Many people take Adderall to improve focus and energy, while alcohol is often used to relax and unwind. But when combined, these two substances can create serious health risks.

Adderall is a stimulant, and alcohol is a depressant, meaning they have opposite effects on the body. While Adderall can make you feel more awake and less drunk, it doesn’t actually lower your blood alcohol level–it just masks the signs of intoxication. This can lead to excessive drinking, dangerous behavior, and serious health complications.

What is Adderall?

Adderall is a prescription medication that contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, two stimulants that affect the brain’s dopamine and norepinephrine levels. It is primarily used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy by improving focus, alertness, and impulse control.

While Adderall is a useful prescription medication, it can also be misused for its stimulant effects. In 2021, an estimated 3.7 million people ages 12 and up reported misusing a prescription stimulant.

Examples of prescription misuse include:

• Crushing and snorting pills or taking them in a way other than prescribed
• Taking a higher dose than prescribed
• Mixing prescriptions with alcohol or other drugs to enhance their effects

Under the Controlled Substances Act, Adderall is a Schedule II drug, indicating a high potential for misuse and dependence. One of the most common forms of Adderall misuse involves combining it with alcohol.

Understanding Why People Mix Adderall and Alcohol

People often combine alcohol with prescription drugs without realizing the risks. For example, young people, particularly college students, may mix Adderall and other prescription stimulants with alcohol to stay awake while partying. 

Some people mix Adderall and alcohol to counteract the sedative effects of alcohol and stay energized while drinking. Others may take Adderall to enhance their ability to socialize or party longer. However, this combination is dangerous because Adderall can mask alcohol’s effects, increasing the risk of excessive drinking, alcohol poisoning, and serious heart problems.

Adderall misuse is highest among 18 to 25-year-olds, most of whom report getting the medication from friends or family.

Effects and Dangers of Mixing Adderall and Alcohol

While both Adderall and alcohol are widely used substances, combining them can have serious consequences. Because Adderall is a stimulant and alcohol is a depressant, they affect the body in opposing ways. This can create a false sense of sobriety, leading to risky behaviors and potential health complications.

Side Effects

Mixing Adderall and alcohol can cause a variety of unpleasant and harmful side effects, including:

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Insomnia and restlessness
• Impaired coordination and judgment

Because Adderall can make a person feel more alert than they actually are, they may drink more alcohol than they realize, increasing the risk of blackouts or alcohol poisoning.

Dangers

Beyond uncomfortable side effects, mixing Adderall and alcohol can lead to serious health risks, such as:

• Increased risk of alcohol poisoning – Adderall can mask the effects of alcohol, leading people to drink more than they normally would, which can result in dangerous levels of intoxication and a life-threatening alcohol overdose.
• Heart problems – Both substances put stress on the cardiovascular system. Combining them increases the risk of irregular heart rhythms, high blood pressure, heart attacks, or strokes.
• Mental health issues – Using these substances together can worsen anxiety, depression, and mood swings, increasing the risk of panic attacks or suicidal thoughts.
• Higher likelihood of risky behavior – Impaired judgment from alcohol, combined with Adderall’s stimulating effects, can lead to reckless decision-making, such as unsafe driving or unprotected sex.
• Potential for dependence and addiction – Mixing Adderall and alcohol regularly can lead to substance use problems, as the body begins to rely on these substances for energy, focus, or relaxation.

Additional risks include:

• Dehydration
• Overheating
• Impulsivity
• Increased risk of hospitalization

People with co-occurring disorders such as ADHD and substance use disorder are also at an increased risk for anxiety, depression, personality disorders, and other mental health issues.

Is it Safe to Drink Alcohol if You Have a Prescription for Adderall?

If you have a prescription for Adderall, drinking alcohol is not recommended. Even small amounts of alcohol can interact with Adderall, potentially leading to increased heart rate, dizziness, or impaired coordination.

Additionally, alcohol can make Adderall less effective at treating ADHD symptoms. Since both substances affect brain chemistry, drinking while taking Adderall may reduce its ability to improve focus and impulse control.

If you are prescribed Adderall and unsure about drinking alcohol, it’s best to speak with your doctor. They can provide guidance based on your specific dosage and health condition.

Treatment for Alcohol and Adderall Addiction

If you’ve noticed your substance abuse getting out of control after drinking alcohol while taking Adderall, you are not alone. Seeking professional help can provide the support needed to make healthier choices.

Treatment for alcohol and Adderall addiction typically involves a combination of medical care, therapy, and ongoing support.

For those who have developed a dependence on alcohol, Adderall, or both, a supervised detox may be the first step. Detox programs provide medical monitoring to manage withdrawal symptoms safely, ensuring a smoother transition into recovery.

After detox, clients address the root causes of their substance use disorder using behavioral therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).

If you or a loved one is struggling with Adderall and alcohol addiction, professional help is available at Moving Mountains Recovery. Reach out to us today to verify your insurance and learn more!