Adderall has a
Highlights
- Do not combine alcohol and Adderall.
- Mixing depressants like alcohol and stimulants like Adderall can cause a spectrum of harmful side effects.
- Mixing Adderall and alcohol can mask the effects of either substance, making you unaware of how much you are drinking.
- If you or someone you know may have taken Adderall and alcohol together, be sure to monitor symptoms and seek appropriate medical attention if needed.
What Is Adderall?
Adderall (dextroamphetamine-amphetamine) is a central nervous system stimulant medication that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It functions by increasing the amounts of dopamine and norepinephrine in the body to improve alertness and energy levels.
Medications like Adderall are controlled Schedule II substances in the US due to their high potential for misuse and addiction. Because of their possible
How Do Adderall and Alcohol Affect the Body?
Adderall, a central nervous system stimulant, and
|
Effect |
Adderall (Stimulant) |
Alcohol (Depressant) |
|
Primary Action |
Speeds up central nervous system |
Slows down central nervous system |
|
Energy Levels |
Increases alertness and energy |
Causes sedation and fatigue |
|
Mood and Behavior |
Increases focus and confidence. May increase anxiety |
Can lower inhibitions, impair judgment |
|
Heart Rate & Blood Pressure |
Raises heart rate and blood pressure |
Initially lowers, then may raise heart rate |
|
Appetite |
Suppresses appetite |
May increase appetite or cause nausea |
|
Bodily Processes |
Reduces impulsive movements |
May compromise motor skills |
Combining Adderall and alcohol won’t simply balance the other out. In fact, mixing the two can dangerously mask the effects of either substance, making you feel like you’re not being affected. This can lead to increased consumption,
What Are the Dangers and Risks of Drinking on Adderall?
Short‑Term Health Effects
There are various short-term side effects that become amplified when Adderall and alcohol are combined, such as:
- Anxiety
- Impaired ability to operate a vehicle
- Elevated blood pressure and heart rate
- Elevated body temperature
- Nausea/vomiting
- Blackouts
- Aggressive behavior
- Increased likelihood of
risk-taking behaviors[5] and harm to others - Alcohol poisoning (caused by overdrinking due to the masking of effects)
Serious Medical Complications
More serious effects can also occur, including sudden death. Other potential serious complications include:
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of coordination
- Chest pain
- Heart attack
- Dizziness
- Seizures
- Mental health effects such as mania, hallucinations, or delusion
- Coma
Seek medical help if you experience any of the above.
Long‑Term Risks & Polysubstance Use
Repeatedly mixing Adderall and alcohol comes with long-term risks and may indicate a potential polysubstance use disorder. One indicator of a substance use disorder is the development of dependence, which occurs when a person’s body has adapted to the substance so much that they feel like they cannot function normally without it.
The consistent use of alcohol with Adderall can also lead to complications and
Why Do Some People Mix These Substances?
Despite the dangers of drinking alcohol while taking Adderall, there are various reasons why certain individuals still choose to do so.
- Some may find the dopamine boost from both substances as an “appealing” high, although in fact mixing can be dangerous.
- There is a common misconception that mixing Adderall with alcohol “cancels out” the negative feeling from both substances (for example, they think that Adderall can help delay the drowsiness that occurs after drinking alcohol). In fact, as mentioned above, this is not true and only results in the masking of any effects, which is dangerous.
- Another misconception is that since both substances are legal, they are safe to mix, which is not true.
Individuals who are more prone to mixing both substances include students and young adults. Misuse of stimulants is already common among the population when they try to enhance academic performance, lose weight, or use it for recreational purposes. Research
Note that taking stimulants and other medications without a prescription, for uses not approved by your medical provider, or in higher doses than prescribed, is dangerous.
Populations at Higher Risk
Specific populations are also more at risk for complications when combining alcohol and stimulants:
- Older adults: their decreased metabolism causes alcohol to stay in their system longer.
- Women: they typically have less body water than men, which causes alcohol to exist in higher concentrations in their bodies.
- Patients with liver problems: their liver does not break down alcohol properly, so alcohol remains in their bodies longer.
What Should Be Done If You’ve Mixed Adderall and Alcohol?
If you or someone you know took Adderall and alcohol together and started to experience confusion, shaking, an increased heart rate, unstable movements and impaired coordination, it’s important to seek help. Stop drinking, hydrate, monitor for further symptoms, and contact a healthcare provider if you have any concerns. Do not operate any motor vehicles, or do not allow another person who mixed Adderall with alcohol to operate them.
If any of the more serious side effects listed in the previous section occur, a doctor should be contacted immediately. Some relevant resources include the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Hotline, Poison Control (1-800-222-1222), or 911. Be sure to share with the medical professional exactly what and how much alcohol was consumed. In some cases, inpatient treatment or outpatient rehab may be a consideration.
Conclusion
Do not mix Adderall with alcohol. Overall, do not drink alcohol while taking any stimulants, as a spectrum of dangerous side effects may occur. If you or someone you know may have taken Adderall and alcohol together, be sure to monitor symptoms and seek appropriate medical attention when needed.
If you are prescribed Adderall, only use your medication as directed and do not share your prescription. Talk to your provider before consuming alcohol when you take ADHD medications or if you have any other questions or concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you drink on Adderall?
Mixing the two can often dangerously mask the effects of either substance, making you feel like you’re not being affected. This can lead to increased consumption, a wide spectrum of harmful
How long after taking Adderall can I drink alcohol?
It depends on different factors, such as gender, body weight, age, etc. The
Can I drink Adderall in the morning and alcohol at night?
Does Adderall sober you up?
No. There is a common misconception that people can take Adderall with alcohol to “cancel out” the intoxication. However, this only results in the masking of any effects.
Does Adderall make you more drunk?
Why does Adderall make me want to drink alcohol?
While it doesn’t directly make you crave alcohol, Adderall can increase impulsive and risky behaviors, which include drinking to chase the dopamine high.
