Synergism

When alcohol is combined with other drugs, the synergism, or mixture effect, is stronger and has a different result on the brain and body than if the ingredients were taken individually. Synergism refers to the action of two different effects acting together to create a greater effect than the sum of the actions produced by each acting independently.

The effects of mixing alcohol with other drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, over-the-counter drugs, etc., can be very unpredictable. That is why it is very dangerous to combine drugs especially when driving. The synergistic effect is not a 1 + 1=2 effect. The results greatly vary depending upon the amounts of drugs and alcohol combined, as well as the health, weight and physical condition of the consumer.