The Dangers of Mixing Adderall and Alcohol
In This Article
Can You Mix Adderall and Alcohol?
Adderall is a stimulant medication commonly used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although Adderall is safe when taken as prescribed, it can be dangerous when mixed with alcohol or other drugs.
Adderall speeds up the central nervous system (CNS), while alcohol slows it down. The resulting combination can increase the risk of physical and mental side effects.
What are Alcohol’s Effects on ADHD?
ADHD also relates to lower levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These chemicals are known as the “feel-good” neurotransmitters and are linked to your brain’s reward system.
To manage symptoms better, many people with ADHD drink alcohol or use other substances. In the short term, alcohol can boost dopamine levels. This may appear to lessen ADHD symptoms.
Over time, alcohol depletes dopamine. This can make ADHD worse in the days following a drinking session. People with ADHD should be careful when consuming alcohol due to this effect.
Is Adderall Addiction Affecting Your Life?
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What Happens When You Mix Adderall and Alcohol?
Adderall and alcohol are both substances a person can become dependent on. Combining these two substances can produce the following side effects:
- Lowered inhibitions, making users prone to risky behavior
- Decreased concentration
- Impulsivity
- Anxiousness
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Depression
- Headaches
- Nightmares
- Decreased appetite
- Vomiting
- Pupil dilation
- Tremors
- Fast pulse
Combining alcohol and Adderall can also increase your risk of heart attack and stroke, even if you don’t have underlying cardiovascular risk factors. If you’re experiencing any of these side effects, contact a healthcare professional immediately.
Long-Term Side Effects of Mixing Adderall and Alcohol
Mixing Adderall and alcohol has negative consequences for the brain. Long-term abuse can cause significant damage to the CNS.
By making heavy drinking easier, Adderall can drive alcohol dependence or increase the risk of alcohol poisoning. When combined, the severe health risks of using Adderall and alcohol together include:
- Mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression
- Short-term memory problems
- Problem-solving issues
- High blood pressure and increased heart rate
- Heart attack
- Uncontrollable vomiting
- Stroke
- Tremors
- Loss of consciousness
- Paranoia
- Malnutrition
- Psychotic episodes
- Overdose
When you consume Adderall at an unprescribed dose, you will naturally build a tolerance. This tolerance can eventually lead to dependence or addiction.
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Does Mixing Adderall and Alcohol Lead to Substance Abuse?
As Adderall and alcohol are both addictive, combining the two can significantly increase your risk of substance use disorder (SUD). Additionally, alcohol can reduce the effects of Adderall, and Adderall can mask the symptoms of intoxication.
These effects can make you think you can take or drink more, leading to a dangerous cycle of alcohol and Adderall abuse. It can also sabotage your initial intentions of using Adderall to boost concentration and productivity.
Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning
Symptoms and side effects of alcohol poisoning include:
- Confusion
- Pale skin
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Slowed or irregular breathing
- Low body temperature
- Hypothermia
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Treatment for Substance Abuse
Various treatment programs are available for those battling an addiction to alcohol and Adderall. Available treatment options for substance abuse include:
- Inpatient programs: Involves checking yourself into a rehab facility for 24-hour medical supervision.
- Outpatient programs: A treatment program where you are freely allowed to leave the rehab facility.
- Medication-assisted therapy (MAT): Involves using medication, counseling, and therapy to treat addiction.
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs): A treatment program where you stay at a rehab facility for a day and return home at night.
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- “Label for Adderall.” Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 2017.
- “Label.” Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 2019.
- Lakhan, S., and Kirchgessner, A. “Prescription stimulants in individuals with and without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: misuse, cognitive impact, and adverse effects.” Brain and behavior 2012.
- Pasic, J. “Amphetamine Withdrawal. In: Nordstrom, K., Wilson, M. (eds) Quick Guide to Psychiatric Emergencies.” Springer, 2018.
- “Principles of Effective Treatment.” National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), 2018.
- “Prescription Stimulants DrugFacts.” National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), 2023.
