Experts warn of cocaine and alcohol’s ‘lethal’ mix
Dr Eamon Keenan, clinical director of HSE Addiction Services in Dublin Mid-Leinster, said: “Both have disinhibiting effects, and the combination creates a specific chemical, cocaethylene, which creates cardiac abnormalities.”
Dr Siobhán Barry, consultant psychiatrist at St John of Gods, agreed: “Potentially, it’s a very dangerous combination. Cocaine speeds up the heart. Some people after taking it want to relax and take alcohol or vice versa. Generally speaking, a third of those who have cocaine addiction also have a diagnosis of alcohol dependence.”
