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Dangers of Mixing Adderall and Alcohol

  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Modified:
  • Reading Time: 12 minutes
  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Last Update:
  • Reading Time: 12 minutes

Mixing alcohol with Adderall is a risky combination that can lead to serious health dangers and side effects; understanding these risks is essential for anyone considering this mix.

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Drinking is popular with Americans. In actuality, the most popular social drug in America is alcohol.

Alcohol, like various other drugs, can harm your health, especially when you consume it daily or in large quantities. Even small amounts of drinking have been linked to numerous cancers and other disorders. When alcohol is mixed with Adderall, a medication for ADHD, the risks increase a lot. Some people misuse Adderall for fun, but this can be very dangerous.

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Risks & Dangers of Taking Adderall & Alcohol

Can You Take Adderall With Alcohol?

No. You cannot and should never engage in drinking alcohol while taking Adderall.

Many people purposely mix Adderall with alcohol to party longer and drink more. Like many other drugs, you should never mix Adderall with alcohol. This combination can lead to serious health problems. Sudden cardiac arrest or alcohol poisoning is among the worst-case scenarios that could happen.

Discuss your alcohol use or tendency to drink while taking medication with your prescribing physician.

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Medical Uses, & Misuse of Adderall

What Is Adderall?

Adderall is the trading name of a therapeutic solution that contains both dextroamphetamine and d-amphetamine within its formulation. Medical professionals categorize the drug as a Schedule II CNS (central nervous system) stimulant.

The medicine is similar to Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine). It comes in doses of 5 to 30 mg per tablet.

This medicine helps with different disorders, especially ADHD. The drug is the most often prescribed amphetamine. It is also the most ‌misused legal stimulant.

What Are The Effects Of Adderall?

Adderall’s amphetamine and dextroamphetamine components have been shown to have a few beneficial impacts on neurotransmitters in the brain, which is why the medication is given to treat ADHD. One of Adderall’s benefits is Enhanced Focus and Attention.

It can improve focus and reduce impulsivity. This effect is helpful for people with ADHD.

Others include:
  • Energy Boost: This enhances your alertness and gives you an extra rush of energy.
  • Euphoria: This is characterized by a heightened mood or a feeling of well-being. One downside is that this substance can cause feelings of euphoria. This is a big reason why people misuse it. They often take it too much for fun.
  • Reduced Appetite: Adderall can help you lose extra weight, mainly if you are obese, by suppressing your hunger pangs. Note that this drug’s approval was not based on. Weight management, though. If you need weight management guidance, speak with your physician or a physiotherapist.

Adderall has many benefits, but it also has serious side effects. Some of these effects can be deadly, especially if misused.

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Effects of Alcohol on Physical & Mental Health

What Is Alcohol?

When we talk about alcohol, we usually mean the sort of alcohol that is found in spirits, beer, or wine. The alcohol component is what makes these cocktails so intoxicating.

When found in alcoholic beverages, it is known as ethanol (ethyl alcohol). Ethanol is created by yeast fermentation of sugars found in vegetables, fruits, and grains. For instance, wine is manufactured from grape sugar, while vodka is from potato sugar.

What Are The Effects Of Alcohol?

Ethanol in alcoholic beverages can have an immense effect on your physical and mental state and harm your organs. The liver is especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of ethanol.

Alcoholic liver disorders are a group of diseases resulting from alcohol intake. 

The first one to show up is usually the fatty liver. This condition causes liver cell fat accumulation. More than 90% of people who often drink a lot of alcohol, known as binge drinking, have fatty liver disease. The condition can even appear after just 14 days of binge drinking.

Alcohol has also been linked to inflammation in heavy drinkers’ livers. In severe cases, scar tissue takes the place of dying liver cells. This can lead to a serious illness called liver cirrhosis.

Cirrhosis is irreversible and is associated with numerous dangerous health issues. If you have severe cirrhosis, your only choice might be a transplant.

Other effects include:

Multiple detrimental impacts on your brain: Ethanol causes many symptoms of intoxication. It briefly blocks normal connections in the brain.

Drinking too much alcohol can lead to a blackout. This condition is marked by memory loss and other thinking problems. While these effects wear off quickly, long-term alcohol use may cause permanent brain changes, which can lead to impaired mental function.

Depression and other mental illnesses: Many people who deal with anxiety, stress, depression, panic attacks, and low self-esteem drink alcohol to feel better. While alcohol may give short-term relief, it often makes these problems worse. It can harm your mental health and lead to a cycle of addiction and dependency.

Excessive alcohol use is a notable factor in the development of depression in some individuals; hence, treating the root issue of alcohol misuse may lead to substantial gains.

Cancers: Cancer is a serious illness caused by the abnormal growth of cells. Drinking alcohol greatly raises the risk of cancers in the breast, mouth, colon, throat, and liver.

