Alcohol and Adderall are two substances commonly used by individuals for different purposes. While alcohol is a popular social lubricant and relaxation aid, Adderall is often used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other related conditions. However, when taken together, alcohol and Adderall can have harmful and potentially life-threatening effects on the body.

The combination of Alcohol and Adderall can increase the risk of heart problems, high blood pressure, and liver damage. It can also increase the risk of alcohol poisoning, as Adderall can mask the effects of alcohol, leading individuals to consume more than they can handle.

At AspenRidge Recovery, we understand the dangers of mixing alcohol and Adderall. Our alcohol rehab center in Denver offers specialized treatment programs to help individuals struggling with alcohol addiction and substance abuse disorders. Our goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment where individuals can receive the help they need to overcome their addiction and achieve lasting recovery.

What is Adderall?

First introduced in 1996, Adderall is a prescription medication classified as a stimulant. It contains 75% dextroamphetamine and 25% levoamphetamine. Levoamphetamine can produce suppressed appetite and increase alertness, and it also promotes norepinephrine release, which regulates the heart and blood. Dextroamphetamine, on the other hand, restores cognitive performance, improves memory, and increases alertness. The combination is effective for certain conditions when used as prescribed.

Adderall stimulates the central and peripheral nervous systems. It makes a person more alert and attentive,  staying focused for long periods easier. It can also help with narcolepsy, a neurological disorder. When used as prescribed, Adderall can effectively treat ADHD symptoms in the brain long-term.

However, Adderall has adverse side effects, especially for those who misuse it or when obtained without a prescription. Some common side effects include:

• Insomnia
• Dry mouth
• Loss of appetite
• Frequent restlessness or agitations
• Headaches
• Anxiety
• Body tremors
• Digestive difficulties

In some cases, Adderall can cause high blood pressure and heart palpitations. Its intended use is highly effective, but many users risk developing tolerance and physical and psychological dependence. More concerningly, Adderall can be dangerous, mainly when used in high quantities or with other substances—Adderall and alcohol, for example.

The Risks of Mixing Alcohol and Adderall

The combination of Alcohol and Adderall can be extremely dangerous and have life-threatening effects on the body. The risks associated with mixing these two substances are numerous, and it is essential to understand the potential dangers before taking them together.

• Masking the Effects of Alcohol Adderall is a stimulant that can mask the effects of alcohol. Individuals who take Adderall may not feel the full effects of alcohol, leading them to consume more than they can handle. As a result, they may become more impaired than they realize, leading to dangerous situations, such as drunk driving or accidents.
• Increased Consumption of Alcohol The combination of Alcohol and Adderall can also increase the consumption of alcohol. Adderall can give individuals a false sense of sobriety, leading them to believe they can consume more alcohol without feeling the effects. This can lead to binge drinking, associated with a higher risk of alcohol poisoning, liver damage, and other health problems.
• Dangerous and Life-Threatening Effects The combination of Alcohol and Adderall can have several dangerous and life-threatening effects on the body, including an increased risk of heart problems, high blood pressure, and liver damage. Adderall can also lead to dehydration, increasing the risk of seizures, especially when combined with alcohol.

Mixing alcohol and Adderall is a dangerous combination with severe and potentially life-threatening effects on the body. Understanding the risks associated with these substances and seeking help if you or a loved one is struggling with addiction is essential.

AspenRidge Recovery offers specialized treatment programs to help individuals overcome addiction and achieve lasting recovery. Our skilled and experienced staff can provide the support and guidance needed to start the journey towards a healthier, happier life.

Dangers of Alcohol Misuse

The warning labels on medicines are usually evident, and the interactions between alcohol and other substances are hazardous. Depending on the medication, when mixed with alcohol, it can cause nausea, vomiting, headaches, drowsiness, fainting, or loss of coordination. It can also increase internal bleeding risks, cause heart issues, and difficulty breathing. Alcohol can also make the medication less effective and, in some cases, even useless.

Alcohol, like many other substances, can make you sleepy, tired, or lightheaded. Even moderate amounts of alcohol can cause difficulty concentrating or performing with mechanical skills. Small quantities of alcohol can impair functional abilities like driving, leading to severe injuries. Regarding health, alcohol is one of the most lethal but legal toxins on the market. It’s linked to various diseases and long-term health conditions, such as:

• Dementia
• Liver failure
• Stroke
• Heart Attack
• Various forms of cancer

When used to self-medicate, alcohol can cause irreversible damage.

How does alcohol impact prescription medications?

Mixing alcohol and medications may cause short-term problems like abnormal behavior, loss of coordination, and an increased risk of injury. In the long term, mixing alcohol and drugs increases the chances of other complications like heart issues, impaired breathing, and liver damage.

