substance abuse psychoeducation, and several holistic practices. Our approach can help you recover from alcohol and marijuana addiction. Contact us to learn more about the dangers of alcohol and marijuana use or to begin your treatment journey today! 

It's not uncommon for individuals struggling with substance use disorder (SUD) to be dependent on more than one substance. One combination that has become increasingly common over the years is alcohol and marijuana use. Though many believe combining these two substances is relatively harmless, that's untrue. Not only does it increase one's risk for dependency, but it can lead to a number of physical effects that can have lifelong, if not life-threatening, consequences. That's why individuals must research and understand the dangers of using alcohol and marijuana together. Thankfully, treatment for alcohol and marijuana addiction is possible. Contact West Coast Recovery Centers at (760) 492-6509 if you or a loved one is struggling with dependence on alcohol or marijuana today.