Amphetamine, also known as Adderall, is a medication that directly impacts the central nervous system as a stimulant. Alcohol is a substance that affects serotonin and dopamine levels in an individual’s body. What happens when a person taking Adderall adds alcohol to the mix?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a common reason a doctor prescribes Adderall (ADHD). Like many other prescription drugs, drinking while taking Adderall can be bad for your health, so it’s best to avoid doing so.
National Survey on Drug Abuse and Health indicates that 11.4 percent of people 12 years and older misused Adderall in 2010. This medication has been a more common problem among college students.
Taking both alcohol and Adderall can be dangerous, resulting in detrimental health problems. The stimulating effects of Adderall can counteract the calming effects of alcohol. This effect can result in someone drinking too much since they will not be as aware of the impact.
What if You Combine Adderall and Alcohol?
If someone thinks that mixing alcohol and Adderall could hurt them or if they experience harmful side effects, they should seek emergency help. During the withdrawal phase, it is crucial to remain aware of the associated risks. Stimulants like Adderall can be detrimental if taken in high doses or over a long period.
If someone shows signs of an Adderall overdose but can’t or won’t go to the hospital, someone else must get them to help immediately. There is an increased risk when you use these stimulant drugs alongside alcohol.
Side Effects of Adderall and Alcohol
Alcohol is a depressant, and Adderall is a stimulant; however, they don’t cancel each other out. Instead, they cause each other to be less effective.
Below are some harmful effects of drinking alcohol while taking Adderall:
- Higher heart rate, rising body temperature,
- Higher blood pressure
- Distraction\aggression
- Restlessness
- Less control over oneself
- Other changes in behavior and mood
- Some signs of alcohol poisoning could be:
- Confusion
- Insomnia or not being able to wake up
- Vomiting
- Slow, abnormal breathing during seizures
- A slower heart rate and dry, flaky skin
- Slurry speech
- Blurry vision
- Negative Attitude problems
- Dulled reactions
- Unable to cough for stopping choke
Taking Adderall and Alcohol Together
People may mix Adderall and alcohol for many different reasons. One study found that this medicine is abused most often by people between 18 and 25 who get it from friends and family without a prescription.
Alcohol can calm down the jitters that Adderall can cause at this time. Drug use has many associated dangers, and young adults don’t recognize it. In the past year, Adderal use was around 1.8 percent. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned several times to mix any drugs not only because it reduces the effectiveness of a medicine.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some mental health medicines might take up to 4 weeks to show their maximum results or effects. Especially the medication to treat ADHD will take time. Individuals who mix Adderall with alcohol are also prone to the risk of alcohol poisoning.
Having ADHD and Drinking Alcohol
Since AUD and ADHD are linked to the same genes, people with ADHD may be more likely to have AUD. Also, if you are a teenager and drink alcohol, it can worsen your ADHD symptoms. People with ADHD tend to have trouble controlling impulses and struggle to feel motivated, making them more likely to abuse alcohol.
It can feel like a small amount of Adderall with alcohol can make things problematic, but if a person drinks too much, they could have symptoms and adverse side effects like:
- Stumbles, jerky movements
- Lack of coordination
- Slurred speech and confusion
- Heart problems
- Less able to think clearly,
- Skewed judgment.
Symptoms of Drinking on Adderall
People’s symptoms can be affected by their weight, health problems, and how much alcohol they’ve had in the past. If you drink alcohol, you may experience symptoms that worsen over time.
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, while Adderall is a stimulant elsewhere. Further clinical research is needed to learn more about what happens when mixing alcohol and Adderall, but it has been proven in several cases that the combination can be hazardous.
A loss of control over one’s movements, inability to feel pain or reason, and having no sense of right and wrong can all be caused by mixing the two.
People who don’t need Adderall for medical reasons or don’t take it as prescribed may experience several different side effects. It is a stimulant medication that descends the side effects of sedation caused by alcohol, making a person drink more to feel the same euphoria.
Possibility of Addiction
The US Drug Enforcement Administration lists Adderall as a Schedule II drug. This means that it has a high chance of being abused and making people physically and mentally dependent.
Some people who use Adderall often may build up a tolerance to it, meaning they need to take it more or more often to achieve the same effects.
Adderall abuse can cause substance use disorders, which can lead to addiction. Patients with SUD can also have withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking their medication suddenly or cut their dose significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it feel like mixing Adderall and alcohol?
Mixing Adderall and alcohol can result in heart problems, alcohol poisoning, and negative behavioral issues. When you drink too much, your inhibition gets reduced. A person’s behavior can impair aggression, and they may have mood swings.
What happens when you mix alcohol and Adderall?
When you use a medication for other purposes it was not intended for, it can be hazardous. Nausea, vomiting, and headaches can lead to drowsiness and sedation, and loss of coordination and cognition problems are all a possibility.
Adderall can make you feel too sober and likely to drink more alcohol to feel the same euphoric feeling. It creates tolerance against alcohol consumption, making you feel a state of confusion.
What does it feel like to be drunk on Adderall?
The combination of these two isn’t ideal as the alcohol acts as a downer while the Adderall acts oppositely. The person may experience motor function distractions, slurred speech, and a lack of coordination can occur. You will be facing psychosis problems if you decide to remain awake after consuming these. In severe cases of overdose, you will have to seek emergency medical help.
Indiana Center For Recovery Can Help Alcohol and Adderall Addiction
Indiana Center For Recovery provides comprehensive treatment plans, family programs, and family therapy for those struggling with addiction. Drug and alcohol detox helps you recover from physical dependence and get back to healthy living.
Our facility provides a safe and comfortable space for patients to overcome their addiction fully. We also offer effective aftercare programs that prevent relapse, keeping you on the right track.
We are dedicated to providing the best treatment possible for every patient who comes through our doors. If you or a loved one is battling an addiction, call Indiana Center for Recovery at (844) 650-0064.