Being Drunk and High (Getting Crossed): What Really Happens When You Mix Cannabis and Alcohol
Table of Contents
At a Glance: Being Drunk and High (Getting Crossed)
What does “being drunk and high” mean?
It refers to the overlapping effects of alcohol and cannabis used together, also called getting crossed or cross-faded.
Why does mixing cannabis and alcohol feel so intense?
Alcohol can raise THC levels in the blood, which intensifies the high and leads to stronger impairment.
What are common short-term effects of getting crossed?
People often experience dizziness, nausea, anxiety, confusion, or “the spins.”
Is it dangerous to mix cannabis and alcohol?
Yes. Mixing increases risks like alcohol poisoning, impaired driving, accidents, and higher chances of developing a substance use disorder.
How can harm be reduced if someone chooses to mix?
Avoid driving, set clear limits, stay hydrated, and avoid edibles while drinking since their delayed effects make it easy to overconsume.
You have a couple drinks, take a few hits, and suddenly the room tilts. Your heart races. You’re sweaty, dizzy, and anxious. If that sounds familiar, you’ve experienced what many call being drunk and high—also known as getting crossed or cross‑faded. Here’s what’s going on in your brain and body, what the risks are, and how to reduce harm.
What “being drunk and high” actually means
When people talk about being drunk and high or getting crossed, they’re describing the overlapping effects of alcohol and THC at the same time. In youth and young‑adult slang, “cross‑faded” specifically means alcohol and cannabis effects overlap in one occasion. Research on simultaneous use shows this pattern is common and linked with more negative outcomes than using either substance alone.
Why the combo hits harder
Both alcohol and THC affect judgment, coordination, and reaction time through different pathways. When combined, the impairing effects tend to add up—and often multiply. The CDC explicitly notes that using alcohol and cannabis together is likely to produce greater impairment than either alone.
Alcohol first vs. cannabis first
Human lab work shows that drinking before using cannabis can raise THC levels in blood, which can intensify the high. That’s one reason the experience may feel suddenly overwhelming after “just a couple of puffs.”
Observational studies suggest cannabis first is often associated with less alcohol consumed that day, while alcohol firstpredicts more drinking overall—but results vary and aren’t randomized.
Edibles complicate things
Edibles have a delayed onset (up to ~2 hours), so people may “stack” drinks or doses, overshoot, and get far more intoxicated than intended once everything finally hits.
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Short‑term effects you might feel (and why)
Being crossed can bring on nausea, sweating, dizziness, anxiety, confusion, and the “spins.” Many people call a bad reaction to too much THC a “green out.” While cannabis alone rarely causes life‑threatening overdose, alcohol poisoning can be fatal, and mixing can make it harder to notice warning signs.
Red‑flag symptoms that need urgent help
Call emergency services if someone has mental confusion, repeated vomiting, slow/irregular breathing, seizures, or can’t be awakened—classic signs of alcohol poisoning. The safest choice is not to mix, but if a crisis happens, don’t hesitate to call for help.
Using alcohol and cannabis together isn’t just about one rough night. Regular co‑use is associated with poorer attention and memory, more severe negative consequences, and higher odds of developing a substance use disorder compared with using either substance alone. If you’re using to cope with stress, anxiety, or low mood, that risk tends to climb.
Driving risk: why crossing and cars do not mix
Simultaneous alcohol/cannabis use is consistently linked with much higher odds of impaired driving. A large national study found that, compared to alcohol alone, simultaneous use roughly doubled the odds of drunk driving and other harms; other analyses show even higher risk. Don’t drive—ever—after mixing.
If you still choose to mix: harm‑reduction steps
The CDC advises not to mix alcohol with other drugs (including cannabis). If you do, practical harm‑reduction can lower—but not eliminate—risk:
Plan a sober ride (never drive).
Set limits for both substances in advance; start low, go slow.
Order matters: be aware alcohol‑first can intensify THC.
Avoid edibles when drinking (delayed onset = easy to overshoot).
Eat and hydrate; don’t use on an empty stomach.
Skip mixing if you’re on medications or feeling unwell; interactions and mental‑health symptoms can worsen.
Use with trusted people who can help if you feel ill.
What to do if a friend is “too crossed”
Stay with them, keep them seated or lying on their side, and keep them hydrated if they can sip safely.
Reduce stimulation (dim lights, fresh air).
Don’t give more substances to “balance it out.”
Call emergency services if they’re unresponsive, having trouble breathing, or showing alcohol poisoning signs.
