Polysubstance use occurs when two or more drugs are taken together, either intentionally or unintentionally.
(CDC, 2024)
Depressants
Depressants (aka downers) slows down the central nervous system and decreases the breathing rate.
Examples: opioids (prescription opioids, heroin, morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl), benzodiazepines, alcohol
Mixing Depressants
Combining depressants can also directly or indirectly increase your risk of accidents or injuries, impaired judgement or coordination, nausea/vomiting, blackouts or memory loss, damage to the brain and other organs, overdose, and death. Mixing alcohol (considered a depressant) with other drugs can increase your risk of overdose and serious damage to the brain, heart, and other organs.