“Speedballing,” or the combination of stimulants and depressants, can result in serious health consequences. When stimulants like cocaine and depressants like heroin or fentanyl are combined, they can significantly affect the body’s physical systems. They can also affect the body’s mental state, as depressants cause depression, drowsiness, and lethargy, whereas stimulants cause anxiety, paranoia, and agitation. Likewise, speedballing can affect each user differently. The practice is incredibly dangerous and can lead to an increase in risks, including overdose or even death.
Complications of the Cardiovascular System
It is possible to have serious cardiovascular complications when stimulants and depressants are combined with speed balling or super speed balling. Blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes can result from these deadly combinations.
Respiratory Depression or Failure
Benzodiazepines and opioids can cause respiratory depression, in which the breathing stops or slows down. Making matters worse, stimulants can mask respiratory depression symptoms, making it difficult for the user to recognize when it is occurring. This makes combining stimulants and depressants that much more dangerous and can lead to respiratory failure, causing overdose death.
Problems with Physical Health
Physical health problems can also arise from the combination of stimulants and depressants. Depressants can cause respiratory problems, skin infections, and other health problems, while stimulants can damage the liver, kidneys, and other organs.
Mental Health Problems
Mental health can also be affected by stimulants and depressants. There is a possibility that stimulants may cause anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis, while depressants may cause depression and anxiety. Both issues may exacerbate each other, leading to mental health problems and severe psychological distress. Even worse, the issues can continue long-term.
Increased Addiction Risk
Combined stimulants and depressants can produce intense euphoria and energy boosts, which can lead to a cycle of addiction that is hard to break. As stimulants and depressants can cause rapid onsets of dependence, the combination increases the risk of addiction. It is crucial that those struggling get help as soon as possible so that they do not incur long term damage or continue to put themselves at risk of overdose.
Overdose Risk Increased
There is an increased risk of overdose when stimulants and depressants are combined. Depressants, such as opioids and benzodiazepines, slow breathing and heart rate, while stimulants, such as cocaine and methamphetamine, increase heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. As a result, respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, and death can result from the combination of these two substances.
In order to overcome speed balling addiction and reduce the risk of negative consequences, anyone using the drugs is encouraged to seek professional help. Scottsdale Recovery and Detox Center® has been Arizona’s premier addiction center for over a decade. If you suspect a loved one is speedballing or addicted to other substances, reach out to our team. We are committed to helping our community and those nationwide. Learn more by visiting scottsdalerecovery.com or call 1-888-NODRUGS.
