What Happens If You Mix Adderall With Alcohol?

Adderall and alcohol are commonly misused together among the adolescent and young adult populations. Mixing these two substances may pose potentially life-threatening side effects.

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Dr. Manish Mishra, MBBS

Medically Reviewed By: Manish Mishra, MBBS

on November 11, 2022

Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant drug that is commonly prescribed to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.

While Adderall is considered safe when taken as directed, it can cause serious health risks when abused, particularly when drinking alcohol is involved.

The drug interaction of Adderall and alcohol can result in overdose, a mental health crises, and cardiovascular emergencies.

Why People Mix Adderall And Alcohol

Using Adderall and alcohol together is increasingly popular as a party drug combination among teens and college students.

Counteracting Effects

People who use alcohol and Adderall together may do so because of the counteracting effects of each substance.

For example, alcohol is a depressant and will dampen the effects of stimulant medications such as Adderall.

Being Unaware Of The Risks

While some people may mix alcohol and Adderall together due to their counteracting effects, there are many other people who may abuse these substances without knowledge of the risks.

Dangers Of Mixing Adderall And Alcohol

There are several dangers associated with misusing Adderall and alcohol on their own. These health risks are exacerbated when abusing the substances together.

Dangers may include:

  • uncontrollable vomiting
  • stroke
  • tremors
  • increased body temperature
  • loss of consciousness
  • paranoia
  • decreased inhibitions
  • malnutrition
  • psychotic episodes

Due to the way alcohol tends to mask the effects of Adderall, and vice versa, people who abuse them together are at a much higher risk of alcohol or Adderall overdose.

What Are The Symptoms Of Alcohol And Adderall Overdose?

Below are some of the most common symptoms associated with alcohol or Adderall overdose.

Symptoms may include:

  • disorientation
  • vomiting
  • alcohol poisoning
  • dramatic blood pressure changes
  • heart rate increase
  • coma

Alcohol and Adderall abuse will also put people at increased risk of heart attack or mental health emergency.

If you suspect that someone may be overdosing on alcohol and Adderall, it’s important to contact emergency services immediately.

Treatment Options For Adderall Addiction

Overcoming addiction is hard, but help is available in the form of evidence-based and holistic treatment services at a drug and alcohol rehab center.

Treatment options for Adderall abuse or alcohol addiction may include:

  • medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
  • support groups
  • group therapy for people with substance use disorders
  • medically monitored detox for withdrawal symptoms
  • 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous
  • dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring disorders
  • short-term and long-term residential treatment
  • outpatient treatment
  • cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

A drug and alcohol addiction treatment center will assist you or your loved one in recovery from polysubstance abuse.

Find Substance Abuse Treatment At Bedrock Recovery Center

Call our helpline today at Bedrock Recovery Center for more information on prescription drug abuse and treatment programs.

Our team can assist you in your journey to sobriety, or provide you with a referral for additional medical advice about prescription medications and alcohol use.

  1. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
  2. National Institute of Health (NIH)
  3. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

Written by Bedrock Recovery Center Editorial Team

© 2024 Bedrock Recovery Center | All Rights Reserved

* This page does not provide medical advice.

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