Mixing Crystal Meth and Alcohol

Nearly 80% of people diagnosed with amphetamine dependence also have an alcohol use disorder (AUD).¹ People may use these substances together to enhance certain physiological effects or to reduce the negative effects of one substance by taking the other.^2,3

Mixing methamphetamine and alcohol, however, can also have dangerous effects.⁴ This page will explain what crystal meth is, its effects, and the effects of mixing meth with alcohol. Read on to learn about polysubstance use and treatment options below.

What is Crystal Meth (Meth)?

Crystal meth (meth) is a potent, addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system.⁵ Crystal meth looks like fragments of glass or blue or white rocks of various sizes and can be taken orally, snorted, injected, or smoked.⁴ Common street names for methamphetamine include crank, crystal, ice, speed, glass, tweak, and uppers.⁶

Its physiological effects can include euphoria; increased physical activity and sociability; reduced appetite; increased breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure; anxiety; insomnia; mood issues; paranoia; and hallucinations.^4-6

Meth is a Schedule II drug under the Controlled Substances Act, which means that it has a high potential for abuse.⁶

Repeated use of meth can result in many dangerous crystal meth effects, including addiction, cardiovascular and other health issues, as well as overdose and death.^6,

Mixing Meth and Alcohol

When a person mixes meth and alcohol, co-intoxication can alter both the time course and severity of intoxication and acute effects of both substances in unexpected ways.⁷ The depressant effects of alcohol are masked by the effects of the stimulant, increasing the risk of overdose from alcohol.⁴ Blood pressure may also increase.⁴ Combining methamphetamine with alcohol can increase the risk cardiovascular problems such as heart failure. Kidney issues including kidney failure may also result from an increased risk of dehydration and hyperthermia.⁸

Effects of Crystal Meth and Alcohol

In general, people with stimulant use disorders commonly use other substances, including alcohol. Use of multiple substances is associated with worse physical and mental health than using a single substance. Use of a secondary substance increases the likelihood of recurrent use of a primary substance. It’s also associated with treatment nonparticipation, which makes managing a person’s substance increasingly difficult.⁹

There are many potential health effects that might result from mixing crystal meth with alcohol, including:^1-3,9,10

• Increased blood levels of methamphetamine due to alcohol increasing absorption of methamphetamine without altering its elimination from the body. This may result in an escalation of stimulation of the brain and heart, which may lead to impaired mood and performance.
• Increased levels of inflammation and neurotoxicity when drinking alcohol before using methamphetamine.
• Greater risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease.
• Increased alcohol use due to those under the influence of stimulants like methamphetamine being able to consume alcohol without experiencing sedation as usual, which may result in dangerous effects such as alcohol poisoning or overdose.
• Both alcohol and meth compromise cognitive functioning and impulsivity regulation, which may result in environmental stimuli being perceived as threatening. Evidence suggests that mixing the two may result in a synergistic effect on aggressive behaviors, potentially resulting in violence.
• Increased likelihood of dangerous behaviors, such as drinking and driving due to those under the influence of methamphetamine being unable to accurately judge their level of alcohol-induced impairment.

Treatment for Crystal Meth or Alcohol Addiction

If you or someone you care about is mixing alcohol with other substances and can’t control their substance use, treatment can help. While addiction cannot be cured, it is possible to manage the condition similar to how other chronic diseases are managed, such as heart disease or diabetes.¹¹ There are various services and levels of care that may help you, including:¹²

• Detoxification: While medical detox isn’t always required for stimulants, medical detox may be required for someone experiencing withdrawal symptoms from alcohol.
• Inpatient: Inpatient rehab programs can be long-term or short-term. Inpatient or residential programs provide treatment and care 24 hours a day. Treatment is very structured, and patients, with the help of other residents and staff, are encouraged to examine their limiting beliefs and destructive behaviors that lead to substance use and learn new ways of coping to become healthy, productive members of society.
• Outpatient rehab programs vary in intensity and are less structured and costly than inpatient programs. Outpatient programs may be best suited for people who have a solid support system. These programs often consist of drug education and group counseling at a treatment center.
• Aftercare recovery programs help reduce the risk of relapse and sustain abstinence once a patient leaves treatment. For example, aftercare may consist of completing an intensive or regular outpatient program after leaving an inpatient program. After completing an outpatient program, aftercare may consist of attending 12-Step meetings such as AA or receiving counseling and/or case management.

Finding an Addiction Rehab Program

Recovery from uncontrollable substance use can begin with a simple search. To find a rehab near you, you can search using this addiction treatment directory. Simply enter a keyword or location to find a suitable treatment center for you. You can also call our team at for free, confidential, 24/7 support finding addiction treatment programs that might be right for you. You can also check your insurance coverage for addiction treatment with our free insurance verification tool to get started.