Cocaine is a stimulant drug, which makes it very different from heroin, which is a depressant. But it is common for people to combine the two together, and the result is something called a speedball.
When using a speedball, people will either inject both drugs into a vein at the same time, or they will snort them together. Mixing these two drugs can result in a much more intense, longer-lasting high than a person can experience by just taking either drug by itself.
Heroin’s effects include slower breathing rates and even respiratory failure in some cases. But cocaine is the opposite because it is a stimulant. People who abuse cocaine typically experience an increased heart rate, higher energy levels and rapid breathing rates. People who use this combination of drugs may be attempting to cancel out the negative effects of both substances. But taking them together can actually amplify those negative effects instead.
Speedballing produces a push-pull effect in the body. Cocaine causes the body to need more oxygen whereas heroin makes it more difficult to breathe. This can put an incredible amount of strain on the lungs, heart and brain.
Some additional side effects of speedballing include:
- Blurred vision
- Becoming confused or incoherent
- Becoming paranoid
- Mental impairment because of a lack of sleep
- Drowsiness
- Uncontrollable body movements
Some of the potentially fatal side effects of using heroin and cocaine together include the risk of stroke, a heart attack, respiratory failure and an aneurysm.