Mixing Heroin & Meth | Effects, Risks, & Treatment

Heroin is an opioid drug that consists of a white, brown, or sometimes black sticky substance. Heroin is made from morphine which comes from the poppy plant. Because the effects of heroin come on quickly, it is an extremely addictive drug. 

Methamphetamine is a stimulant drug. The effects of meth also happen quickly but can cause intense emotional and behavioral changes as well. 

Heroin and meth should never be combined as they both negatively affect the body in a variety of ways. Learn more about the side effects of heroin and meth as well as the consequences of combining these illicit drugs.

Effects & Risks Of Speedballing Heroin & Meth

Speedball is the term referred to when a person combines a depressant and a stimulant. In this case, mixing a stimulant such as a meth with a depressant such as heroin is considered speedballing. 

Substance Use Disorder

When heroin is combined with meth, one can develop a substance use disorder. If alcohol or other substances are involved, one may also develop a co-occurring disorder. 

Overdose

Combining meth and heroin is a form of substance abuse that can result in overdose deaths. Opioids, even illicit drugs such as heroin and prescription drugs such as oxycodone, have a high drug overdose rate. 

Fentanyl (methadone), a synthetic opioid, is another example of a dangerous opioid that is part of the public health crisis. Opiates mixed with amphetamines or benzodiazepines can cause one to experience severe sedation. 

Withdrawal Symptoms

Those abusing heroin and meth may suffer from serious withdrawal symptoms when they stop using, such as:

• depression
• vomiting
• cold flashes
• muscle pain
• diarrhea
• restlessness

Experiencing withdrawal symptoms from either substance is a sign of addiction. Both heroin and meth addiction have potentially dangerous short-term and long-term effects.

Heroin Addiction

Heroin addiction can cause people to engage in risky behavior, using contaminated needles that have been used by others engaging in drug use.

By sharing needles, you can potentially be exposed to diseases such as hepatitis or HIV.

Short-Term Effects

Those who engage in heroin use can experience short-term effects such as:

• mental confusion
• severe itching
• dry mouth
• nausea
• flushing of the skin
• vomiting
• heavy feelings in the limbs

Long-Term Effects

Other, more serious, long-term effects of heroin addiction may include:

• liver disease
• infections of the heart
• damaged tissue
• collapsed veins
• insomnia
• kidney disease
• pneumonia
• abscesses from injection sites
• mental health problems such as depression
• constipation
• sexual dysfunction in men

Meth Addiction

Meth is a dangerous drug with a high potential for abuse. Addiction is likely to occur because of the intense euphoria the drug causes.

Although a person on meth may experience a rush of good feelings, it may cause you to have a high body temperature, feel overly excited or angry, and can cause extreme paranoia. 

Short-Term Effects

Some of the short-term effects of meth include:

• irregular heartbeat
• increased breathing
• decreased appetite
• increased heart rate
• increased physical activity
• increased blood pressure

Long-Term Effects

More harmful side effects can occur in those who partake in excessive meth use:

• ​intense itching which can cause skin sores
• hallucinations
• anxiety
• violent behavior
• paranoia
• delusions
• dental problems known as “meth mouth”
• weight loss
• mental health issues such as mood problems
• insomnia

Meth & Heroin Addiction Treatment

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) suggests that cognitive-behavioral therapy can help treat those suffering from methamphetamine use disorder and opioid use disorder. 

Treatment for polydrug use is also likely to include detox support for withdrawal, peer support groups, and possibly medication-assisted treatment to reduce cravings and dependence.

If you or someone you know struggles with substance use, please contact us to learn more about our drug addiction treatment programs.