At Aliya Veterans, we understand that polysubstance use is common, particularly among individuals exposed to trauma, chronic stress, and physical pain—like veterans and first responders. This condition, clinically referred to as polysubstance use disorder, involves the repeated or habitual use of multiple drugs or drugs and alcohol either simultaneously or in rapid succession.
Our specialized substance use disorder treatment program is designed to help those involving multiple substances, especially when co-occurring mental health disorders or service-related trauma are also present. At Aliya, we address the full picture of drug addiction, alcohol use disorders, and mental illness with a trauma-informed, evidence-based approach tailored to each individual’s needs.
What Is Polysubstance Abuse?
Polysubstance dependent individuals frequently combine substances—not only for enhanced effects but to cope with underlying pain, insomnia, anxiety, or emotional distress. Mixing drugs, especially stimulants and depressants, increases the risk of overdose death, serious health consequences, and long-term substance dependence.
According to population studies and the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, drug overdose deaths continue to rise, often due to mixing stimulants like cocaine with opioids or sedatives. The opioid crisis has made this issue even more severe. Many deaths involve combinations like cocaine and heroin or alcohol and benzodiazepines, which can shut down the central nervous system.
Why Do Veterans and First Responders Use Multiple Substances?
Polysubstance use can start unintentionally. A person may begin by using a single substance for pain or anxiety but eventually mix drugs to heighten the effects, manage withdrawal symptoms, or offset side effects. Over time, this pattern becomes difficult to control and may lead to a mental disorder diagnosis or cooccurring substance issues.
For veterans and first responders, factors contributing to polysubstance use disorders may include:
Post-Traumatic Stress and Mental Illness
Untreated mental health disorders, such as PTSD, depression, or anxiety, are strongly linked to substance abuse and mental health crises.
Chronic Pain and Physical Injuries
Conditions like back injuries or combat-related wounds often lead to opioid use disorders or misuse of medications for opioids.
Sleep and Alertness Challenges
Those working shifts may turn to stimulants during the day and sedatives or alcohol at night.
Tolerance and Escalation
As the body adapts, more substances are used or combined to achieve the desired effect.
Cultural Stigma and Delayed Help
Barriers to seeking treatment in military and first responder communities often allow drug abuse and drinking alcohol to spiral.
The Danger of Mixing Substances of Abuse
The effect of the combination of multiple substances on the brain and body can be severe. For instance:
- Alcohol and Related Conditions like liver disease, depression, and impaired judgment worsen when combined with opioids or benzodiazepines.
- Cocaine dependence can escalate when the user also consumes alcohol, which creates a toxic compound in the liver.
- Mixing stimulants (like methamphetamine or Adderall) with depressants (like heroin or Xanax) can lead to erratic behavior and drug overdose due to masked symptoms.
- Cooccurring mental and substance use disorders often go untreated, increasing the likelihood of multiple drug use and overdose death.
These patterns are well-documented by the American Psychiatric Association, the National Institutes on Drug Abuse, and leading addiction experts like Jones CM, Compton WM, and other authorities in addiction medicine.
Effective Treatment for Polysubstance Use at Aliya Veterans
Aliya Veterans offers a highly specialized program for individuals with polysubstance use disorders—particularly those also experiencing cooccurring mental health conditions. Unlike general treatment centers, our PTSD and addiction treatment programs for veterans and first responders are built specifically for your needs.
Your individualized treatment plan may include:
Medical Detox and Harm Reduction Strategies
Safe and supervised withdrawal with a focus on harm reduction, comfort, and stabilization from multiple substances.
Dual Diagnosis and Psychiatric Evaluation
Integrated care for substance abuse and mental health disorders using American Psychiatric Association-approved practices and behavioral health therapies.
Trauma-Informed Individual Therapy
Specialized modalities such as EMDR, CBT, and DBT that address root causes of both drug alcohol depend and trauma-related conditions.
Group and Peer-Based Support
Therapeutic communities led by clinicians who are veterans themselves with shared life experiences. Gender differences in recovery are also considered to ensure personalized support.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Evidence-based use of medications for opioids or cravings management, supervised by medical professionals trained in addiction medicine.
Behavioral Interventions
Programs like contingency management, motivational interviewing, and relapse prevention training provide structure and measurable success.
Aftercare and Recovery Support
Ongoing support, alumni groups, and sober living options help solidify the gains made in treatment.
Why Aliya Veterans?
Our clinicians are trained in the nuances of drug and alcohol addiction as it presents in service communities. We also work to reduce stigma, offer flexible treatments for substance use, and provide wraparound services to meet every individual’s physical, emotional, and psychological needs.
We are one of the few programs that directly address polysubstance use, cooccurring mental disorders, and the realities of first responder and veteran culture—all in one integrated setting.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
Polysubstance use doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’ve been surviving. At Aliya Veterans, we help you transition from survival to recovery with comprehensive care rooted in respect, evidence, and real-world understanding.
If you or a loved one is battling drug abuse, alcohol depend, or mental health disorders, contact us today to learn more about how our treatment centers can help you reclaim your life.
- 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) Releases | CBHSQ Data
- Polysubstance Use Disorder: What It Is, Symptoms & Treatment
- Polysubstance Use Facts | Stop Overdose | CDC
- The importance of considering polysubstance use: lessons from cocaine research – PMC
- Polysubstance Abuse – Prescribe Change Allegany