At Empower Treatment, we recognize the serious and often life-threatening consequences of polysubstance use disorder, a condition characterized by the simultaneous use of two or more substances. While alcohol is commonly mixed with other drugs, it’s far from the only combination causing concern. Sometimes, this disorder stems from overlapping addictions, but in many cases, it arises from individuals seeking to enhance or prolong the effects of drugs by combining them. This intensification, however, dramatically increases the risk of harmful outcomes.
When multiple substances are used together, their combined impact is far more dangerous than each drug on its own. This can lead to long-term physical and mental health damage, and in many cases, overdose. For opioid users, two especially risky drug combinations are speedballing and goofballing—both of which pose significant health risks and require specialized, compassionate care.
What is speedballing?
Speedballing is a dangerous form of polysubstance use involving the combination of an opioid—such as heroin, oxycodone, or fentanyl—with cocaine. Opioids are depressants, meaning they slow down the body’s systems, particularly the respiratory and cardiovascular functions. When opioids bind to receptors in the brain, they can cause breathing and heart rates to drop to dangerously low, and sometimes fatal, levels.
In contrast, cocaine is a stimulant, producing nearly the opposite effect. It speeds up the body’s functions, increasing heart rate and energy levels. However, rather than canceling each other out, opioids and cocaine amplify one another’s effects during speedballing. This intensifies and prolongs the high, but also creates a dangerous push-pull effect on the body.
For instance, while cocaine demands more oxygen by increasing heart rate and metabolism, opioids slow down breathing, causing the body to struggle to meet conflicting demands. This strain on the heart and lungs significantly increases the risk of overdose, organ damage, and other life-threatening complications.
What is goofballing?
Goofballing is another dangerous form of polysubstance use, where methamphetamine is combined with an opioid, replacing cocaine as the stimulant. Although methamphetamine and cocaine share some similarities, goofballing presents its own distinct risks. Methamphetamine takes longer to process in the body, leading to a more prolonged and intense high when used alongside opioids.
This extended stimulation significantly increases the strain on both the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, resulting in higher rates of hyperstimulation. Additionally, individuals engaging in goofballing often report increased psychiatric issues, including heightened paranoia and other mental health challenges.
Why does polysubstance abuse happen?
Polysubstance use disorder is influenced by various factors, often depending on the combination of drugs used. In many instances, individuals engage in polysubstance use to counteract the negative or uncomfortable effects of one drug with another. For example, some people take methamphetamine alongside an opioid to extend the opioid’s effects and delay the onset of painful withdrawal symptoms. Others seek the combined effects of euphoria and pain relief from opioids while simultaneously benefiting from the physical stimulation of drugs like cocaine or methamphetamine.
In some cases, people stagger their drug use, taking one substance as the effects of the first begin to peak, to prolong the high and avoid withdrawal symptoms. This timing strategy can extend the duration of intoxication while delaying the body’s natural recovery processes.
Alternatively, some users space out their drug use over the course of a day. A stimulant, such as methamphetamine or cocaine, might be taken in the morning to feel more alert and energetic. However, as the day progresses and stimulants continue to affect the body, individuals may turn to opioids in the evening to relax or induce sleep, utilizing the depressant effects of opioids to counterbalance the stimulant's residual effects.
The risks of polysubstance use disorder
The concurrent use of multiple substances significantly increases the risk of health complications and overdose. Alarming trends suggest that polysubstance use disorder is on the rise, as shown by a marked increase in psychostimulant-related overdose deaths involving opioids, as well as opioid-related deaths involving methamphetamine. Research has also revealed that individuals with polysubstance use disorder are more likely to contract viral hepatitis, suffer from poor mental and physical health, and use more potent and dangerous opioids, such as fentanyl.
It's important to note that mixing stimulants and depressants isn’t the only dangerous combination. Opioids are increasingly being combined with other depressants, particularly benzodiazepines, or “benzos,” which are commonly prescribed for anxiety and sleep disorders. This mixture is particularly hazardous because both drugs suppress the respiratory system. When taken together, the risk of respiratory depression is greatly amplified, leading to a higher likelihood of overdose. In fact, as many as 14% of fatal opioid overdoses in 2021 also involved benzodiazepines.
At Empower Treatment, we are acutely aware of the increasing dangers associated with polysubstance use. We offer specialized care tailored to address these complex patterns of drug use, helping individuals navigate the challenges of recovery and reduce the risk of life-threatening complications.
Patient-focused treatment for polysubstance abuse
Beginning treatment for polysubstance use disorder can feel overwhelming, especially with the concern of precipitated withdrawal. At Empower Treatment, we are dedicated to making the recovery process as accessible and supportive as possible. We offer Telehealth & in community services in conjunction with Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) to individuals in Ohio, allowing patients to receive personalized care from the comfort of their own homes.
Our dedicated care team will work with you to minimize the risks associated with polysubstance use and ensure that you receive the most effective treatment for your needs. Contact us today to find out if you’re a candidate for our tailored treatment programs and start your journey to recovery.
