There are a lot of risks that come with mixing Adderall and alcohol. The combination of the two together enhances the dangerous effect of both substances, as well as masks the true impact they have on the system. So how dangerous is it to mix Adderall and alcohol?
The Effects of Mixing Adderall and Alcohol
First, what is Adderall? It is a stimulant medication which causes a euphoric high when abused. Adderall shows up on drug tests as an amphetamine, so users need to show a prescription or medical records to take it. Because it’s a stimulant, some users take Adderall to counterbalance the soporific effects of Alcohol, letting them drink more for longer. Reported effects of mixing Adderall and alcohol include:
- Insomnia
- Memory loss
- Alertness
- Pounding of the heart
The Dangers of Mixing Adderall and Alcohol
The fact that Adderall acts as a stimulant and counteracts the natural sedative effects of Alcohol is the main danger of mixing the two substances. Therefore, an individual who has taken Adderall and had an alcoholic drink at the same time will fail to notice the body’s normal cues, such as feeling sleepy. Thus the individual doesn’t know when they have had enough to drink. Due to the counteracting effects of Adderall, the individual believes they are more sober than they actually are.
Further, taking Adderall for non-medical purposes can have a number of negative side effects. There are even cases of sudden death reported after taking Adderall.
Overdosing on Adderall and Alcohol
It is true that alcohol doesn’t directly raise the risk of overdosing on Adderall. But it is possible that it could impair an individual’s judgment, and that could lead to them taking more Adderall than they can deal with. The individual feels less drunk when taking Adderall and can tend to believe that their Alcohol tolerance is higher than usual.
Death Due to Adderall and Alcohol
The abuse of Adderall can put an individual at risk of a number of serious medical conditions. This can include sudden death, even if the individual is otherwise in good health. Mixing Adderall and Alcohol increases the risk of alcohol-related death. It is very evident that mixing Adderall and Alcohol is extremely unsafe.
Hired Power provides information and resources for addiction intervention and recovery. If you are struggling to kick a drug or substance use habit, call us and we will help you create a solid foundation for lasting recovery.
