A person may think they are using “small” amounts of two different substances, but effects do not always add up in a simple way. Alcohol, opioids, and sedatives can all depress the central nervous system, increasing the risk of extreme drowsiness, unconsciousness, and breathing problems.
An unregulated drug supply adds another layer of uncertainty because a pill may contain different ingredients or concentrations than expected. That is why mixing substances is one of the situations where personal estimates of tolerance can be especially unreliable.
Practical takeaways:
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Do not combine alcohol with opioids or sedatives.
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If someone is difficult to wake, unresponsive, or breathing abnormally, call emergency services.
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Tell medical staff what may have been taken; accurate information can save critical time.
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