Experts warn of cocaine and alcohol’s ‘lethal’ mix

COMBINING cocaine and alcohol “can be lethal,” two top drug experts warned yesterday.

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.”