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If I have a drinking problem, can I still use drugs, and vice versa?

19 Answers
Last Updated: 12/14/2020 at 11:32pm
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Top Rated Answers
Siouxsie
December 4th, 2014 7:47am
No. it would be considered switch hitting to cross use. It's common when stopping one addictive behavior to begin craving other addictive behaviors/substances.
ConallBranagin
December 26th, 2014 2:24am
It is highly ill-advised to trade one drug for another. It is advised to go to meetings, or get into a program that can assist you as you progress. Talk to your support system, be honest ad know you can always ask for help, you are not a a failure, you are trying to cope best you can. Allow a professional to help you through it.
Kharisma
November 5th, 2014 5:31am
Two wrongs do not make a right. If you have a drinking problem, then you should seek help, and if you are considering taking drugs then you should seek even more help. Please do not risk your life over substance abuse. Admit to your problem and find the road to recovery
Inara92
November 7th, 2014 7:21pm
You shouldn't. Alcohol and drugs have very similar effects on the brain, using one can trigger you into using the other! it's not by chance that often alcohol and drug abuse come in pair, the point is to alter your coscience and both the substance can do that
audreymay
September 30th, 2014 8:42pm
If you have a drinking problem, you likely have an issue with compulsive behaviour. Thus, it would be a terrible idea to use drugs.
brightTouch58
January 2nd, 2015 9:29pm
it is inadvisable to take drugs with alcohol vice versa as it has been known to have serious side effects
DarkestBeforeDawn
July 21st, 2015 6:15pm
The simple answer - NO. Truth be told, maintaining abstinence is hard enough without adding any mind altering substances. When we achieve sobriety from one substance, we shold continue abstinence from all substances. Many of us use substances to "self medicate" - to cover hurt, anger, mental illness - and it is easy to substitute one substance for another.
AdaptiveDeer402
December 14th, 2020 11:32pm
From my personal experience, you can. But it is first important to identify the root of your addictions - if you believe you have them. Once you have identified the impulses that trigger you to want to drink or use drugs, it becomes infinitely easier to manage and possibly even control your impulses. I think it's also absolutely critical to ask yourself a few questions when you get the urge to use: What am I feeling right now? Why is it that I want to feel better? At whom, or what, am I angry about? The key to attaining a balanced life is understanding yourself.
prozpera
May 15th, 2018 9:00am
I suggest you should consider a real therapy for your drinking problem because mixing alcohol and taking drugs at the same time is a very dangerous mix.
UntilThen
August 8th, 2017 1:27pm
The simple answer is no not if you're trying to recover. Drinking and using drugs are essentially the same in terms of what happens when you use them as a coping mechanism. If you find relief in one substance that same relief may be found in another and if you have issues with dependence that relief is easily abused.
Aggie
May 30th, 2016 3:19am
No. If you're addicted to alcohol, chances are you'll get addicted to drugs. Drugs suck, alcohol sucks. As fun it may seem at the time, it hurts in the long run.
LakesideGuy
November 9th, 2015 3:16pm
Generally speaking, when a person realizes he or she has a substance abuse problem, it is suggested that the person avoid most substances with the potential for abuse/addiction. However, the answer to your questions depends on your specific situation, and definitely depends on what your doctor or therapist suggests.
KindHeartedAnna
August 2nd, 2015 3:05am
Unfortunately, the answer here is no. While you may think that since substance A is your vice, you might be alright with substance B. But the fact is that addiction is something that happens within the brain, and if you are an addict or dependent on one substance, you are unfortunately easily going to be able to be addicted to something else. It has to do with the dopamine center of the brain. If you know this about yourself, it's best to then avoid all addictive substances and abstain from use altogether. Trading one drug for another isn't a way to kick a habit--only pick up a new one!
mellowforsure
June 18th, 2015 2:16am
Well technically you can do whatever you please. The effects that alcohol has on drugs can be detrimental and vice versa. Make sure you are being careful.
Anonymous
December 29th, 2014 12:07am
No. Having been addicted to something for so long will understandably make you want to replace one addiction with another. It is important to find healthy ways to cope.
TheDude83
December 19th, 2014 4:55pm
If you have an addictive problem with one substance you might also likely get addicted or fall for another one. Don't do drugs or anything that might cause and addiction in that case!
MagicalSunrise72
December 16th, 2014 5:52pm
No, if you have a drinking problem, the underline issue that you are trying to avoid can not be cured by either substance.
Anonymous
November 16th, 2014 11:07pm
if you have a drinking/ drug problem using the other isn't the wisest thing to do because it can cause harm to you or your loved ones.
uniquePink45
November 11th, 2014 5:14pm
Hello nice meeting you iam glad to help you with your problem i cant give you advice but i can help