If you take cocaine and alcohol together, your body makes something new called cocaethylene.
Cocaethylene sticks around in your body longer than cocaine. It’s often more harmful than cocaine as your body has to work harder to cope with it. This means the good and bad effects can last longer – and the risks can be higher.
Impact on the body
-
-
Puts more strain on your heart and liver and can cause permanent liver damage.
-
Increase in heart rate and blood pressure raises the chance of a seizure, heart attack, or stroke.
-
Can make you feel extra bold or less tired, which sometimes leads to taking bigger risks.
-
Looking after yourself
- Think about how you’re feeling before you use
-
The safest choice is not mixing alcohol and cocaine
- Go low and slow. Start with a small amount and leave two hours before using again.
-
If you do use, try to drink water, eat something, and take breaks
-
Try not to use alone. Stay with people you trust who can help if something happens.
-
Know the warning signs: chest pain, struggling to breathe, seizures, or passing out. If this happens, call 999 straight away
After using
Due to the potency of cocaethylene, there’s a good chance you’ll experience a ‘comedown’. The symptoms don’t last forever, but they can affect your mood, motivation, energy levels and your mental health.
People are more likely to feel several affects on their mental health after using, including low mood or depression, anxiety, fatigue, irritability, brain fog or even “disaster” thoughts.
If you’re experiencing a ‘come down’, make sure to:
- Look after yourself and be kind to yourself.
- Rest and sleep.
- Gentle activity, such as walking.
- Refuel to help your recovery, prioritise food and rehydrating
Be aware of BBVs
You can catch bloodborne viruses even if you don’t inject a drug – often through unprotected sex or sharing equipment. If you think you’re at risk of blood-borne viruses, you can access free testing from any drug or alcohol service, your GP or a sexual health centre.
