Category: Australia

Taking part in the alcohol and drugs pinball ‘game’ is something not to be advised, yet countless people play on a regular basis.

We will consider 2 of the most popular alcohol and illegal drug combinations that will do those who dabble a lot more harm than good.

But first let’s explain:

What happens to your body when mixing alcohol and illegal drugs?

There are 2 reactions that need to be considered. These are mixing a depressant with a stimulant and mixing a depressant with a depressant.

Combining a depressant with a stimulant:

Many people mistakenly think that alcohol is a stimulant when in fact it is a depressant. When it is combined with a stimulant such as MDMA (Ecstasy) or cocaine this causes competition.

A depressant drug works by trying to slow down your brain and central nervous system, the stimulant reacts oppositely by trying to speed it up. These competing signals put immediate and strong pressure on your brain and the central nervous system.

Combining a depressant with a depressant:

An example here is combining alcohol with heroin which is a depressant drug. Both will work to slow down your central nervous system.

Dual consumption means you are increasing this slow down. The ultimate result of such a reaction is that the body will shut down completely.

Adding mix and uncertainty to a dangerous mix:

The manufacturing process of illegal drugs bears no consideration whatsoever to quality control. Users of ANY illegal drug should not fool themselves that the desired high they are buying into is anywhere near pure.

The whole raft of readily available street drugs are cut with a wide variety of other ingredients. Examples of this are cheaper drugs such as over the counter tranquilisers and toxic chemicals.

Mix such an unknown set of ingredients with alcohol and you are turning your body into a ‘cocktail shaker’ that can produce unknown reactions and a potentially harmful end result.

Reckless decisions:

Those who are under the individual influence of either alcohol or their drug of choice are inclined to make quick, reckless decisions.

This makes them far more susceptible when it comes to accepting and taking the other element of a dangerous duo.

Examples of this are those under the influence of alcohol will have far less concern about readily accepting a gram of coke to pick them up, while those high on ecstasy and dancing with gay abandon will not think too long or too hard about downing whatever alcohol is put in front of them.

The excessive use of either alcohol or illegal drugs is opening the door to huge potential dependency issues, a combination of both really is asking for trouble in many ways.

Cocaine and alcohol:

This is an extremely popular, but very dangerous combination. The two create a partnership that increase the chances of a heart attack, it can lead to fits, and in extreme cases sudden death.

The interaction of the two drugs can produce cocaethylene. This is a highly toxic substance that forms in your liver.

Cocaethylene is known to increase the depressive effects of alcohol which in turn makes your reaction to cocaine that much stronger. Aggression is also increased by the presence of this substance in your system.

Another very important fact is that cocaethylene stays in your system longer than alcohol and cocaine. The lingering presence of this toxic substance means you are subjecting your heart and liver to even longer and further unnecessary periods of stress.

Alcohol and MDMA (Ecstasy):

Rather than increase the high given from ecstasy there is a possibility that alcohol will actually deaden the buzz when both are present in your system. This body and brain reaction to another very popular combo really does defeat the object.

What it does not defeat, and indeed intensifies is ‘the morning after effect. Those using such a combination will find they have a mother of all hangovers when they come down.

While this may seem an ‘unjust reward’ for your efforts it could very well turn out to be a favourable one because of the possible alternative outcomes.

Both elements of this combination can dangerously dehydrate you. Ecstasy can cause heatstroke while alcohol is a diuretic; this means fluids are lost through increased urination.

Combine the two and the amount of bodily fluids lost and not replaced can be deadly. Indeed alcohol is involved in the majority of ecstasy related deaths.

Another danger is that this draining combination increases unnecessary strain on your liver and kidneys. Feelings of nausea and resulting vomiting are a common side effect.

Don’t play the alcohol and drugs pinball:

The bottom line is that those who regularly dabble with either alcohol or drugs on an individual basis are taking risks.

To ‘play’ with both at the same time is greatly increasing your risk of serious health problems and makes it one game you should definitely avoid.

Secret drinkers may think their secret is safe, but safe with who? Even if silence is initially maintained by your loved ones please do not think they are oblivious to your behaviour.

It is vital to understand that this is one secret you must not keep to yourself. Constant denial will lead to deeper dependence.

Is there a stereotype for those who secretly drink?

Most certainly, definitely and positively NOT! Some will live alone and drink alone, others exist in a family environment where strategically stashed bottles await to be drank and replenished on a very regular basis.

People with secret drinking habits come from all walks of life and a wide range of backgrounds.

