Page 18 - MELD Stimulant service

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10.2 POLY DRUG USE FEEDBACK

At the start of the project, participants were asked whether they were aware of
any potential risks from mixing substances. Whilst 3 people were abstinent at the
start of the project, some people discussed their reasons for mixing substances
such as alcohol and cocaine or alcohol and base. Feedback included:

Are you aware of any Feedback
potential risks of mixing
substances i.e. poly drug use?
I know the risks of mixing but I Heightened cocaine rush which
don’t care outweighed the risk factor.
Using both helps me stay out later or Participant was able to stay out later
else I’d get too drunk with her friends and felt included. Felt
that unless she joined in, she would
feel excluded from her peer group.
It makes me feel more confident Had experienced a lack of confidence
and anxiety from a young age. Used
cocaine and alcohol as a coping
strategy to enable her to mix with
other including family and friends.
I know it’s dangerous but once I have When sober would reflect about
a drink my willpower disappears behaviour and adverse effect on
herself and family so used alcohol
to try and numb these feelings. This
would then lower inhibitions and
cocaine use would follow.
I feel lonely and it makes me feel Had reduced alcohol use but cocaine
better use has increased to cope with feeling
isolated at home.
I don’t think about the risks Enjoys partying and doesn’t want to
be put off by thinking about the risks.
I know people who have died but I Was aware of people who had died and
just don’t think about it were also known cocaine users. Felt that
death was rare and that there must be
other health issues which had caused
death and not just substance use.
I don’t know why you shouldn’t mix Was aware that alcohol was a
cocaine with alcohol depressant and cocaine was a
stimulant but had no idea what effect/
risks this had on the body when
mixed together.

Don’t like how I feel the next day Mixing together led to online
when I mix *base and alcohol gambling and financial issues but
together but it’s hard not to used as a coping strategy to block out
past trauma.

*Base is a stronger form of amphetamine