How the drugs found in Taylor Hawkins’ system affect the human body

Beloved Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins had ten different drugs in his system before he died. This is what they were and how they affect the human body.

The world was rocked by the sudden death of Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, after he was found dead in his Bogota hotel room, shortly before the band was set to perform at a Colombian music festival.

While the exact cause of death remains unknown, a toxicology report released by Colombian investigators revealed Hawkins had traces of ten different drugs in his body.

The report showed a combination of marijuana, opioids, tricyclic antidepressants, benzodiazepines and other drugs were found in the body of the late drummer. Here’s how they affect the body, individually and when combined.

WHAT IS MARIJUANA?

Also known as cannabis, marijuana is a cannabinoid drug that contains the psychoactive cannabinoid THC and the non-psychoactive cannabidiol CBD.

Smoked, eaten or vaporised, marijuana effects different people in different ways, and can even impact the same person differently, on different occasions.

According to the Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF), some people report experiencing relaxation and euphoria, while others experience anxiety and paranoia.

IS IT DANGEROUS?

Consuming large amounts may cause increased heart rate and memory impairment, while long term, chronic use may lead to dependence or reduced cognitive functioning.

People with a family history of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder should avoid marijuana, as it can worsen, or trigger the effects.

WHAT ARE OPIOIDS AND WHAT ARE THEY FOR?

Opioids include any drug that acts on opioid receptors in the brain and can be either natural or synthetic.

Common pain killers such as codeine, fentanyl, morphine and oxycodone fall into the opioid group, along with illegal drugs such as heroin.

When taken as medication, opioids are usually swallowed, while heroin is snorted.

The impact of opioids depends on the user’s size and weight, the strength of the drug, the amount taken and whether other drugs are being taken simultaneously.

Reported effects, according to the ADF, include relaxation, drowsiness, confusion and slowed breathing and heartbeat.

Large doses can cause cold, clammy skin, slow breathing and falling asleep.

Taylor Hawkins of the Foo Fighters performs at the Intersect music festival at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds on December 7, 2019 in Las Vegas. Picture: AFP

CAN THEY BE FATAL?

Opioids depress the central nervous system, slowing down the messages between the brain and body, and causing the user’s breathing and heart rate to slow down.

When breathing or heart rates slows down too much, breathing may cease entirely, potentially causing an overdose, which can result in death.

WHY WOULD SOMEONE TAKE TRICYCLIC ANTIDEPRESSANTS?

Also known as TCAs, tricyclic antidepressants are one of several classes of antidepressant.

TCAs were one of the first antidepressants developed but these days, newer drugs with less side effects are more commonly prescribed.

As well as depression, TCAs may be used to treat anxiety, nerve related pain, migraines, obsessive compulsive disorder and panic attacks.

CAN THEY BE DEADLY?

When taken at the recommended dosage, TCAs are considered safe, however they have been linked to some potentially fatal side effects.

According to the Royal Children’s Hospital, TCAs are one of the most common causes of fatal drug overdose, due to their narrow therapeutic window, which means fatalities can occur even with relatively low doses.

Taylor Hawkins and Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters attend the 56th annual Grammy Awards. Picture: Getty

WHAT ARE BENZODIAZEPINES?

Benzodiazepines are a central nervous system depression which slow down messages travelling between the brain and body.

Usually prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety or insomnia, Benzodiazepines are also mild tranquillisers.

They can be swallowed or injected.

ARE THEY HARMFUL?

According to the ADF, Benzodiazepines aren’t the first port of call for most medical professionals due to their high rates of dependence and withdrawal symptoms, even after a short period.

Some people misuse benzodiazepines to get high or help with the ‘come down’ effect from other drugs and have the potential to cause overdose.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU COMBINE DRUGS?

According to the ADF, the effects of combining drugs can be unpredictable and dangerous.

For example, combining opioids with marijuana or benzodiazepines can slow down both breathing and brain activity, increasing the risk of an overdose.

Combining benzodiazepines with other drugs, including those purchased over the counter, can also cause potentially fatal overdoses.

Originally published as How the drugs found in Taylor Hawkins’ system affect the human body