Like with other prescription medications, mixing alcohol and Adderall can be both unpredictable and dangerous. In this article, we will explore the risk of combining these substances, which can lead to polysubstance use disorders, overdose, heart failure, and even death. Please read on to find out more.
What is Adderall?
Adderall is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant drug that contains both amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It is an FDA-approved medication to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but given its properties as a stimulant, it is also highly misused by college-going students, youth, and athletes. It can improve your cognitive abilities, such as focus, mental functioning, performance, and productivity.
Adderall is a Schedule II substance under the Controlled Substances Act in the U.S., which means it has a high potential for misuse and dependence. When taken as prescribed and instructed by your doctor, it is safe and effective in treating conditions such as ADHD; otherwise, it carries the risk of a stimulant use disorder characterized by the inability to control Adderall use.
What Happens When You Mix Adderall and Alcohol?
Mixing alcohol and Adderall refers to polysubstance use, which means mixing two or more substances for a heightened or contrasting effect – like with alcohol and Adderall. Alcohol is a CNS depressant, while Adderall is a CNS stimulant. You might think that by combining these two, you will be counterbalancing each other’s effects. But the reality is something else. Instead of a balancing effect, what happens is that one substance masks the effect of the other substances, so you do not get an idea of how much of each you have consumed. This can easily lead to an overdose.
Moreover, prescription medications are known as such for a reason. If they are consumed more frequently, longer, or with other substances than intended, these drug interactions in your body can lead to unpredictable and even deadly effects.
Quick Answer: Can You Mix Adderall and Alcohol?
No. Whether you are taking Adderall as per prescription or for recreation, experts strongly advise you not to drink while taking it. This CNS stimulant can mask alcohol’s sedative effects, so you can drink more heavily than you realize, which can raise the risk of alcohol poisoning and other deadly cardiovascular conditions.
What Are the Side Effects of Mixing Alcohol and Adderall?
Alcohol and Adderall have unique side effects of their own. While they both feel pleasant and pleasurable at the beginning, which is what keeps one going back to them for more, in combination, they can give rise to the following unwanted side effects:
- Vomiting bouts
- Tremors
- Lightheadedness and fainting
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Psychosis
- Malnutrition
- Irregular heartbeat
- Stroke.
These side effects can vary from discomfort to unhealthy to dangerous, so this answers the question is alcohol and Adderall dangerous for you. Hence, experts strongly advise against mixing alcohol and Adderall together.
Can Mixing Adderall and Alcohol Kill You?
The risks we have described thus far of mixing alcohol and Adderall are highly dangerous. So, to cut to the point of whether can mixing Adderall and alcohol kill you, the answer is yes.
However, it is not as straightforward as mixing these two substances together will directly lead to fatality. The symptoms of lightheadedness can lead to impaired judgment and coordination, raising the risk of serious and even life-threatening injuries. Cardiovascular conditions such as heart arrhythmias can increase the risk of heart attack and failure. Meanwhile, as mixing alcohol and Adderall together can mask the other’s effects, so you do not really know how much you have consumed – this increases the risk of overdose, which can lead to fatality.
Who Is at Higher Risk of Severe Side Effects of Mixing Alcohol and Adderall?
While mixing alcohol and Adderall is an unpredictable, dangerous combination in itself, certain factors raise the risk of severe side effects of mixing alcohol and Adderall, such as:
- Binge drinkers who use this combination of alcohol and Adderall – this is especially common among college students and weekend drinkers.
- Those who take high doses of both alcohol and Adderall.
- People who struggle with high blood pressure and other heart conditions.
Mixing Alcohol and Adderall – What Can You Do Right Now?
- If you have been prescribed Adderall or even use it recreationally, stop drinking – counterbalancing the effects of both does not exactly function the way you want it to.
- Eat light, drink plenty of water, and stay safe – with a trusted, sober person who can help with your safety.
- Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you are mixing alcohol and Adderall together.
- Call emergency services like 9-1-1 in the U.S. if you feel unwell or notice other symptoms such as vomiting, disorientation, lightheadedness, chest pain, and seizures.
Treatment for Adderall and Alcohol Use Disorder
Sometimes, it is easier said than done to give up on one substance or both. In many cases, mixing alcohol and Adderall is highly addictive, increasing the risk of a substance use disorder (addiction) to one or both substances. If you or a loved one is struggling with polysubstance use disorder, Skyline Recovery Center offers structured outpatient rehab programs such as partial hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient programs, dual diagnosis programs for both substance use and mental health conditions, and standard outpatient care.
Wherever you are in your recovery, we will meet you there with our continuum of care. Please do not hesitate to call us at (310) 269-0038 to begin healing today.