There is no membership criteria for those who join this ‘not so secret club’. Indeed, it is, and has been well oversubscribed for many years now but continues to welcome new members into the fold without prejudice.

What leads to drinking in secret?

There are a whole variety of reasons people choose to drink alone. Some major factors include relationship difficulties, stress or pressure of work and those who are suffering from depression.

Others are affected by a deep sadness while those who are lonely see it as a way of escaping such a feeling.

Women who are secret drinkers may well have reached this stage for a fairly straightforward reason.

It is very true that many are as socially comfortable as men when it comes to regular visits and nights out at popular watering holes, but it is also a fact that many others find the comfort of home a far more appealing place to drink than visiting bars on their own.

Regular visits to a selection of nearby bottle shops is a far less daunting prospect than spending regular time in a bar.

Shame and Guilt – It can hit you twice:

A significant number of secret drinkers become best friends with a bottle out of shame or guilt.

This can be a double-edged downer. A particularly harrowing incident in their past can leave them feeling ashamed or guilty. This is regardless of whether any blame was attached to them or not.

A common response to such trauma is to drown their sorrows on an all too regular and lonely basis.

Such behaviour leads to a different type of shame and guilt. One that is based around deceit. They will constantly deny to others that there is anything to be concerned about and can maintain such false statements because they regularly reinforce and re-convince themselves that their solo drinking habits can be ceased whenever they wish.

If only! Once the demon drink gets a hold of you it presses home its advantage through constant and heavier alcohol consumption.

Drinking alone – Is it a cry for help?

The answer is a very positive ‘yes’, but that is not the answer secret drinkers want to hear. This is because they are in personal denial about the extent of their problem, they are scared and often feel ashamed or embarrassed about their situation.

While such denial is maintained their cry for help will remain a silent one.

The devastating effects of secret drinking cannot be explained too strongly. It will damage your physical and psychological health, and in many cases close relationships will suffer damage that is often beyond repair.

The longer you continue a habit of secret drinking the more depressed you will become. Depression lends itself to despair and desperate measures. Don’t let it get to you because of continued self-denial.

You are not fooling your loved ones and deep down you know very well that you are not fooling yourself.

Do not continue to stifle that cry:

Whatever your reasons are for drinking alone they must be confronted.

Be brave, stand up and admit you have an alcohol problem. Don’t be scared to seek professional rehab help. It is available, ready and waiting.

Once this initial contact is made you will feel a great weight lifted from your shoulders as well as your conscience.

Yes, it will be a tough time of your life during recovery, but the end results of coming off and staying off alcohol will become patently clear.

One thing is for sure; it will far outweigh a snatched, secret sip here, a guilty gulp there and those endless trips to the bathroom to polish off and then replenish that stashed bottle.

Do you really know what’s in your fix? It would appear that the vast majority of regular drug users do not.

They are being short-changed by the amount of impurities, adulterants and diluents contained in the pills, bags and wraps purchased day in and day out.

Let’s be honest, the vast majority of us would never dream of tucking into a meal without knowing its contents.

So why do millions of men and women have no qualms about shelling out good money for illegal substances without the least understanding of what they contain?

Why so trustworthy in a very untrustworthy business:

One thing should be blindingly obvious to those who buy illegal drugs; the source producing them and those pedaling them do not have the buyer’s personal wellbeing as a priority.

The multi-billion dollar drugs trade lusts after money and the more they can take from each individual the better it makes them feel.

Such operations will not intentionally churn out patently dangerous drugs, but they are certainly not averse to blending cheaper and more readily available ingredients into what they sell as the genuine item.

It must also be remembered that the source of such production ranges from basement kitchens to sophisticated factory style operations.

With this firmly in mind you should decide for yourself whether such a swingeing array of manufacturing methods use the same formula.

We will look at just 3 of the most popular drugs and explain what you should be getting and what variations on a theme are often served up.

What’s in your fix – Amphetamine:

Speed, Billy, Whizz; this drug has a whole host of monikers. It is also the most adulterated illegal substance out there. Samples tested have shown a ridiculous 1 percent purity in batches seized. As for average purity, this is purported to run at around just 10 pct.

What’s the cut?

Take your pick; sugar should sweeten the drop in your bank balance, then think caffeine, ephedrine, sometimes both. Paracetamol is not unknown, for those on a ‘health’ kick they may be getting Vitamin C. Not quite as appetising are talcum powder and chalk.

What’s in your fix – Ecstasy:

Moving onwards and upwards how about that thumpin’ pumpin’ chilled out love drug. Ecstasy is pushed successfully as a match made in drug heaven for raves, all-nighters and house parties to remember.