Combining prescriptions with alcohol can have unpredictable and unwanted consequences. Depending on the medicine used, alcohol can affect and render the prescription useless. In other cases, it can cause extreme symptoms and overdose effects. Depressants, for example, when combined with alcohol, can produce synergistic consequences. Opiates, when combined with alcohol, can result in slowed or arrested breathing, lowered pulse and blood pressure, unconsciousness, coma, and even death.

Effects of Alcohol and Adderall

Alcohol is classified as a central nervous system depressant. On the other hand, ADHD medications like Adderall are considered stimulants. When taken in combination, stimulants can conceal or mask the effects of alcohol. As a result, it may lead to overconsumption of alcohol, impairing coordination and judgment, blackouts, and potential death caused by binge drinking.

As a central nervous system stimulant, Adderall accelerates neurons’ firing rates in the brain and spinal cord. According to alcohol.org, Adderall and alcohol can produce the following effects:

• Alcohol negates the medicinal effects of a stimulant drug
• Users may experience a dampening of the stimulant effects that can lead to taking more
• Individuals may not feel indicated and may continue drinking to the point of developing severe issues, such as alcohol poisoning or an overdose

Both Adderall and alcohol are highly addictive substances. Therefore, when stopping use, withdrawal symptoms can occur. Individuals with moderate-to-severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms should seek medical assistance when quitting since alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Symptoms may include anxiousness, tiredness, irritability, depression, headaches, nightmares, decreased appetite, seizures, vomiting, pupil dilation, tremors, and a false pulse.

Symptoms of Withdrawal from Adderall

Adderall helps to boost the level of a brain chemical commonly referred to as dopamine, a key component, among other things, in raising alertness, attention, and focus. However, when the medication is no longer available or used, dopamine levels drop, and the body and brain must adjust to the change. This happens commonly among people who use it too often or take too much.

Symptoms of withdrawal from Adderall can include:

• Depressions
• Irritability
• Changes in Mood/Behavior
• Difficulty sleeping
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Stomach aches or cramping
• Vomiting

Withdrawal symptoms from Adderall can last a few days to several weeks but can vary from person to person.

Alcohol and Adderall in the U.S.

Adderall is prevalent among the young adult population in America. According to a 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, nearly 2.6 million young adults between 18 and 25 misused prescription stimulants. Along with this, a correlation has been found between participation in binge drinking and Adderall abuse, with 89.5% of students reporting using Adderall and alcohol in combination.

Obtaining Prescription Medication Stimulants

A survey conducted in 2016 by Recovery Brands found that most college-age individuals acquire their doctor-prescribed ADHD stimulant medications from people they know. More than 20% find them through family, 18.5% from acquaintances, peers, or friends, and about 14.8% obtain stimulants from a drug dealer.

Mixing Adderall and alcohol can be dangerous and more easily result in a life-threatening overdose or negative interaction between the substances. In addition, stimulant drugs like Adderall are highly addictive, and using them recreationally may increase the chances of developing a psychological and physical dependence on them.

Treatment for Alcohol and Adderall Addiction

Addiction to Alcohol and Adderall is a severe condition that requires professional help. AspenRidge Recovery offers specialized treatment programs to help individuals struggling with addiction to these substances.

Our treatment programs are personalized to meet the unique needs of each individual. We understand that addiction affects each person differently and requires a customized approach to treatment. Therefore, our skilled and experienced professionals work closely with clients to develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses their specific needs and goals.

Our treatment programs utilize evidence-based approaches to addiction treatment, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and group therapy. These approaches help individuals understand the root causes of their addiction, develop coping mechanisms, and learn healthy habits that support long-term recovery.

One of the benefits of seeking help at AspenRidge Recovery is the supportive community we provide. Our clients have the opportunity to connect with others who are going through similar experiences and receive support from a team of professionals who are dedicated to their recovery.

AspenRidge Recovery’s Approach to Treatment

Rehab is a critical step toward achieving long-term sobriety for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. Through therapies, medication-assisted treatment, and a supportive environment, rehab can provide individuals with the tools and resources to overcome their addiction and build a fulfilling life in recovery.

The Joint Commission also certifies our center, and our licensed counselors are trained, specifically, in substance misuse and addiction. We offer the following programs:

• Day Program Day Program
• Day 5-Day IOP
• Intensive Outpatient Program
• Outpatient Program

We can help guide you through the different stages of alcohol rehab and next steps. It’s also critical to understand that treatment is different for everyone and, therefore, a tailored treatment approach is important. Contact us today for more information about Colorado alcohol rehabilitation at 855-281-5588.