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Three Lethal Drug Combinations That Can Kill You

We all know that certain drugs can cause dangerous interactions when taken together, but some people either don’t take the threat seriously or they’re simply uninformed when it comes to specific chemicals and substances.

Most Dangerous Drug Combinations

With that in mind, we’ve listed a few lethal drug combinations that are killing thousands of people each year.

  • Gray Death

    This is a fairly new combo making national headlines. The deadly mixture is made of a variety of opioids, including heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, and a lesser-known synthetic opiate known as U-47700. It resembles concrete or gravel and is sold cheaply on the streets. In recent years, its impact has been limited to areas like the Gulf Coast, Georgia, and Ohio, but authorities around the nation are keeping a close eye on this drug and hoping to control the spread.

  • Alcohol and Benzodiazepines

    Alcohol and benzodiazepines both have central nervous system depressant effects. Alcohol can compound some of the effects of benzos, and vice versa. That means that drugs like Xanax, Valium, or Klonopin can dangerously synergize some of the effects of alcohol.3 As both alcohol and benzodiazepines are associated with anterograde amnestic effects, the combined cognitive effects can make it easier to forget how many drinks you’ve had or how many pills you’ve taken. Consuming these two substances in excess increases the risk of severe respiratory depression and death.

  • Heroin and Cocaine

    A lot of people mistakenly think this is a somewhat “safe” combination because the two drugs “cancel each other out” (think mixing alcohol with cocaine). But the truth is the combined effects of this dangerous combo just make it feel like they cancel one another out. It can become more difficult to “gauge” your magnitude of opioid or cocaine intoxication, which can more easily lead to accidental overdose.

How to Get Help for Substance Misuse

Whether you’re deep in the throes of substance abuse or haven’t crossed that line yet, the rules of science always apply. Don’t risk your life with lethal drug combinations; it’s never worth it. If you are afraid that you might cross the line, or already have, there are people are people out there who can help you. Call one of our admissions navigators at so they can provide the support and information you need to get on the path toward recovery. You can also check your insurance coverage online now.

Insurance Coverage for Rehabilitation

Learn more about health insurance coverage levels from some household health brand names for addiction rehab and treatment:

Levels of Care in Addiction Treatment Programs