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What Is Crossfading and Is My Kid at Risk?

Picture of Stonewater Recovery By   ·  3 minute read
Being the parent of an adolescent means that you must be in the know with all of the latest terminologies if you want to keep tabs on what your kid is doing, especially where drugs and alcohol are concerned. Although the term "crossfade" is not entirely new, the word has started to be used more commonly with adolescents due to social influences. So, what is crossfading? The most common type of crossfading involves alcohol and marijuana, although other drugs can also be involved. If you suspect that your adolescent is engaging in crossfading, it is crucial to have a discussion with them about the dangers of crossfading. If you or your teen need resources and more information on crossfading, contact our Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center team at 662.373.2828. We'd be happy to answer any of your questions about substance abuse treatment and how it could benefit your teen.

What Is Crossfading?

Crossfade is code for drinking alcohol and using marijuana simultaneously to get a more intense high. What starts as a mixture of two drugs could turn into a dangerous decision that does not turn out as enjoyable as a teen once thought. Drinking and using marijuana separately is already unsafe amongst teens, but using them together can be disastrous. Both alcohol and marijuana as individual components can affect a still-developing teen brain and cause brain impairment for the short-term and, in some cases, the long-term. When used in isolation, either one is potentially hazardous to anyone of any age. The main appeal for adolescents is that crossfading supposedly heightens the effects of both substances, making for a more intense high. There is no real evidence to support the claims that crossfading enhances the effects of either substance. Many experts believe that the opposite is true. However, there are significant dangers involved with crossfading since the users are now dealing with the combined effects of two psychoactive substances, which can lead to a greater chance of overdose or other serious consequences.

The Dangers of Mixing Drugs and Alcohol

Once marijuana and alcohol are combined, the risks double with the potential of combined drug intoxication (CDI). Although it is almost impossible to overdose on marijuana alone, using marijuana in abundance could make someone want to drink more and cause alcohol poisoning, possibly leading to death. According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, their research shows that people under the age of 20 are more likely to binge drink five drinks at one time. Drinking large quantities can overwhelm the body, making it difficult to break down alcohol in the bloodstream quick enough. Adding marijuana to the equation, and anybody could be in jeopardy of an overdose. When a teen smokes marijuana and then drinks alcohol, THC levels in the blood seem to double the amount of those who only smoked pot and did not drink alcohol. Harvard Medical School concluded that THC in blood plasma doubled because drinking alcohol increased the ability of the blood to absorb the THC much easier. Greater absorption inevitably made them more intoxicated than if they had not added alcohol to the mix in the first place. Your teen may think crossfading is okay since they know alcohol is legal at a certain age. The general perception of teens is also that marijuana is harmless. Staying up to date on the trends that lead up to drug and alcohol abuse can help you to inform your teen on making better decisions.

Identifying Crossfading in Teens

If you are concerned that your teen is crossfading, the best way to find out is to ask them directly. It might be challenging to have an open conversation about what they are doing, but it will help in the long run. If they are unwilling to talk to you about what they are doing, some signs you can look for may help you determine what is happening. Your teen may start to display changes in behavior such as:
  • Withdrawing from friends and family
  • Disengaging from activities they once enjoyed
  • Poor performance in school
  • Slacking on personal hygiene
  • Unexplained changes in eating habits
  • Sudden weight loss or gain
  • Unexplained mood swings or irritability
If you notice any of these changes in your teen, it is crucial to have a conversation with them to find out what is happening. Crossfading is just one of the many dangers that can result from teens using drugs and alcohol. If you are concerned that your teen is engaging in this behavior, talk to them about the dangers and help them make better choices. You might also want to consider contacting professional help from Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center.

Learn More About Crossfading in Teens at Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center

Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center leads the way with progressive, evidence-based programming to most effectively treat each individual adolescent while focusing on the uniqueness of each client. Healing the mind, the body, and the spirit as the same can make the most significant difference in staying sober. Call us at 662.373.2828 today to start living in recovery.