What does it mean to be Cross Faded?
Cross faded. What does cross faded mean? What about crunk, blitzed and blasted? These are all popular slang terms to describe being drunk under the influence of alcohol, at the same time as being high under the influence of marijuana. Cross faded can also imply being under the influence of multiple mind-altering substances at the same time to intensify their effects.
Alcohol and marijuana are two of the most commonly used substances in the US. About 17% of Americans say they smoke marijuana. About 62% of Americans say they drink alcohol. A study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information found that people who use both substances tend to do it at the same time. Alcohol is a legal substance and marijuana is legal in many states. The availability and accessibility of these substances contribute to their popularity for use.
Young people are the demographic most likely to engage in getting cross faded. In a survey of people ages 18-23, being cross faded was only seen as moderately risky. Most of the time, it happens because users are unaware of the serious risks it can pose to their health and well-being. The combination of the two drugs is so common that there is very little stigma behind this type of polysubstance use. Being cross faded is considered a form of substance abuse and can lead to dependence and addiction to marijuana, alcohol or both.
Alcohol Use and Marijuana Use
Alcohol use and marijuana use come with their own set of side effects that can be amplified when taken together. In some cases, the symptoms are overlapping and both can cause long term health risks.
Common side effects of alcohol use include relaxation, drowsiness, euphoria, changes in mood, lowered inhibitions, slurred speech, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, loss of coordination, difficulty focusing and memory gaps. When alcohol is abused, over time it can cause liver and kidney damage, heart problems and severe cognitive impairment.
Common side effects of marijuana use include headaches, dry mouth, lightheadedness, nausea, disorientation, hallucinations, increased heart rate and increased appetite. When marijuana is abused, long-term side effects include cognitive impairment, anxiety, paranoia and increased risk of psychosis.
Why are people getting Cross Faded?
- Some people are accidentally getting cross faded because they are unaware of the risks and consequences
- Some people are intentionally combining the two substances in an attempt to achieve a greater high. Users can experience a more intense euphoria and a more pleasurable high because both drugs impact the brain’s reward system and release high levels of dopamine.
- Some people are getting cross faded in an attempt to manage their negative thoughts and feelings. They are more likely to use both drugs as a coping mechanism to numb their emotions because they do not know how to do it in a healthy way. These underlying mental health issues, like anxiety and depression, can influence polysubstance drug use.
- Some people are getting cross faded due to peer pressure. It can be difficult to resist joining the crowd. This is especially true for young people or for those who are concerned about others seeing you and your social image.
- Some people are getting cross faded because they have a fear of missing out. Social pressures and the fact that many young people are easily influenced by each other can lead to using both drugs simultaneously.
- Some people are getting cross faded because they don’t know any better. Many people aren’t aware of the dangers of using both. This is especially true among young people.
- Some people are getting cross faded due to underlying feelings of stress. Putting yourself in an altered state of mind, such as drinking or smoking marijuana, can motivate the person to also combine drug use. It can be used as a means to explore different perceptions and emotions.
Side Effects of being Cross Faded
- Worsening depression
- Anxiety
- Prolonged paranoia
- Panic attacks
- Poor mental facilities
- Nausea
- Impaired judgment and cognition
- Blackouts
- Tolerance, dependence and addiction
- Alcohol or cannabis addiction
- Sweating
- Disorientation
- Dilated pupils
- Increased heart rate, shaking and shortness of breath
- Dehydration and overheating
- Stressed liver function
- Impaired motor skills
- Constricted blood vessels
- Increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure
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Risks and Dangers of Mixing Alcohol and Marijuana
When you are drunk from alcohol intoxication and high from cannabis use, it is often referred to as being cross faded. Though alcohol is legal and marijuana is also legal in many states, there are risks to using both substances, especially when they are used together at the same time. Alcohol and THC affect receptors in the brain. When they are used together, the body can experience enhanced impaired effects like cognition and decrease in motor skills.
According to the CDC, using the drugs together can increase impairment risks much more than using them alone. It doubles the risk of engaging in risky behaviors. But more than engaging in risky behavior, being cross faded can cause other damages and life-threatening risks. Using both can affect your physical and psychological health.
The active ingredient in alcohol is ethanol. Ethanol can help increase the absorption of THC, which is the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. This can make you more high and amplify the euphoric feelings from marijuana.
Marijuana can produce an antiemetic effect, which is the inability to vomit. Vomiting is typically a physical sign that you drank too much alcohol. It’s your body’s way of telling you to stop or slow down. But, when you cannot vomit, you may think that it’s ok to continue consuming more alcohol. This can lead to alcohol poisoning and overdose.
Some people who are cross faded, can experience negative mental health side effects. It can increase the risk of anxiety and panic attacks. The person is more likely to feel paranoid in social settings. And there is a higher risk of psychosis.
When using alcohol and marijuana together, it can cause compounded impairment on judgment and affect coordination skills and slow down reaction times. This can lead to driving under the influence, inability to make sound decisions and the risk of harming yourself and others.
What should you do if you are Cross Faded?
There isn’t a cure for being cross faded. Ultimately, you will have to ride out the effects of the combination of drugs until it is completely left your system. A marijuana high from smoking can last anywhere from 1-3 hours. A marijuana edible can last up to 8 hours after ingestion. Alcohol intoxication can last up to 6 hours. The effects of a cross fade can last anywhere from 4-24 hours.
When combined together, there is no set time frame for when you sober up. If you are still feeling the effects of both drugs, drink lots of water, eat a nutritious meal, relax or sleep it out. Alcohol and marijuana need time to be eliminated from your system.
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Treatment for Polysubstance Use Disorder
Being cross faded is most often referred to as being drunk and high at the same time. It is a form of polystubstance use and a form of substance abuse. The use of both substances at the same time can also lead to drinking larger amounts of alcohol, leading to tolerance, dependence and addiction. Professional behavioral health treatment programs like Hotel California by the Sea provide substance use disorder treatment, alcohol use disorder treatment and polysubstance abuse treatment.
We offer treatment at all levels of care including detox, residential, PHP and IOP. We utilize evidence-based treatment methods such as CBT, DBT and group therapy. Hotel California by the Sea is dedicated to helping clients reach their goals of sobriety and overcome their addiction.
References:
https://zinniahealth.com/substance-use/blog/cross-faded
https://www.nuggmd.com/blog/cross-faded-meaning-and-symptoms
https://leafwell.com/blog/cross-faded-meaning
https://www.addictioncenter.com/alcohol/alcohol-marijuana
https://adolescentmentalhealth.com/blog/understanding-cross-faded-meaning
https://www.addictiongroup.org/addiction/cross-faded/