A client who uses cocaine admits to abusing other drugs to balance the effects. Which substance is most likely included in their drug history?

A client who uses cocaine admits to abusing other drugs to balance the effects. Which substance is most likely included in their drug history?

• A. Alcohol
• B. Amphetamines
• C. Caffeine
• D. Phencyclidine

Answer: (A)

Individuals who use cocaine often seek other substances to mitigate or balance the stimulating effects of cocaine, which can lead to unwanted side effects such as anxiety, restlessness, and increased heart rate. Alcohol is commonly used in these scenarios because it serves as a depressant that can help counteract some of the stimulating effects of cocaine. When taken together, alcohol can provide a calming effect, which might appeal to a user trying to manage the intense highs associated with cocaine use. This combination, however, can also increase the risks of potential harmful effects, including increased cardiovascular strain and the formation of toxic byproducts in the body. While amphetamines could also be used for a similar reason— to enhance stimulation— users of cocaine are more likely to balance its effects with a depressant like alcohol. Caffeine, while a mild stimulant, is generally not used in this balancing context. Phencyclidine (PCP), on the other hand, is a hallucinogen that doesn't play the same role in balancing the effects of cocaine as alcohol does. Thus, alcohol is the most probable substance in the drug history of a cocaine user seeking balance.

Individuals who use cocaine often seek other substances to mitigate or balance the stimulating effects of cocaine, which can lead to unwanted side effects such as anxiety, restlessness, and increased heart rate. Alcohol is commonly used in these scenarios because it serves as a depressant that can help counteract some of the stimulating effects of cocaine.

When taken together, alcohol can provide a calming effect, which might appeal to a user trying to manage the intense highs associated with cocaine use. This combination, however, can also increase the risks of potential harmful effects, including increased cardiovascular strain and the formation of toxic byproducts in the body.

While amphetamines could also be used for a similar reason— to enhance stimulation— users of cocaine are more likely to balance its effects with a depressant like alcohol. Caffeine, while a mild stimulant, is generally not used in this balancing context. Phencyclidine (PCP), on the other hand, is a hallucinogen that doesn't play the same role in balancing the effects of cocaine as alcohol does. Thus, alcohol is the most probable substance in the drug history of a cocaine user seeking balance.