It is common for people to use more than one drug at the same time, also known as polydrug use or co-use.
Meth and Alcohol
People may drink alcohol and take methamphetamine together to “take the edge off” the jitteriness that methamphetamine causes. Mixing methamphetamine and alcohol can be risky, however, because stimulants can mask the effects of alcohol. This means a person may drink a lot more alcohol than intended and can succumb to alcohol poisoning. The combination of methamphetamine and alcohol also causes increased heart rate and blood pressure, which can lead to cardiovascular damage.
Meth and Xanax
Another drug that is frequently taken in combination with methamphetamine is Xanax. Like with alcohol, people might take methamphetamine and Xanax together to combat the jitteriness that methamphetamine causes, since Xanax is a depressant. Xanax and methamphetamine can be a potentially dangerous combination that can result in heart attack or stroke, as a result of conflicting signals – methamphetamine tells the body to speed up, whereas depressants slow the body down.
Meth and MDMA or Cocaine
Combining methamphetamine with other stimulants like MDMA or cocaine can also potentially harm the body. Multiple stimulants in combination with each other can increase the risk of overheating, heart attack, or stroke.
Meth and Heroin
Combining methamphetamine with heroin is sometimes known as “goofballing.” Mixing an “upper” like methamphetamine and a “downer” like heroin puts strain on the cardiovascular, central nervous, and respiratory systems and can place people at risk of overdose.
Meth and Sex
Sometimes people take methamphetamine to enhance their experience during sexual encounters, a practice called “chemsex.” People engaging in chemsex may also take erectile drugs like Viagra because methamphetamine can cause erectile dysfunction. This combination can potentially be harmful because methamphetamine raises blood pressure, while erectile drugs lower blood pressure; thus, the combination can put someone at higher risk of stroke.