Co-Use of Amphetamines and Alcohol Linked to Serious Liver and Kidney Damage: Study Reveals
Saudi Arabia: A recent study published in Scientific Reports has highlighted the dangerous effects of co-abusing amphetamines and alcohol, revealing that this combination significantly increases toxicity in both the kidneys and liver. The findings suggest a concerning synergy between these substances, leading to greater harm than when either is used alone.
Researchers have long understood the individual risks associated with amphetamines and alcohol. The prevalence of alcohol use disorder was 75% higher in patients dependent on amphetamines. Amphetamines, often prescribed for conditions like ADHD, can lead to increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and anxiety. Meanwhile, alcohol consumption is well-documented for its negative effects on the liver, contributing to conditions such as fatty liver disease and cirrhosis. However, the interaction between the two substances has not been explored thoroughly until now.
To explore the same, Ashraf M. Emara, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Al Qassim, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia, and colleagues aimed to evaluate the toxic effects of co-abusing amphetamines and alcohol on the liver and kidneys.
For this purpose, the researchers conducted a cross-sectional study at Amal Hospital for Mental Health in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia, involving 100 participants. Seventy-five of these were patients hospitalized for substance abuse treatment, while 25 were healthy volunteers with no history of abuse. An experienced psychiatrist interviewed the patients and assessed them using DSM-5 criteria. The data from the healthy participants served as a control group, which was matched with the abuse group based on age and lifestyle.
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