Whether you enjoy alcohol or prefer nature’s greatest bud, you’ve undoubtedly overindulged in your preferred stuff at least once in your life. While it is acceptable to exceed guidelines from time to time, doing so almost always leads to some unpleasant side effects, and in the worst cases, deadly outcomes.
The combination of alcohol and marijuana has been scientifically studied for both positive and negative results. However, when alcohol and cannabis are combined, we seldom see a study focusing on the effects of this interaction on the mind and body.
Today, we’ll look at the phenomenon known as crossfading, what it entails, and why getting high and drunk simultaneously may not be as great as everyone makes it out to be!
What is Being Crossfaded?
‘Crossfaded’ is the term used to describe when someone is both high and drunk at the same time. We know what you’re thinking– why would anyone want to combine two substances that have such different effects? Well, it’s actually much more common than you might think…
Many people may not realize that alcohol and marijuana are the two most widely used intoxicants in the United States, with statistics showing that those who use either are up to 2 times more likely to combine them than to use just one of them alone.
Alcohol is a popular intoxicant that complements marijuana, which is why it causes more automobile accidents than any other combination of chemicals.
People often wonder why anyone would take substances that could potentially alter their state of mind. Here are some popular reasons for those who enjoy mixing cannabis and alcohol:
- To enhance the effects of the first drug consumed
- To increase levels of intoxication
- Overindulgence due to a lack of capacity or rational thought
Whether it’s a deliberate attempt to alleviate an underlying ailment, a quest to be the most intoxicated person at the party, or simply a stupid thing, there are several reasons for getting crossfaded, and the statistics don’t indicate that this problem will go anywhere any time soon!
What are the Symptoms of Crossfading?
When you combine alcohol and marijuana, certain unpleasant symptoms can occur, especially if you have ever had too much to drink or smoke. What occurs when you mix the two? The following are some of the most prevalent negative effects associated with crossfading; however, this list is not comprehensive:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Disorientation
- Rapid heart rate
- Panic
- Extreme anxiety
- Paranoia
- Sweating
- Shortness of breath
What Causes the Side Effects of Crossfading?
If you combine two drugs that have different effects on the body, you’re likely to get some unpleasant and dangerous side effects, but what exactly happens when we are crossed?
Alcohol has a direct impact on our motor skills and can have an effect on how our brain and body communicate. Cannabis, on the other hand, has a direct impact on the brain itself, causing cognitive effects such as paranoia, anxiety, and visual hallucinations.
The risks of crossfading, however, are more significant than one might feel spacey. According to a 2001 study, combining alcohol and cannabis increases THC in the bloodstream by almost double when compared to those who smoked pot but consumed only a placebo drink! This means that users will feel double the impact of pot smoking alone. The Study looked at the effects of ethanol on cannabis use, which heightens brain activity leading to normal cannabis consequences.
In a recent animal study done at Duke University, researchers tested the effects of ethanol and THC on adolescent rats. Those under the influence of both substances were markedly less motivated to explore than those subjects under the influence of just one substance. Additionally, it was shown that the rats under the influence of both THC and ethanol had impacted memories compared to the other subjects.
If you are high and drunk, you are at a much higher risk of severely injuring yourself. This is because when we feel impairing emotions such as feeling euphoric or invincible while under the influence of substances, it can have harmful consequences on our physical coordination. Given that crossfading intoxication between alcohol and cannabis is one of the most common ways people get injured in car accidents, it’s no surprise that this combination is so dangerous!
How to Manage Being Crossfaded
It’s easy to make a mistake when it comes to substances like alcohol and cannabis because there is often a fine line between what’s tolerable and what is too much. So, what do you do if you become crossfaded?
No one sets out to have a bad time when they drink, but unfortunately, sometimes crossfading can result in an unpleasant experience. While we are not medical professionals, here are some of our top tips for dealing with an unpleasant crossfade. In the case of an emergency though, always call your doctor or 911.
- While you can’t prevent panic attacks or anxiety, there are things you may do to make them more manageable. Try to remain calm, though this might be tough if you’re having panic and anxiety symptoms. In a dark, quiet, and restful setting where you feel secure, try to stay with someone you trust.
- If you’re able, drink small sips of water and eat a little food to assist absorb some of the alcohol.
- Do not drink or smoke any more alcohol or cannabis for the remainder of that day.
- If you feel dizzy or disoriented, lie down.
- Stay indoors somewhere safe.
- Do not drive or operate any machinery.
- Consult a medical professional.
Final Thoughts: Is Crossfading a Trend Which is Here to stay?
Whether you enjoy smoking, enjoy a drink, or find crossfading to be fantastic, we strongly advise against combining these with drugs. What may appear to be a lot of fun at the time might rapidly transition into something completely different:
What are your thoughts on crossfading? Comment below to join the discussion! Are you for or against it, and do you think it will be something people do in a pro-marijuana future?