The Dangers of Combining Weed With Hydrocodone

Using drugs to self-medicate happens all too often. Some individuals assume that drug regulations are in place only for government or medical industry gains. In reality, self-medicating is dangerous and that is why it’s not recommended by doctors.

Many times, we’ve talked about marijuana and how controversial it is when it comes to whether or not it’s a dangerous drug. It’s one of the most widely used illegal substances all over the world. In America, many individuals use the drug regularly.

Unfortunately, using marijuana has a variety of side effects. In addition to altering behavior, actions, and health, smoking marijuana can cause some serious health issues. The chemicals in the drug irritate the lungs and cause long-term concerns including respiratory issues.

Also, because marijuana directly affects the heart, causing the heart rate to go up, it’s possible that it could trigger a heart attack or other cardiac issues from the time marijuana smoke is inhaled until a few hours after using.

Another abused substance in America is hydrocodone. Although this opiate is prescribed by doctors, it is commonly abused both by those who have been prescribed the medication as well as those who have not been prescribed hydrocodone. Below, you will find problems that can come from abusing this drug.

• Vomiting
• Trouble urinating
• Trouble sleeping/nightmares
• Slowed or irregular heartbeat
• A severe allergic reaction such as rash, hives, itching, or swelling
• Serious side effects
• Nausea
• Itchiness
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Diffuse muscle weakness
• Constipation
• Breathing problems
• Bowel obstruction
• Anxiety/dysphoria

Because hydrocodone is used to treat pain, many people use it liberally. In addition, marijuana is used at times for unconventional pain treatment. Unfortunately, many individuals assume that combining both marijuana and hydrocodone together is a great way to overcome pain and become relaxed, happy, and calm.

Why Is Mixing Weed & Hydrocodone Dangerous?

Numbness does occur quickly when combining these two types of drugs. However, there are even more dangerous side effects that come with mixing these two drugs. The following can occur:

• When you mix marijuana and hydrocodone, it can become difficult to focus, and change behaviors and actions.
• Hydrocodone slows down the central nervous system and marijuana speeds it up. As you can imagine, mixing these can jump-start the heart and heart rate, causing cardiac issues. In some cases, cardiac arrest can occur.
• Hydrocodone can slow breathing down while marijuana irritates the lungs. Combining the two drugs can cause serious respiratory issues.

The overall effect of mixing marijuana and hydrocodone is undesirable. Many people assume that marijuana is harmless and pain medication can be used as needed. However, because each individual drug has its own set of side effects, combining them can result in even worse side effects that can be dangerous and sometimes fatal.

According to drugabuse.com:

“Addiction may be one of the most dangerous long-term effects of hydrocodone use. Hydrocodone is an opiate, or narcotic, similar to codeine, heroin, and morphine. These kinds of substances are particularly risky because you can become addicted even when you are taking them as recommended by your doctor. Repeated use of hydrocodone frequently leads to tolerance, so you will need to take more of the drug in order to get the same effect as your body becomes adjusted to the dose or frequency. Tolerance can develop remarkably quickly with these medications, becoming noticeable within just a few doses in some cases.”

Because repeated use causes your body to have a higher tolerance for drugs, addiction becomes a problem more quickly than you might expect. Addiction can cause even more negative effects, especially when it comes to health problems.

Holistic Drug Rehab in Charlotte, NC

Are you fighting addiction and not sure where to turn? Know that there is support and help out there. It all starts with an open, willing mindset to fight drug addiction with rehab. Trusting a facility like Freedom Detox in Charlotte is key. We offer holistic options for drug rehab.

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We know how hard it is to beat addiction. That’s why we’ve come up with a better, more successful, program that will help. Addiction can leave you feeling sad, lonely, and angry. You are not alone. We can help you get back on track to a healthier, happier life. Contact Freedom Detox online or call (800) 475-2312 to learn more.