Illicit drugs can present a significant danger all on their own. Yet when users combine different forms of drugs, their potentially quickly turns from dangerous to deadly. Many are already aware of the dangers of mixing the use of certain drugs with that of other drugs or alcohol. Yet despite this, countless people continue to do it. Why? The answer lies in the physical needs caused by addiction.

As you engage in continued drug use, your body becomes accustomed to the physical reactions that the substances produce. Soon enough, it begins to crave them. When this point is reached, your ability to think clearly regarding the dangers of combining drugs can become severely compromised. Your need for the fix outweighs your concerns. Unfortunately for you, some of the most deadly drug combinations are easily available.

Benzodiazepine and Opiates: A Deadly Combination

We’re all familiar with opiates and their addictive potential. They come in several synthetic and semi-synthetic forms such as:

  • Hydrocodone
  • Oxycodone
  • Fentanyl
  • Methadone
  • Heroin

It’s estimated that nearly 20 million people use forms of opiates such as these recreationally. Yet another drug that is also increasing in popularity in recent years in benzodiazepine. You may know it under a more common name: Midazolam. Doctors will prescribe it to treat a large number of conditions, including:

  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Alcohol withdrawal
  • Seizures

Both of these types of medications serve to depress the central nervous system, which is responsible for regulating other vital body systems. Taken alone, they can produce effects such as blurred vision and speech, extreme drowsiness, and hypotension. Taken together, they can easily lead to total respiratory and/or cardiovascular arrest.

While you may know full well the risk that you’re taking by combing the use of opiates and benzodiazepine, your addiction to these substances can easily overpower your determine not to do so. Yet all is not lost; there is a way to help beat the burden of addiction without having to endure all of the torment that comes with drug withdrawal. The rapid detoxification process can give you back the control needed to overcome your drug use.