The Dangers of Mixing Adderall and Alcohol – Effects and Risks

Adderall is a type of stimulant that treats attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These types of medications can have interactions with other substances, especially alcohol. Alcohol has sedating effects, which counters the effects of Adderall.

Moreover, alcohol with other stimulants like Adderall is often abused by young people. This comes with grave consequences and risks. These substances on their own can have side effects and potential for abuse. If a person were to mix alcohol and Adderall, the dangers would be detrimental.

It is important to be aware of the effects and risks of this combination. Therefore, rehabilitation treatment centers are available if you or a loved one has developed a dependency. 

Why Do People Take Adderall?

Adderall is a prescription medicine that acts on the central nervous system (CNS). It is one of the popular stimulants prescribed in the US.  Stimulants like Adderall are frequently prescribed for treating ADHD, affecting adults and children. 

Adderall is the brand name for the combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It works by controlling hyperactivity and impulses in people with ADHD. It increases attention and decreases impulsiveness and hyperactivity for ADHD patients.

Adderall is a Schedule II controlled substance. It can only be taken by a patient if they have a prescription. It has a high tendency for abuse. Moreover, Adderall addiction can cause tolerance, extreme psychological dependence, and severe social disability. 

Side Effects Of Adderall

Misusing Adderall and other stimulants can result in several harmful side effects. If a person does not take it as prescribed or with alcohol, the risk of side effects occurring is increased. 

Adderall side effects:

• Trouble sleeping
• Decreased appetite
• Nervousness
• Dizziness

Serious side effects:

• Slowing of growth in children
• Worsening of heart problems
• Signs of psychosis
• Numbness or pain in the extremities
• Muscle twitches
• Seizures
• Blurred vision

Why Can’t I Mix Adderall And Alcohol?

Adderall is a stimulant that can increase your heart rate and blood pressure, while depressants like alcohol slow parts of your brain and impair cognition. If you mix these two, it doesn’t balance or cancel them out.

The harmful effects of polysubstance use can worsen your health and current diseases. Combining Adderall and alcohol can mask the effects of one or both drugs. This can lead to overdosing or the risk of alcohol poisoning. 

Why It’s Not Safe to Mix Alcohol And ADHD Medications?

Alcohol isn’t only dangerous when combined with Adderall or other ADHD medications. A lot of prescription medicines should not be mixed with alcohol. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, and even some herbal remedies can have harmful effects when combined with alcohol.

The effects of mixing alcohol and other drugs can vary from drowsiness, fainting, loss of coordination or internal bleeding, heart problems, and difficulty breathing. It can make medications harmful or toxic.

Adderall And Alcohol Abuse

A person with substance use disorder can be in more danger of the effects of the drug if they drink alcohol.  The risk of overdosing on Adderall and worsening of drug dependence is higher. 

Can I Develop An Addiction To Alcohol And Adderall?

Adderall, as a stimulant, is known to cause a boost in physical or mental performance. People who abuse Adderall causes them to have an increased feeling of confidence, concentration, euphoria, and decreased appetite. This has made it a popular choice of drug for students and athletes to abuse. 

A person will abuse or develop an addiction if they are using Adderall to keep awake for school or work, want to lose weight, and want to be more social and party.  

Alcohol comes into the mix when a person simultaneously drinks and takes stimulants to counter each other’s effects. People who want to keep drinking may misuse Adderall. This prevents a person from feeling drunk.

Moreover, most people who abuse Adderall are young adults who also like to drink and party. Research shows that misuse of stimulants and alcohol among undergraduate students is higher. 

These individuals are prone to developing an addiction or alcohol use disorder.

It is also known for drug users to use alcohol to counter the effects of their Adderall addiction, which they call downers and uppers. Alcohol as a downer and Adderall as the downer, people combine both to keep taking one or the other.

However, the results of combining them are unpredictable and dangerous.

Dangers of Mixing Adderall with Alcohol

If you mix Adderall with alcohol, it increases the risk of toxicity. This combination causes serious damage to your brain, heart, liver, and kidney, or even cardiac arrest.

 Effect Of Alcohol While Taking Adderall

Adderall can mask the effects of alcohol. A person will not be aware if they are experiencing alcohol intoxication. It can hide or change the other drug’s effects. Drinking alcohol while using Adderall can lead to a higher risk of alcohol poisoning. 

Depressant and stimulant effects combined will cause:

• Chest pain
• Heart failure
• Heart attack
• Respiratory infection
• Psychosis
• Panic attacks
• Kidney failure
• Permanent brain damage
• Accidents due to sedation

Effects of Alcohol And Adderall Withdrawals

Both Adderall and alcohol can cause withdrawals. They can affect the brain and cause dependence. As depressants and stimulants, they cannot be discontinued suddenly. If you plan to stop or reduce the dosage of your Adderal, notify your doctor.

You need to gradually decrease its dosage before stopping or undergo proper treatment for withdrawals to stop completely. 

Drug and Alcohol detox will cause severe withdrawal symptoms. It will manifest psychological and physical symptoms. You will need a medically assisted detox program, especially if you have a history of alcohol abuse and alcoholism. 

Treatment for Adderall and Alcohol Addiction

A person should be referred for assessment to identify concurrent drug use. It is important to determine all possible substance use disorders to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of the treatment.

At Luxe Recovery, our team can help you identify the types of treatment you need. Detoxing from alcohol can be overwhelming for your mind and body.  Appropriate treatment and professional assistance would be required. We offer a comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment program.

If you have a co-occurring addiction to a drug like Adderall.  Luxe Recovery also offers treatment for substance use disorders. We understand the struggles of our patients and strive to make their recovery personalized to their needs.