Cannabis is becoming more socially and legally acceptable around the world. And with alcohol already a staple in many social settings, many people find themselves using the two substances together.

Although this might seem like a harmless combination, it can actually result in various unexpected and dangerous outcomes. Here, we look at the risks of combining cannabis and alcohol, as well as the short-term and long-term consequences of doing so, including the mental health implications.

The Dangers of Mixing Cannabis and Alcohol

While alcohol and cannabis are two completely different substances, research shows that they are often used together in recreational settings. Cannabis, known as weed, is often chosen for its relaxing effects, while alcohol is known for its ability to make people feel more sociable and loosen inhibitions.

When combined, which is known as crossfading, it causes the effects of cannabis and alcohol together to be amplified. This is particularly risky because of how these substances interact in the body. Plus, both alcohol and cannabis can be hazardous on their own and combining the two can increase the chance of negative effects – resulting in unpredictable and even dangerous outcomes.

How Cannabis and Alcohol Interact in the Body

Both cannabis and alcohol affect the central nervous system in different but overlapping ways. Alcohol is a depressant, which means it slows down brain function, impairing judgement and motor skills. Cannabis, on the other hand, is a psychoactive substance that can alter perception, cognition and mood.

When combined, the substance’s combined effects can intensify. Alcohol increases absorption of the psychoactive compound in cannabis, known as THC, leading to a more intense intoxication.

This can result in a significant loss of coordination, extreme drowsiness and a risk of accidents. What’s more, the simultaneous effect on the brain’s neurotransmitters from both alcohol and cannabis can lead to intense confusion, dizziness and nausea, which makes it difficult for someone to gauge their limits or respond appropriately to situations.

Mixing Cannabis and Alcohol: The Short-term Risks

The immediate effects of combining these substances are often more intense than when someone uses either substance alone. This can include:

  • Nausea and vomiting – Together, these substances can cause a reaction called green-out, which is where people feel incredibly sick and dizzy, and they may experience uncontrollable vomiting.
  • Impaired judgement – Both substances affect decision-making, which can increase the likelihood of risky behaviour like driving under the influence or unsafe sexual practices.
  • Increased risk of accidents – Physical coordination and reaction time is compromised, making driving and walking dangerous.
  • Severe intoxication – These intense effects can result in a blackout, alcohol poisoning or even loss of consciousness.

The Long-term Health Risks of Mixing Weed and Alcohol

As well as the immediate effects mentioned above, cannabis and alcohol combined effects can also result in long-term health concerns. This includes:

  •     Dependency – There is a risk that someone could form a habit of cannabis and alcohol, and when used together, the risk of developing dependency on one or both of the substances increases.
  •     Cognitive decline – Chronic and excessive use of these substances can impair memory, concentration and overall cognitive functioning. When substances are used together, this can mean the effects are even more pronounced.
  •     Liver damage – Alcohol might be the primary culprit when it comes to liver damage, but cannabis can put a huge strain on the body and its organs.
  •     Mental health disorders – With prolonged use, the combination of these substances can worsen anxiety and depression and even result in psychosis.

Mixing Cannabis and Alcohol: Mental Health Concerns

Studies show that both cannabis and alcohol can have an impact on mental health, and when these substances are used frequently together, the effects can be even more severe. This is because both alter brain chemistry and lead to increased feelings of anxiety, stress, depression and paranoia. Those who are prone to mental health issues or with a family history of mental health disorders are of a greater risk of exacerbated symptoms. The combination of substances can even cause the onset of conditions like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.

Paranoia, which is heightened by cannabis’ psychoactive effects, can become very overwhelming when combined with the depressive nature of alcohol. This can leave individuals in a vulnerable and distressed state.

Is the Addiction Risk Higher When Mixing Substances?

It can be, yes.

Research shows the risk of addiction is also greater when substances are used together. This is because a dual dependency can be created, which makes it harder to quit either substance.

It’s also highly likely that someone will develop higher tolerance levels, meaning they require an increased amount of either substance in order to achieve the same effects. In turn, treatment and recovery can be more complicated as addressing addiction to multiple substances is often more challenging than treating a single dependency.

Why Mixing Cannabis and Alcohol Is So Risky for Young People

Research shows that teenagers and young adults are at a higher risk when mixing substances due to their developing brains. This is because the brain continues to develop and mature into the mid-20s.

During this time, exposure to certain substances can have long-lasting effects on learning, memory and emotional regulation. Younger people are also more likely to partake in risky behaviour as a result of peer pressure and a lack of understanding of the dangers. Those who mix cannabis and alcohol at a young age are said to be more likely to struggle with substance abuse later on in life, according to studies.

Advice for Reducing Risks and Getting Help

If you or someone you know is mixing alcohol and cannabis, it’s essential to be proactive in order to reduce the risks outlined above. Start by educating yourself on the dangers of such activity in order to make better-informed decisions. Set boundaries for yourself and try to avoid situations where both substances might be available.

Combining cannabis and alcohol might seem harmless, but the risk outweighs any benefits. Instead, making safer choices and getting professional help when needed is key for protecting your overall well-being. So, if you or someone you know is struggling with substance misuse, contact us today.

John Gillen - Director at Ocean Recovery

John Gillen - Author - Last updated: November 21, 2024

John is one UK’s leading professionals in the addiction recovery industry. Pioneering new treatment techniques such as NAD+ and ongoing research into new therapy techniques such as systematic laser therapy, John is committed to providing the very best treatment for people throughout the UK and Europe. During his extremely busy schedule, John likes to regularly update our blog section with the latest news and trends in the industry to keep visitors to our site as well informed as possible on everything related to addiction treatment.