The stimulant drug, Adderall, treats individuals with ADHD. It’s main ingredients are amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. The use of Adderall has grown in the last several years. Its benefits for those with ADHD are very effective, providing focus for schoolwork, test-taking and studying. However, the vast majority of those who are abusing Adderall are college students without a prescription. As the legal use of the drug has grown significantly, it is more readily available for those who are using it illegally. This makes the danger of abuse greater. If you suspect that you or someone you care about is addicted to Adderall and alcohol, there are a number of quality residential alcohol treatment centers available.
Adderall is a substance that you can easily become addicted to as, over time, you will need more and more to get the same effect. Another of the growing problems with its use is in people who are mixing it with alcohol. Dual diagnosis treatment centers provide care and treatment plans for those mixing Adderall and alcohol. Please seek help for you or a loved one.
Is Mixing Adderall and Alcohol Dangerous?
As we have already stated, many of the people who are mixing both Adderall and alcohol, are college students. There are a couple of reasons why this is happening. As Adderall is a stimulant, it can keep the user so wound up they cannot go to sleep. Alcohol, being a depressant, can aid in going to sleep. Another motive for mixing the two substances is to be able to party longer – the Adderall helps keep you going without getting sleepy from the alcohol. Both of these situations are frightening as the outcomes can be fatal.
Effects of Mixing Adderall and Alcohol
According to the American Addiction Center, mixing Adderall and alcohol can have the following effects:
- Many people believe that because Adderall is a prescription drug, it is not harmful to drink alcohol while using it
- As Adderall keeps you feeling up, the effects of the alcohol are not felt. This can lead to over intoxication and eventually alcohol poisoning. Alcohol poisoning is deadly if not treated immediately
- A combination of drugs and alcohol is always concerning as judgment is considerably skewed. An individual may become irrational or exhibit risky behavior. It can also lead to dehydration, seizures, and cardiovascular issues.
- Some of the most concerning long term risks of mixing substances are ironic. The use of Adderall is normally to help with an increase in abilities. The irony is that as use continues, damage can occur to the nervous system. Concurrently, this affects concentration, learning, problem-solving and memory. There are emotional issues as well such as depression, anxiety, and lack of motivation
- Unfortunately, it doesn’t always require long term use to see catastrophic results when mixing Adderall and alcohol. There have been occurrences of young, healthy students who have suffered a heart attack following one use of Adderall and alcohol mixture
- Research shows that, even though Adderall is supposedly helping with performance, it really doesn’t. Students who use it or mix it with alcohol, are producing lower GPAs and have less motivation for school
- Psychosis can ensue after the use of Adderall combined with alcohol
Is Self-Detox Possible?
It is not safe to manage a detox on your own. There are many withdrawal symptoms that are life-threatening if not managed by a licensed, medical professional at a medical drug detox center. Alcohol.org sites the following as things to expect when withdrawing from the use of Adderall and alcohol:
- Depression and anxiety
- Fatigue and headaches
- Vomiting, decreased appetite, nightmares
- Pupil dilation, tremors, increased pulse
- Hallucinations
- In addition, medical intervention can provide comforts and the meeting of other needs as you are recovering. Relapse is common so learning how to live with your sobriety is key
Why Promise Behavioral Therapy?
Promise Behavioral Therapy has an extensive drug and alcohol treatment program. We offer licensed, compassionate staff, all the comforts of home, and in-depth therapy. You will learn why you got addicted, what your triggers are and how to apply this to your daily life to avoid relapse. We provide a wide variety of therapy programs so there is something for everyone.
If you are concerned you or someone you care about is addicted to Adderall and/or alcohol, help is only a phone call away. Contact Promises Behavioral Health who will be there for you every step of the way. Call us today to break free from the chains of addiction at 844.875.5609.