We've talked about the dangers of mixing Adderall and weed, but now let’s talk about the dangers of Mixing Adderall and alcohol.
This has become a common trend, especially among young adults and predominantly with college students. Despite being meant for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Adderall is commonly abused for the alertness and increased focus it provides. Like other stimulants, this medication can produce an energetic high that increases sociability and confidence. Our Stuart rehab is aware of the growing trend in Adderall abuse, as well as mixing alcohol and Adderall to boost its side effects. If you’re interested in learning what this combination can do to you, keep reading.
What Is Adderall?
Adderall is a medication containing both amphetamine and dextroamphetamine that’s used to treat ADHD. Both amphetamine and dextroamphetamine belong to a drug class called stimulants, which increase your ability to stay focused, pay attention, and control behavioral patterns. Adderall can also be used to treat narcolepsy because it helps people stay awake during the day. Ritalin is similar to Adderall in that it works similarly and produces the same side effects. As a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, Adderall works by increasing the availability of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the CNS.
Due to its mechanism of action, Adderall is also addictive. Despite the need for a prescription, more and more college students are engaging in Adderall abuse to improve their academic performance. However, taking Adderall without ADHD or narcolepsy can lead to addiction and other long-term side effects. If you or someone you know is struggling with Adderall addiction, our prescription pill detox can help pave the way to recovery.
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Can You Mix Adderall and Alcohol?
No, you should not mix Adderall and alcohol. Adderall is categorized as a Schedule II drug, meaning it has both a medical purpose and potential for abuse. Adderall is illegal to take without a prescription. Alcohol is a CNS depressant that also has a high potential for abuse. Unlike Adderall, alcohol slows down the CNS, producing relaxation instead of energy or alertness. It dulls the mind rather than improving concentration. In other words, alcohol has completely different effects on the body than stimulants like Adderall do.
Some common side effects of mixing Adderall and alcohol include:
- Impaired judgment.
- Difficulty recognizing intoxication or when you’re getting drunk.
- Increased risk of alcohol poisoning because Adderall counteracts alcohol’s side effects.
- Nausea and/or vomiting.
- Dehydration.
- ADHD medications reduce your appetite and drinking alcohol on an empty stomach can make you even drunker.
- Decreased reaction time and coordination.
- Blurred vision.
- Irregular or rapid heartbeat.
- Increased blood pressure.
- Increased risk of heart disease.
- Sleep problems.
- Contributing to anxiety and depression.
- Strokes and seizures.
Most physicians strongly advise against drinking alcohol while using any prescription medications, and for a good reason. Mixing Adderall and alcohol is dangerous because alcohol inhibits the symptoms of Adderall, making it seem as if the drug isn’t working. However, the actual content of the drug hasn’t changed. As a result, this makes it easier for someone to overdose on Adderall when polydrug abuse occurs. Additionally, when a person mixes two different kinds of drugs, side effects like seizures can occur. Chronically abusing both drugs can also lead to a complicated situation in which the person has developed a polysubstance use disorder. Fortunately, regardless of the addiction that you’re struggling with, our inpatient drug treatment at Banyan Treatment Centers Stuart can help.
Can Mixing Adderall and Alcohol Kill You?
Yes, mixing Adderall and alcohol can kill you. While this may seem harsh, the risk of overdose is increased when multiple drugs are used at a time. As previously mentioned, because Adderall and alcohol belong to different drug classes, they can collide to create dangerous and unpredictable side effects. For the same reason, alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of Adderall, motivating the person to take more Adderall to experience the increased alertness and focus it provides. But drinking alcohol with Adderall doesn’t reduce the original amount of the drug that was taken, but it merely dulls its effects. When the person takes more, they open themselves up to an overdose.
When alcohol is added to the equation, the dangers are amplified. Not only is mixing Adderall and alcohol bad, but it’s also deadly. Whether an Adderall overdose occurs accidentally or on purpose, it can lead to death.
If you’re struggling with polysubstance abuse or with one form of addiction, Banyan Detox Stuart can help. Call us today at 888-280-4763 to learn more about our Florida drug and alcohol treatment.