How this relates to addiction and mental health
Substance use and mental health affect one another. People dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or pain may mix to cope, which can create a feedback loop: temporary relief → heavier use → worsening symptoms. If you’re noticing cravings, using more than intended, or fallout at home, school, or work, consider talking to a professional. CDC
Free, confidential help: Call Nova Recovery Center (512) 605-2955 for treatment and support options near you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Being Drunk and High (Getting Crossed)
What is it called when you are drunk and high at the same time?
The common term is getting crossed or being cross-faded. It refers to mixing cannabis and alcohol and feeling both effects at once.
What happens if you’re both drunk and high?
Mixing cannabis and alcohol often intensifies impairment, leading to dizziness, nausea, anxiety, and higher risk of alcohol poisoning.
What happens if you get high and then drunk?
The order matters—using alcohol after cannabis can still impair judgment, but drinking before cannabis often increases THC levels and makes the high feel much stronger.
What to do if someone is drunk and high?
Stay with them, keep them safe and hydrated, and seek medical help if they show signs of alcohol poisoning like vomiting, confusion, or slow breathing.
What does it mean to get crossed?
Getting crossed means being drunk and high simultaneously. It usually describes the overlap of alcohol and cannabis effects.
What happens if I crossfade?
Crossfading can cause nausea, dizziness, panic, and an increased likelihood of risky behavior such as impaired driving.
What drugs should you not mix with alcohol?
Beyond cannabis, alcohol should not be mixed with prescription sedatives, opioids, or stimulants because of dangerous interactions.
Is it bad to drink alcohol and take edibles?
Yes. Since edibles have a delayed onset, people often drink more before the effects hit, which can result in overwhelming intoxication.
What happens if you smoke and drink alcohol?
Smoking cannabis while drinking alcohol heightens impairment and increases risks of accidents, poor decision-making, and potential long-term substance use problems.
How Nova Recovery Center Helps with Being Drunk and High Addiction
Nova Recovery Center understands the dangers of being drunk and high, often referred to as getting crossed, and how mixing cannabis and alcohol can quickly spiral into patterns of abuse. For individuals who find themselves frequently mixing substances, our team offers evidence-based treatment designed to address both the physical and psychological impacts of addiction. We provide a full continuum of care, beginning with safe detox and moving into personalized rehab programs that uncover the root causes of substance use. Our holistic approach addresses not only the cravings and withdrawal symptoms but also the underlying mental health challenges that often drive people to mix alcohol and cannabis in the first place. At Nova, clients gain access to group and individual therapy, relapse prevention planning, and peer support networks that reinforce long-term recovery. By teaching healthier coping strategies and providing accountability, we help individuals replace harmful habits with sustainable, positive routines. We also focus on relapse prevention, equipping clients with the tools to navigate triggers and stress without turning back to substance use. With compassionate staff and a strong recovery community, Nova Recovery Center creates an environment where individuals can heal, rebuild their lives, and pursue lasting sobriety.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Alcohol & ADHD Medications
Can you drink alcohol while taking ADHD medication?
It’s not recommended. Alcohol can interact with both stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medications, leading to dizziness, trouble concentrating, increased heart risks, and unpredictable sedative effects—even with medications like atomoxetine or guanfacine. Always check with your prescriber before drinking.
What happens if you mix alcohol and Adderall?
Mixing Adderall with alcohol is dangerous. The stimulant can mask how drunk you feel, which often leads to over-drinking, increasing the risks of overdose, heart strain, impaired judgment, and accidents.
Is alcohol a stimulant or a depressant?
Alcohol is a depressant. While small amounts may initially feel stimulating, its overall effect is sedative and impairing, slowing down brain and body functions.
What are the dangers of mixing alcohol with stimulants?
Combining stimulants and alcohol can significantly impact cognitive function and heart health. People may experience impaired judgment, cardiovascular strain, or intensified intoxication, especially because stimulants mask alcohol’s sedative effects.
How does Adderall affect alcohol intoxication?
Adderall can dull your perception of being drunk, which often leads to drinking more than intended. This masking effect increases the risk of alcohol poisoning and poor decision-making, such as driving impaired.
What are the side effects of combining Adderall and alcohol?
Possible side effects include elevated blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, confusion, impaired coordination, and a heightened risk for alcohol poisoning, seizures, or cardiac events.
How should you respond if someone mixes Adderall and alcohol?
If someone shows confusion, seizures, difficulty staying awake, or slow breathing after mixing these substances, call emergency services immediately. It’s always safer to seek medical help quickly.