The cells in the throat and mouth can be very sensitive to long-term alcohol use. People who drink moderately have a 20% higher chance of getting mouth and throat cancers. This includes having just one drink each day.

Your risk increases with more use. Drinking more than four alcoholic drinks each day raises the risk of pharyngeal and oral cancer by five times. It also increases the risk of breast, colorectal, and liver cancers.

Birth Abnormalities: Alcohol misuse during gestation is the primary avoidable cause of congenital anomalies in the United States. Consuming alcohol during pregnancy may result in abnormal facial characteristics, reduced infant weight, neural system complications, and other major issues. The fetus is more susceptible during the early stages of pregnancy.

It can harm growth, development, and IQ. It may also affect the child for their entire life.

Risk of death: Alcohol misuse is the third leading cause of preventable death in the United States. It greatly contributes to long-term illnesses, accidents, and personal injuries. It also plays a role in traffic collisions and other social issues.

Addiction and Dependence: Alcohol dependency, also known as alcoholism, is a condition where some people feel a strong need to drink. This urge comes from the effects of ethanol. Reports indicate that approximately 12% of the US population has experienced alcohol dependence at some point in their lives.

Alcohol dependence is a major cause of alcohol misuse in the United States. It also increases the risk of many other illnesses.

Various variables may predispose individuals to compulsive alcohol use, including familial historical family events, social context, mental wellness, and genetic makeup.

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Interactions Between Adderall & Alcohol

What Happens When You Mix Adderall and Alcohol?

When you take the prescription stimulant Adderall, it increases the release of dopamine and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters help improve alertness, attention, and heart rate. Alcohol is a depressant and lowers inhibition and decreases brain activity, leading to lethargy, reduced motor abilities, and relaxation.

Combining these competing actions can confuse the central nervous system (CNS) and produce unexpected results. Overconsumption of alcohol is a real risk when some drugs, including Adderall, disguise alcohol’s intoxicating effects.

What Are The Short-Term Effects?

When you mix alcohol and Adderall, you might not feel the effects of alcohol as strongly. This can make you feel less drunk. However, this can put your health at risk for several reasons, such as:

  • Cardiovascular issues.
  • Dehydration.
  • Decreased motor skills.
  • Alcohol intoxication.
  • Problems with behavior, including heightened impulsivity and a worsening of preexisting mental health disorders.
  • Higher chance of overdose.

What Are The Long-Term Effects?

The combination of Adderall and alcohol can lead to several long-term risks.

  • Cardiovascular damage, increasing risk of heart problems, like hypertension and arrhythmias.
  • Addiction and dependence on both Adderall and alcohol.
  • Chronic mental health issues, such as severe depression and anxiety, can deteriorate over time.
  • Long-term impairment in memory, attention, and decision-making abilities.
  • Elevated likelihood of stroke due to combined cardiovascular strain caused by the two substances.
  • Liver Damage.
  • Chronic insomnia or other sleep disturbances.
  • Heightened risk of seizures, particularly with withdrawal from either substance.
  • Long-term digestive issues.
  • Increased risk of severe paranoia, hallucinations, or other psychotic symptoms.

Is It Safe To Take Adderall and Alcohol Together?

NO! It is not safe. Taking Adderall with alcohol is extremely dangerous and may have many adverse effects, even deadly consequences. When combined, they offer significant health risks, as well as potential legal and relationship issues.

If you or a loved one are in this cycle, know that recovery is possible. Consult a mental health or addiction expert right now!

What Are The Risks?

The combination of alcohol and Adderall poses significant risks to mental and physical well-being, with overdose being a major issue. If you mix Adderall and alcohol, you might drink more than normal. You may not notice how drunk you are.

The stimulant effects of Adderall can hide the calming effects of alcohol. This increases your chance of alcohol poisoning. Alcohol poisoning has life-threatening outcomes, such as respiratory failure, coma, and even death.

Furthermore, the simultaneous use of alcohol and Adderall might intensify withdrawal symptoms upon sudden cessation of both medications. Sudden cessation of Adderall may lead to withdrawal symptoms, which include:

  • Exhaustion.
  • Depression.
  • Irritability.
  • Variations in appetite.

In contrast, signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal may include:

  • Tremors.
  • Depression.
  • Anxiety.
  • Nausea.
  • Seizures.

The combined effects of these withdrawal signs can increase pain and distress. This makes it harder to stop using these addictive substances and raises the chances of relapse.

Moreover, the concomitant use of alcohol and Adderall could also raise the risk of significant cardiovascular consequences. Both drugs increase your heart rate and blood pressure. When taken together, these effects may become stronger. This can lead to palpitations, irregular heartbeats, high blood pressure, and a greater risk of strokes or heart attacks.

Furthermore, mixing alcohol and Adderall may lower cognitive abilities such as decision-making, movement coordination, and reaction speed. This can make injuries, accidents, and risky behaviors like driving while impaired more likely.

What Are The Interactions?