Many old-time ravers will reminisce and tell the young upstarts that back in the day one ‘E’ would keep them buzzing for an intense 12 hour session, and even then they were still ready to party on down, but in the vast majority of deals today such strength and purity is unheard of.

For many of today’s ‘E’ users a 2 or 3 hour ‘bang’ is what they have always known and readily accept. This acceptance comes with a caveat. Any ‘self-respecting’ raver will have extra pills ready to pop once the effects of their last one begins to dull.

What’s the cut?

MDMA is what you are being told it is. Some pills contain none at all. Others will have varying amounts of the ‘real’ ingredient. It then depends on what’s at hand for the remainder.

You could be getting our friend amphetamine, then there is ketamine and ephedrine. Caffeine is also very popular. Some kindly manufacturers even slip in tranquillizers such as flunitrazepam. You may know this as the evil date rape drug; rohypnol.

What’s in your fix – Cocaine:

The darling of many. The problem is that when it zips into action after a line or two your chances of getting a reasonable purity are up in the air as well as up your nose.

Estimates and samples have found that purity varies between 20 and 90 pct.

Let’s face it that is a hell of a gamble for a drug that costs. Perhaps you will be more than satisfied at the top end of the scale, but way down low will make you feel low.

What’s the cut?

What you are powdering your nose with will contain related chemicals such as lidocaine or benzocaine, then add into the mix a good sprinkling of sugars such as glucose, lactose and mannitol.

What’s in your fix – Is it really worth it?

As you get heavier on drug use your bank balance will become lighter. Of course that is your choice, but another far more important effect is the potential damage you are doing to yourself physically and psychologically.

Once dependence takes hold you will be unable to simply turn your back on it. If you are already dependent or heading that way please seek professional rehab assistance.

These dedicated individuals are there to help not judge. It will be a challenging time of your life, but such challenges can be faced up to and beaten.

Once you are well on the recovery road the question: What’s in your fix, will become totally irrelevant. Beating dependence will do wonders for your health, social life and close relationships as well as your bank balance.

Drinking alcohol is legal for those over the age of consent, it is a social pastime enjoyed by millions the world over, but what do your drinking habits say about you? Are you hale and hearty or ale and anguished?

Legal but with the potential for addiction:

It is very important for those who enjoy a drink to understand just how easily it is to get into the habit of regular and excessive drinking.

The opportunities and temptation are clearly there. There are countless outlets serving alcohol. Social meetings are very often arranged around one of the local bars, restaurants or clubs in your locale.

Then you have the licensed shops and supermarkets that stock anything and everything alcoholic. It is very easy to slip into a routine where you make your local store a regular stopping off point on the way home from work.

The more regularly you drink the more chance you have of ‘getting the taste’. Once this happens you will gradually build-up your tolerance to alcohol.

Hale and hearty or ale and anguished – What alcohol does to you:

When alcohol is consumed it triggers the release of endorphins. These neurotransmitters give feelings of pleasure, excitement and satisfaction.

The relaxed, content feelings many receive from a glass or two of their favourite tipple leave them feeling happy, talkative and inhibitions are lowered, the downside of alcohol is that if you begin to drink regularly your body and mind not only tolerate what you are giving them, they hanker for more.

This means that where one or two drinks used to satisfy your needs, more of the same is required to reach the same levels of satisfaction. Continue drinking and you will need yet more, and so the cycle of dependence spins ever faster.

Hale and hearty or ale and anguished – Positives and negatives:

Here are just 3 situations where alcohol consumption can give positives and negatives:

Bright and bubbly or boorish and bad mannered:

Moderate drinking can enhance a social gathering. With friends you feel relaxed and more outgoing, and at more formal events it can help break the ice when being introduced to strangers.

The opposite must be said of those whose regular expectation of alcohol is to get roaring drunk.

They are often far louder than they need be, self-opinions can be expressed rather more forcibly than necessary, slurring and unsteady feet are part of their make-up and many turn aggressive.

This heavy drinking can harm in more ways than one. The health consequences of regular, heavy drinking are frightening, and continued drunken behaviour will see their social circle shrink as acquaintances avoid them rather than put up with such a boorish manner.

Exercise and reasonable diet:

Your drinking regimen coupled with the amount of exercise taken, and the diet you eat play a large part as to whether you will remain hale and hearty or ale and anguished.

Keeping yourself in shape and eating a balanced diet coupled with an occasional drink or two is the sensible way to go.

On the other hand those who do little or no exercise, major on junk foods and regularly consume too much alcohol are asking for trouble. They are leaving themselves open to a whole host of health problems.

