The most popular recreational drugs these days appear to be weed, beer or wine among most adults.
Marijuana is a widely used psychoactive substance in the US and medical and recreational legalization has risen over the past decade.
Wine consumption continues to be a popular recreational alcoholic beverage of choice, and beer the statistics are also impressive. Let’s keep in mind the assortment of local US beers and American wines available.
A few words of warning. Mixing alcohol and cannabis can make most feel more impaired and lead to risky behavior and accidental harm. Consuming cannabis first may reduce the amount of alcohol you drink. But the risks of combining these substances outweigh this possible benefit.
Over time, consuming cannabis and alcohol together can increase your risk of mental health problems and substance use disorders. If you’re using these substances to cope with life challenges, consider therapy and medical treatment as an alternative.
It’s best to avoid mixing weed and alcohol. But if you choose to do so, there are steps you can take to help lower your risks. These include having a safety plan in place and starting with a small amount of both substances.
Increased impairment: Alcohol and cannabis both affect brain activity. The combination can make it harder for you to remember things, focus, or move around safely. The chance of accidental harm may go up due to these combined effects. This is especially dangerous if you’re driving. People who mix alcohol and cannabis are twice as likely to drive while intoxicated as those who don’t.
Drinking more alcohol: Mixing cannabis with alcohol can make it harder to tell how drunk you are. So you may end up drinking more than you normally would. This can increase the risk of binge drinking or alcohol poisoning.
Physical symptoms: Side effects such as nausea and vomiting, dizziness, and sweating can occur. You may also feel anxious or distressed.
Risky behavior: Impaired judgment can raise the chance of risky behaviors, such as unprotected sex, which can have serious consequences.
Call 911 or seek immediate help if you or someone you know shows signs or symptoms of an alcohol overdose:
- Mental confusion
- Loss of consciousness (passing out)
- Vomiting
- Cold, damp, or pale skin
- Slow or irregular heart rate or breathing
- Seizures
A cannabis overdose is rarely fatal, but it may cause anxiety or panic attacks. In severe cases, seizures and hallucinations can occur. If symptoms are severe or seem life-threatening, seek emergency care.