Adderall can hide the calming effects of alcohol. This may cause a person to feel less drunk than they really are. This could lead to drinking too much alcohol. This makes you more likely to get alcohol poisoning and other problems, such as:

  • Stress on the cardiovascular system results in increased heart rate, hypertension, or arrhythmias.
  • Pressure on the liver can slow down how medications are processed. This may raise toxicity levels and increase the risk of liver damage over time.

Keep in mind that alcohol and Adderall both have the potential to cause you to get dehydrated. Adderall elevates body temperature and enhances perspiration, but alcohol facilitates fluid depletion via increased urine. Collectively, they may increase the risk of dehydration, perhaps resulting in dizziness or disorientation.

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Safer Alternatives

What Are The Alternatives To Mixing Adderall and Alcohol?

Realize that there is hope if you or someone you care about is finding it hard to stop using alcoholism, Adderall, or both. There are more effective methods to address the problem and get treatment. Here are some ideas that may help you:

Talk to Your Doctor

If you are concerned about possible interactions between alcohol and Adderall, talk to your prescribing medical expert, which may be your family doctor or pharmacist. You may expect individualized recommendations that take into account your medical history, current medication schedule, and other factors.

Find Other Ways To Manage Symptoms

Get Enough Sleep:

Most people who suffer from mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, or ADHD, find it difficult to go to sleep and wake up at set times. Getting some sunshine, particularly first thing in the morning, could aid with sleep pattern regulation. Other suggestions that might be useful are:

  • Refraining from caffeine use in the late afternoon.
  • Blue light filtering on screens.
  • Ceasing the use of electronic gadgets beyond a certain hour.
  • Establishing a calming evening ritual.
  • Always getting up and heading to sleep at the same times.
  • Use white noise or other forms of background noise if that becomes useful.

Physical Activity and Outdoor Engagement:

Studies indicate that consistent physical activity alleviates ADHD symptoms, both immediately and over an extended period. A comprehensive scientific analysis has indicated that both cardiovascular and other kinds of exercise may provide advantages, with cardiovascular exercise demonstrating specific benefits for:

  • Enhancing executive function, defined as the capacity to organize/plan activities and control behavior cognitively.
  • Enhancing focus.
  • Controlling impulsivity.

Moreover, increasing daily exposure to nature can also help manage the symptoms of ADHD. An adult could accomplish this by:

  • Selecting a more environmentally friendly, greener route to go to and from work.
  • Engaging in outdoor vacations, such as at a park.
  • Doing duties next to a window with a verdant vista.
  • Engaging in outdoor physical activity like jogging.

Seek Support From Friends And Family

Supporting someone with ADHD or any mental health issue takes a lot of work. Family members need to be sensitive and patient. This includes conditions like PTSD and depression.

Family and friends support you when you need help, both emotionally and practically. They also help keep your relationships strong and healthy. They fight for what you need.

With them by your side, you can control your ailments, realize your full potential, and live the life you want. Even small acts of kindness and care from loved ones can greatly improve a person’s health. They also help in overcoming mental health issues.

Consider Therapy Or Counseling

Please consider giving behavioral counseling for ADHD a go if you’re struggling with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Behavior therapy is a treatment that is useful for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. It can educate everyone in the house—you, your kid, and other family members—on how to live fulfilling lives with ADHD.

The therapy can help you:

  • Share experiences.
  • Gain knowledge.
  • Learn effective strategies.
  • Receive emotional support.
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Alcohol and Adderall Rehab Near Me

It can be very helpful to get advice from experts if you know someone using Adderall and alcohol together. This is especially true if they are facing problems because of it. The mission of Rolling Hills Recovery Center (RHRC) in Chester, NJ, is to help people rebuild their lives. They focus on supporting those who struggle with drug misuse.

Our individualized treatment programs could help those struggling with alcoholism, Adderall dependence, and co-occurring mental health issues. We also provide dual diagnosis solutions to them. If you or someone you know is in need of professional assistance or direction on the road to recovery, please give the RHRC a call.

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Written By:

Geoffrey Andaria

Geoffrey Andaria mental health writer at rolling hills recovery center
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Mental Health Writer

About Author:

Geoffrey Andaria is an experienced mental health content writer and editor. With a B.A. in English and Journalism, Geoffrey is highly educated in freelance articles and research. Having taken courses on social work, Geoffrey is adamant about providing valuable and educational information to individuals affected by mental health and the disease of addiction.

Medically Reviewed By:

Dr. Carl Williams Ph.D., LCADC

Carl Williams, medical content reviewer at rolling hills recovery center
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Expert Contributor

About Reviewer:

Dr. Williams presently serves on the board of Directors for two non-profit service organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, Philadelphia, Pa, and a Ph.D. with a concentration in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University. In Cincinnati, Ohio. He is licensed to practice addictions counseling in both New Jersey and Connecticut and has a pending application as a practicing Psychologist in New Jersey.

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