Can You Be Addicted to More Than One Substance at a Time? | Polysubstance Use Disorder
Can You Be Addicted to More Than One Substance at a Time?
Written by Benjamin Zohar , NCACIP
Publication Date: 20 November 2025
Reviewed by Brandon McNally, RN
Absolutely yes. Polysubstance use disorder—or addiction to more than one substance at a time—is a common and clinically significant condition affecting millions of Americans, including many in New York.
What Is Polysubstance Use Disorder?
Polysubstance use refers to the use of two or more psychoactive substances in combination, either simultaneously or sequentially, often to enhance effects, manage withdrawal, or cope with psychological distress [[Drug Rehabs in Long Island Tha...]](https://www.issup.net/node/32981). Examples include:
- Alcohol and benzodiazepines
- Opioids and stimulants (e.g., heroin and cocaine, known as a "speedball")
- Prescription medications and illicit drugs
- Cannabis and hallucinogens
When substance use becomes compulsive and leads to negative consequences despite continued use, it meets the criteria for a substance use disorder (SUD) under the *DSM-5* [[Substance Use Disorder - Cause...]](https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use). When multiple substances are involved, the condition is referred to as a polysubstance use disorder.
Prevalence and Risks
According to SAMHSA, individuals with addiction often use multiple substances, increasing the complexity of treatment and risk of overdose [[Substance Use Disorder Treatme...]](https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/treatment). Mixing substances—especially depressants like alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines—can lead to life-threatening respiratory depression [[FDA and Kratom]](https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-and-kratom).
Key risks of polysubstance use include:
- Increased likelihood of emergency room visits and overdose
- Greater cognitive impairment and mental health instability
- More severe withdrawal symptoms
- Challenges in diagnosis and treatment due to overlapping effects [[Managing Life with Co-Occurrin...]](https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/serious-mental-illness/co-occurring-disorders)
Dual Diagnosis and Co-Occurring Disorders
Many individuals with polysubstance use also suffer from co-occurring mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder [[Managing Life with Co-Occurrin...]](https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/serious-mental-illness/co-occurring-disorders). This dual diagnosis requires integrated treatment that addresses both addiction and psychiatric concerns concurrently—a model supported by SAMHSA and considered best practice [[Managing Life with Co-Occurrin...]](https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/serious-mental-illness/co-occurring-disorders).
Facilities like Hudson Valley Addiction Treatment Center and Long Island Addiction Resources offer dual-diagnosis programs staffed by psychiatrists and licensed therapists trained in trauma-informed care [[Drug & Alcohol Rehab in Long I...]](https://longislandaddictionresources.com)[[Drug & Alcohol Rehab in Newbur...]](https://hvatc.com).
Treatment Approaches
Effective treatment for polysubstance use disorders includes:
- Comprehensive assessment to identify all substances used and mental health needs
- Medically supervised detox tailored to the substances involved [[Medications for Substance Use ...]](https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/treatment/options)
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid or alcohol dependence [[Medications for Substance Use ...]](https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/treatment/options)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and group therapy
- Relapse prevention planning and family involvement [[Drug Rehabs in Long Island Tha...]](https://www.issup.net/node/32981)
Due to the complexity of polysubstance use, longer treatment durations and more intensive monitoring are often necessary for sustained recovery [[Drug & Alcohol Rehab in Newbur...]](https://hvatc.com).
Getting Help
If you or a loved one is struggling with multiple substances, professional intervention is critical. Programs across New York, including those affiliated with Intervention NY and Every 1 Center, offer coordinated care, including detox placement, inpatient rehab, and aftercare [[Expert Detox & Rehab in Troy, ...]](https://every1center.com)[[Drug & Alcohol Interventionist...]](https://interventionny.com).
You are not alone—help is available. Call (631) 888-6282 for a free, confidential consultation with a treatment specialist who can guide you toward recovery [[Drug & Alcohol Rehab in Long I...]](https://longislandaddictionresources.com).
Call Now: (631) 888-6282
Confidential support available 24/7. Learn how to access treatment for polysubstance use and co-occurring mental health conditions in New York.
Crisis Resources
- Emergency: Call 911
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (Free, confidential, 24/7)
- Long Island Crisis Center: (516) 679-1111
Internal Links with Glossary Integration
External Links with Natural Anchor Text
- For a curated list of accredited drug rehabs in Long Island that accept major insurance plans.
- Explore comprehensive Long Island addiction resources, including detox, IOP, and aftercare services.
- Learn about inpatient detox and recovery programs at Every 1 Center in Troy, NY.
- Discover individualized care at Hudson Valley Addiction Treatment Center (HVATC).
- Connect with professional interventionists across New York through Intervention NY.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Treatment decisions should be made in consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. Always verify insurance benefits directly with your plan or provider. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
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