Polydrug use occurs when two or more drugs are used at the same time or on the same occasion. Mixing drugs can also occur when the manufacturer combines different drugs to achieve a specific effect or to save money by mixing in cheaper chemicals. This results in users combining drugs unintentionally. Its safer not to use drugs. Drugs can cause health and psychological problems and polydrug use increases the risk of these problems occurring.
There is a greater chance of harm if more than one drug is used at a time, especially when drugs of unknown content and purity are combined. This includes mixing over-the-counter drugs, prescription drugs and illegal drugs.
You cannot tell what is in a drug or its strength without testing it. Many overdoses have occurred due to users not knowing the content or purity of the drugs they were using. It is safer not to use drugs at all.
Polydrug use increases the risk of the following symptoms and effects:
- Effects on heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature can be exaggerated, which can increase the chance of serious problems occurring.
- Higher risk of overdose.
- Increased effects may also cause severe emotional and mental disturbances such as panic attacks and paranoia.