Sexual thoughts, feelings and performance:

Looking forward to a night of intimacy with your partner can be enhanced with a couple of drinks beforehand. This is because a reasonable amount of alcohol helps lower inhibitions.

Conversely, having too many drinks before sex may get the brain working overtime, but it does the opposite in terms of performance.

Many women find natural lubrication a problem, men on the other hand often cannot rise to the occasion. If either or both partners find themselves regularly struggling to become aroused or perform this can cause relationship rifts that will get wider unless alcohol consumption is reduced.

Hale and hearty or ale and anguished – Everything in moderation:

It is vital that you keep your alcohol consumption to reasonable levels. If you do over imbibe on occasions then please leave 3 or 4 days before your next drink, and make sure that drink is kept to sensible levels.

Dependence upon alcohol is a very easy trap to fall into. If you feel yourself being drawn to alcohol on a regular basis, or are starting to think about the need for a drink on a regular basis it is important you seek help and advice sooner rather than later.

Those who know deep down they have a drink problem, but are currently in denial, please stop fooling yourself. You certainly are not fooling those closest to you.

It is absolutely vital you seek the help of professional rehab services. The longer you delay this effective helping hand the deeper your dependence will become.

Drinking alcohol is a pastime enjoyed by millions of men and women the world over. Consuming too much of your favourite tipple on a regular basis has become the bane of many lives. The vast majority of whom will suffer with the booze blues.

These blues will wash over you in a variety of different ways. We will consider just 3 negatives that many who over imbibe will no doubt have raised a glass to during happier times. They are Health, Wealth and Happiness:

Health:

As you continue to drink your general health will suffer. Exercise will no doubt become a thing of the past, a good proportion of those who regularly drink to excess will have a poor diet and that vital nutritional balance required to keep you in good health will be missing.

Each sip of alcohol you consume goes into your bloodstream. This means it affects every part of your body.

Examples of this are that the liver and kidneys will take a hammering and your heart will have to work overtime to keep the body ticking. By causing such heart stress you are greatly increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Wealth:

Make no mistake, the booze blues will damage your bank balance and savings. Those drinking on a daily basis will find that their major priority is to have enough cash for their daily drinking spree.

Household improvements and holidays can become a rarity and many have so little spare cash that savings plans are certainly not on the agenda.

Dependence upon alcohol leads to denial. While many see this denial centering around a refusal to admit just how much alcohol is being taken on board, and the reality that those with drink issues cannot function or face any extended period without topping up it also extends to expense.

An alcoholic will regularly deny to themselves and those closest to them just exactly how much they are spending on the demon drink.

Happiness:

Denial also has a major part to play in the happiness of yourself and those closest to you. Drinking alcohol in moderation can certainly add to the enjoyment of social occasions. It can also help you and your partner relax.

But once drink becomes a regular and needed companion the booze blues will set in and moments of happiness will become few and far between.

It is a natural reaction that you will deny to yourself the actual amount of drink you are consuming.

You will regularly reinforce such denial to those closest to you. While they may believe you in the beginning one thing will quickly become obvious. As your drinking increases they will witness actions and behaviour that make it very clear you are not being truthful.

Telltale signs will include such things as your appearance and general health suffering, family obligations will take a back seat as more of your time is spent in an alcoholic haze and your employment prospects will go downhill.

Loved ones have strength and resilience above and beyond the call of duty, but it is vital to remember that they will also feel the full force of these booze blues.

Everyone has their limits. When a person continues to ignore the blatant signs their excessive drinking habits are displaying to those who care they are selfishly and uncaringly distancing their loved ones. The end result for many is not a pretty one.

They are condemning close relationships and the associated happiness this can bring to an end. In short it is a surefire way to close the door on such relationships.

Once this happens the alcoholic will become bitter, depressed and reach for the bottle on an ever more regular basis.

If you are aware your drinking is causing relationship problems PLEASE do something about it before it is too late.

The booze blues – Don’t let them get you down:

Those who have a drink problem must understand they are not the first person in this position and will most certainly not be the last.

They must understand there is no shame in seeking professional rehab assistance.

As opposed to shame, seeking such help should be seen as a brave and major step in the right direction.

In most cases this admission to your loved ones will be seen as a positive. It will show that you really do care and that you intend to put things right.

Partners will stand by and support you during your rehabilitation. It will not be an easy road, but it is one that is well travelled.

Such determination and courage by those who are currently suffering from alcohol dependence offers a very good chance of beating those booze blues.

By doing so you will be getting your life and those loving relationships you so desperately need back on track.