What Does it Mean to Be Crossfaded?

Research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) shows that alcohol and cannabis are the most commonly misused substances in the United States. Alcohol is legal and widely available in most areas of the United States. Cannabis is legal for medical or recreational use in nearly half of all states.

People may use alcohol and marijuana for their relaxing or euphoric effects. What happens if people combine alcohol and marijuana?

Some people refer to using cannabis and alcohol as “getting cross-faded.” Mixing alcohol and cannabis can have unwanted and dangerous side effects. It is critical to avoid combining these substances.

This article will explore the dangers of getting drunk and high at the same time. You will learn:

• What it means to be “cross-faded”
• The potential risks of mixing alcohol and cannabis
• Where to find treatment and recovery support

If you or someone you love struggles with substance misuse or dependence, you are not alone. Contact the intake specialist at Blue Star Recovery to explore our programs or to schedule an initial assessment.

What Does “Cross-Faded” Mean?

People sometimes use the term “crossfaded” to mean being high and drunk at the same time. Consuming alcohol and using cannabis or THC products can be dangerous. Alcohol may intensify the effects and concentration of THC in a person’s system. This may result in stronger effects of cannabis and unwanted side effects.

But why do people get cross-faded? Mixing alcohol and marijuana may intensify the effects of marijuana, resulting in desirable side effects, like:

• More confidence
• Less social anxiety
• Feelings of connection or spirituality
• Loss of inhibitions

The Dangers of Getting Cross-Faded

Mixing alcohol and weed might seem like no big deal, however, people may also experience unwanted or dangerous side effects, including:

• Cognitive effects, including memory problems
• Impaired judgment
• Delayed reaction times
• Inability to make decisions
• Loss of coordination
• Impaired motor skills
• Increased anxiety
• Panic attacks

People who drink alcohol and use cannabis products may be at an increased risk of accidents or injuries. They may also engage in risky or dangerous behaviors, such as driving while intoxicated or having unsafe sex.

Combining alcohol and cannabis can lead to increased unwanted side effects and health risks. While weed can feel calming in small doses, it can also trigger paranoia and anxiety. Alcohol lowers your inhibitions, which might make those feelings worse instead of better.

It is crucial to avoid mixing substances. Seek treatment if you or someone you love misuses addictive drugs or alcohol. Contact Blue Star Recovery to learn about your treatment options.

Why Do People Get Cross-Faded?

Alcohol and marijuana are one of the most common drug combinations. There are a few reasons why:

• Curiosity – Some people want to experiment with the combination to see how it feels.
• Social pressure – At parties or events, people may feel pushed to drink and smoke even if they weren’t planning to.
• Chasing a stronger high – Some may combine substances to intensify their effects or feel a different kind of buzz.
• Tolerance – If someone uses one substance regularly, they might not feel its effects as strongly and add another to get the desired feeling.

Even though it’s often talked about casually, cross-fading can have real risks, especially for young people or those with underlying health conditions.

What are the Effects and Risks of Alcohol?

Alcohol use is common throughout most parts of the country, and most adults report drinking at least occasionally. Some people engage in unhealthy drinking behaviors, including heavy drinking, self-medication, and binge drinking.

People may enjoy the effects of alcohol, which may include:

• Relaxation
• Eupthoria
• Increased confidence

Drinking large amounts of alcohol can also result in immediate unwanted effects, including:

• Poor coordination
• Mood changes
• Impaired judgment
• Elevated blood pressure
• Memory and concentration issues

Binge drinking, heavy drinking, and other forms of alcohol misuse can lead to tolerance and physical dependence. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises people limit alcohol consumption to:

• Two drinks per day for men (14 or fewer per week)
• One drink per day for women (seven or fewer per week)

Exceeding these limits may increase a person’s risk for:

• Alcohol dependence
• Cardiovascular disease
• High blood pressure
• Cancer

It is critical to seek treatment as soon as you recognize alcohol misuse. Getting treatment can help you overcome alcohol misuse and move forward.

Understanding the Risks of Cannabis Misuse

Marijuana users may experience a pleasant “high” when using cannabis or THC products. Some common short-term effects of cannabis include:

• Relaxation
• Sensory changes
• Euphoria
• Mood changes

People may also have unwanted side effects, including:

• Anxiety or panic
• Increased heart rate
• Memory problems
• Slower reaction times
• Impaired judgment
• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Loss of coordination
• Difficulty breathing

Combining cannabis and other substances, including alcohol, can increase the likelihood of unexpected, unwanted side effects and risks.

Do I Need Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment?

Alcohol is legal in most areas, and cannabis is legal in about half of the country. More people have easy access to these products and are using them than ever.

It can be challenging to know when substance use has crossed the line into a problematic habit. It is important to be aware of the risk of misuse and dependence and seek treatment as soon as you recognize a problem.

Signs of substance use disorder (SUD) include:

• Craving drugs or alcohol
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you stop using them
• Neglecting hobbies, relationships, and responsibilities to use drugs or drink
• Isolating more often
• Using drugs or alcohol to manage mental health symptoms
• Having new or worsening mental health symptoms
• Experiencing legal, social, financial, or health-related harm related to substance use
• Continuing to use drugs or alcohol despite it causing significant harm

If you or someone you love struggles with substance misuse or dependence, you are not alone. Blue Star Recovery offers a range of comprehensive treatment services and recovery programs. Contact our treatment specialists to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.

References:

1. National Institute of Health (NIH): The effects of simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use on subjective drug effects: A narrative review across methodologies
2. Science Direct: Separate and combined effects of alcohol and cannabis on mood, subjective experience, cognition and psychomotor performance: A randomized trial
3. National Institute of Health (NIH): Alcohol’s Effects on the Body
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Cannabis Health Effects