Some people believe that prescription drugs are always safe because their doctors prescribe them to help manage medical conditions. However, every prescription drug has side effects and risks. Understanding how to use prescription medications safely is essential. You must always follow your doctor’s advice when taking Adderall or other prescription drugs.
Mixing prescription stimulant drugs and alcohol can be very dangerous. Alcohol and prescription drugs can interact with each other to cause life-threatening effects. If you use Adderall, it is important to avoid alcohol and seek treatment for substance abuse if needed.
This article will detail the dangers of mixing Adderall and alcohol. Reach out to the caring specialists at the Mandala Healing Center now to learn about our addiction treatment programs. You may also explore our support programs or schedule an intake assessment.
What is Adderall?
Adderall is a prescription stimulant drug. It contains a combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. People take prescription Adderall to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. Doctors may also prescribe it to patients with other attention deficit disorders and other medical conditions.
Adderall works by increasing activity in the central nervous system (CNS). People with ADHD often have fewer disruptive symptoms when they take Adderall. They may have better attention, less impulsiveness, and be able to think more clearly.
Some people abuse Adderall. They may like the way Adderall makes them feel. People may take Adderall without a prescription or abuse their prescription medication. Adderall misuse includes:
- Taking more Adderall than prescribed
- Taking it more often than prescribed
- Taking it for longer than prescribed
- Using it differently than prescribed, such as snorting it
- Taking Adderall without a prescription
Adderall abuse is most common in teens and college students. People who study addiction believe young people may use it to stay focused on schoolwork. They may also want to take Adderall for its stimulant effects.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies Adderall as a Schedule II controlled substance. This means that it has a significant risk of misuse and addiction.
The Effects of Alcohol
Alcohol use is common in many areas of the United States. Most adults report drinking alcohol at least occasionally. Many people struggle with unhealthy drinking patterns, including heavy drinking and binge drinking.
Alcohol affects every system in the body. Alcohol abuse can lead to long-term physical and mental health damage.
Here are some of the most significant effects of alcohol abuse.
Heart
Alcohol can damage your heart’s health. Long periods of heavy drinking can lead to:
- Stroke
- Irregular heart rhythm
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
Heart disease and other problems can have long-term effects on your general health and can become life-threatening.
Brain
Alcohol abuse can change the structure of the brain. It can also affect how the brain works. People who drink heavily for long periods may have brain damage that affects how they move and think.
Immune system
Your immune system protects you from disease. Heavy alcohol use can keep the immune system from working like it should. Even one day of heavy drinking can damage your immunity.
Liver
Heavy drinking damages the liver. People can develop severe conditions, including alcoholic hepatitis, fatty liver, fibrosis, or cirrhosis.
Cancer
People who abuse alcohol may have a higher risk for breast, colorectal, stomach, and other cancers.
Heavy drinking can also increase the risk of aggressive behavior, sexually transmitted diseases, accidents, and other dangers. It is important to recognize the risks of heavy drinking and seek treatment as soon as you realize a problem.
The Dangers of Mixing Adderall and Alcohol
Mixing two or more substances can have unintended, sometimes life-threatening consequences. Combining alcohol and Adderall can cause dangerous physical and behavioral problems.
Alcohol is a depressant. It slows down activity in the central nervous system (CNS). Adderall is a stimulant. It increases CNS activity.
When people mix alcohol and Adderall, the effects of these substances may interact in dangerous ways. Adderall can mask the sedative effects of alcohol. People may need to drink more to feel the effects of alcohol. This increases the risk of alcohol poisoning.
Some of the other physical health risks of mixing Adderall and alcohol include:
- Dehydration
- Overheating
- Respiratory infections
- Kidney failure
- Heart damage or failure
People who take Adderall to manage ADHD symptoms may have additional risks when mixing Adderall and alcohol. These include:
- Early addiction
- Impulsivity
- Severe addictions
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Research shows that people who take Adderall recreationally (without a prescription) often mix it with alcohol. A survey of college students found that 46.4% of undergraduate students who misused Adderall also drink alcohol.
Find Treatment for Adderall and Alcohol Abuse
If you or someone you love lives with Adderall or alcohol abuse, you are not alone. Seek substance use disorder treatment as soon as possible.
Reach out to the team at the Mandala Healing Center to learn about our holistic addiction treatment programs.