Mixing Cocaine and Alcohol. Alcohol and Cocaines’ Cocaethylene Risk & Dangers.

What is Cocaethylene?

When cocaine and alcohol are used together, the liver metabolizes them into cocaethylene, which has distinct psychoactive effects. Cocaethylene can be more toxic and longer-lasting than either cocaine or alcohol alone, and it contributes to the increased health risks associated with mixing these substances.

Severe cardiovascular complications can happen due to cocaethylene:

• An elevated heart rate.
• Increased blood pressure.
• An increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Moreover, cocaethylene can stress the liver and other organs, increasing the potential for organ damage.

Due to its harmful effects, cocaethylene is considered a hazardous byproduct of cocaine and alcohol mix, and it underscores the importance of avoiding the simultaneous use of these substances to protect one’s health and well-being. If someone is struggling with substance abuse involving cocaine, alcohol, or any other drugs, seeking professional help and support is crucial.

Cocaethylene Half Life

The half-life of cocaethylene refers to the time it takes for half of the compound to be eliminated from the body. Cocaethylene’s half-life is more prolonged than cocaine or alcohol alone, contributing to its potentially lengthy effects and increased health risks.

The individual’s metabolism determines the half-life of cocaethylene, the dose of cocaine and alcohol consumed, and the frequency of use. On average, cocaethylene’s half-life is around 2.5 to 5.5 hours. However, cocaethylene can still be detected in the body for longer, depending on the specific drug test used.

Cocaethylene in Urine

Cocaethylene detection time in urine is approximately 2 to 4 days after the last use.

However, the detection window can be affected by various factors, and in some cases, cocaethylene may be detectable for a shorter or longer period. Furthermore, specialized drug tests may have different detection capabilities, and some tests may be able to detect cocaethylene for an extended period.

Alcohol and Cocaines’ Side Effects

When cocaine and alcohol are combined, they create a dangerous and toxic mix that can lead to several adverse effects on the body and mind. Here are the potential effects of combining cocaine and alcohol:

• Formation of cocaethylene: The liver metabolizes cocaine and alcohol together, forming cocaethylene, which can have longer-lasting and more toxic effects than either substance alone.
• Increased euphoria and risk-taking behavior: The combination of cocaine’s stimulant and alcohol’s depressant effects can lead to heightened euphoria, reduced inhibitions, and increased risk-taking behaviors.
• Cardiovascular strain: Both substances individually stress the cardiovascular system, and their combination can lead to an elevated heart rate, increased blood pressure, and a higher risk of heart-related issues.
• Impaired judgment and coordination: The combination can lead to impaired cognitive function, reduced coordination, and impaired decision-making abilities.
• Intensified hangover symptoms: After the effects wear off, users may experience more severe hangover symptoms, including fatigue, headache, and dehydration.
• Increased risk of overdose: The combination of cocaine and alcohol can mask the signs of intoxication, leading individuals to take more of either substance, increasing the risk of overdose.
• Organ damage: Cocaethylene and the strain on the liver from processing both substances can lead to increased stress and potential damage to the liver and other organs.
• Elevated risk of addiction: The combined use of cocaine and alcohol can increase the likelihood of developing addiction due to the reinforcing effects on the brain.

Learn More:

• Interesting Facts About Cocaine. 10 Facts About Cocaine You Probably Didn’t Know. Fun 3 Facts About Cocaine.
• How Addictive is Cocaine? The Dangers of Cocaine Addiction
• Signs of Cocaine Use, Effects, Withdrawal Symptoms & Treatment
• How Long Does Cocaine Stay In Your Blood? (How Long Does Cocaine Stay In Your Blood Stream?) 
• Cocaine Detox Timeline, Withdrawal Symptoms & Treatment
• What Is Cocaine? Cocaine’s Effects. How Is Cocaine Made & Used? Is Cocaine Addictive? Signs & Side Effects.
• How To Get Cocaine Out Of Your System Safely, Detox, & Professional Help
• Alcohol Addiction Treatment, Alcoholism, Signs, Complications & Recovery Rehab Programs
• AWS or Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline Symptoms, Seizures, Signs & Alcohol Withdrawal Detox Treatment
• Alcohol Detox Timeline & How To Safely Manage Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Treatment

2.2 Million

In 2019, roughly 2.2 million people aged 12 or older in the US reported using cocaine.

Source: NCBI

85.6%

In the US, about 85.6% of adults aged 18 or older reported drinking alcohol at some point in their lifetime as of 2019.

Source: NCBI

Cocaine:

• Classification: Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug derived from the coca plant.
• Effects: It induces a short-lived euphoria, increased energy, alertness, and confidence, but it can also lead to anxiety, paranoia, and restlessness.
• Risks: Cocaine use carries a high risk of addiction, cardiovascular problems, respiratory issues, and neurological damage.
• Legal status: Cocaine is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States, meaning it has a high potential for abuse but has some accepted medical uses.

Alcohol:

• Classification: Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant and the active ingredient in alcoholic beverages.
• Effects: It causes relaxation, reduced inhibitions, and euphoria at lower doses, but higher quantities can lead to impaired coordination, slurred speech, and cognitive impairment.
• Risks: Excessive alcohol consumption can result in addiction, liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and neurological impairment.
• Legal status: Alcohol is legal for adults in most countries, but regulations regarding purchase and consumption vary.

Alcohol:

• Breath: Alcohol can be detected in breath for up to 24 hours after consumption.
• Blood: Alcohol can be detected in blood for up to 12 hours or longer, depending on the amount consumed.
• Urine: Alcohol can be detected in urine for up to 12-48 hours after drinking, depending on the amount consumed and individual metabolism.

Cocaine:

• Blood: Cocaine can be detected in blood for 1-2 days after use.
• Urine: Cocaine can be detected in urine for up to 2-4 days after use, but it may be detectable for a more extended period in chronic users or with heavy use.
• Hair: Cocaine can be detected in hair follicles for up to 90 days or more, depending on the length of the hair sample.

Cocaine and Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Cocaine and alcohol withdrawal can lead to different symptoms, as they are distinct substances with separate effects on the body. Here are some common withdrawal symptoms associated with each:

Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms:

• Fatigue and lethargy.
• Increased appetite.
• Intense drug cravings.
• Depression and anxiety.
• Agitation and irritability.
• Disturbed sleep patterns.
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors in severe cases.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms:

• Tremors or shakiness.
• Sweating and fever.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Anxiety and restlessness.
• Headache and dizziness.
• Hallucinations (in severe cases).
• Seizures (in severe cases).

We Level Up Cocaine and Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Suppose you or someone you care about is struggling with alcohol and cocaine dependence. We encourage you to seek professional help and support through a detox and addiction treatment program. Overcoming addiction can be challenging, but with the proper guidance and support, you can regain control of your life and work towards a healthier future.

We Level Up addiction treatment and detoxification under medical supervision can ensure a safer withdrawal process, as trained professionals can manage and mitigate withdrawal symptoms, reducing the risk of complications. Moreover, our detox and addiction treatment programs provide a supportive environment with professionals who understand addiction’s complexities and can help you address the underlying issues driving substance use.

Sobriety can help repair strained relationships and rebuild trust with loved ones, improving overall well-being and quality of life. Resources and support are available to help you navigate this challenging journey toward recovery. Contact We Level Up treatment center to learn about options and begin your path toward a healthier, drug-free life.