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Are you taking Adderall to manage your attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? If so, you’re not the only one. Oregon’s consumer demand for Adderall rose by over 15% in 2022. That’s up from 7% the previous year.
With more and more individuals using Adderall each year, it’s more important now than ever to discuss what should and shouldn’t be taken alongside it. At Serenity Lane, we realize how difficult it can be to manage medications and/or substances – especially if you’ve been prescribed something new. If you’re used to drinking alcohol but you’re not sure if you should because of your Adderall prescription, let’s talk about it.
Those who have been living with ADHD know how disruptive its symptoms can be. Severe cases can even result in job loss, panic attacks, and social isolation. Some symptoms that are caused by ADHD include:
Adderall can be incredibly effective in treating the symptoms of ADHD. By increasing levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, it works by returning an overstimulated brain to a “normal” state of stimulation. It can help with things like mood, concentration, quality sleep, and impulse control.
Adderall really only works in helping these symptoms if it’s taken daily. It isn’t used as an “as-needed” remedy. Additionally, doctors will often prescribe Adderall 2-3 times per day. The first dose is usually taken when someone wakes up, and then they’re instructed to take a dose every 4-6 hours afterward. This is important because it tells us that those who have a prescription for Adderall likely have a steady stream of it in their bodies. It also tells us that anyone taking Adderall needs to be careful about what they put into their body because it could interact with (or interfere with) this medication.
Whether you regularly partake in alcohol or just have a glass of wine on occasion, one thing is certain: alcohol and Adderall don’t go together. Alcohol is a nervous system depressant, and Adderall is a nervous system stimulant. This means that one works to slow your system down while the other works to speed your system up. When the two are combined, it’s hard on the body – particularly on the cardiovascular system. This can lead to arrhythmias and even heart attacks.
Worst-case scenario aside, taking these two substances together also decreases the effectiveness of Adderall. When alcohol is introduced into a system with Adderall, it begins to cancel out the medication. The same happens when Adderall is introduced to a system with alcohol in it – the effects of the alcohol won’t feel as strong as they would in a body without stimulants. This can lead to overdose. The person drinking may think they need to drink more because they aren’t “feeling it.”
It’s also important to note that because everyone has a unique physiology, unpredictable complications can occur within the nervous system, gastrointestinal system, and even in the brain. Seizures are also a possibility when the two are mixed.
There are a myriad of physical and psychological effects that stem from consuming both Adderall and alcohol. Here are some common side effects of mixing the two:
In general, alcohol isn’t a great thing for people who have ADHD. At first, it might feel like alcohol is helping your ADHD – after all, it increases feelings of relaxation and euphoria, which can make someone feel like they’re in control of their symptoms – right? Actually, no. In the long term, alcohol depletes our dopamine reserves, which is something those with ADHD already have a low supply of. Alcohol, especially when used regularly or in excess, can make ADHD (and its symptoms) worse.
Another potential risk is the development of a polysubstance use disorder. Because both Adderall and alcohol are substances that are often misused, addiction is common in both medications. Not because the medicine and alcohol are “addictive”, but because the body and mind can form a dependence on both (for any number of reasons). This can be dangerous and potentially difficult to come back from. Withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and psychological dependence are all common with polysubstance use disorders. Adderall withdrawal is rare, but it’s more likely to occur when someone is managing an alcohol use disorder as well.
Liver damage is also possible, especially when taking two substances like these regularly or excessively. The main job of the liver is to filter out toxins and medications, but it can be overwhelmed and damaged.
Adderall’s side effects, on their own, are very mild. Short-term side effects of combining alcohol and Adderall include not only addiction but shifts in mood and the potential for overdose.
If you’re using Adderall outside of a prescription, or if your relationship with alcohol isn’t what you want it to be, you’re not alone. The mission of Serenity Lane is to provide the highest quality of addiction care to every resident who needs it throughout Oregon. Who you are, where you come from, and why you started taking Adderall recreationally are not things you’ll be judged for here. We only want to help you get your life back.
The master’s level clinicians and therapists at Serenity Lane dedicate their lives to offering evidence-based, compassionate, and comprehensive addiction treatment because we know anyone can recover. We don’t want you to face polysubstance use disorder alone – we want to help.
There are a variety of options available to you. One of the most common misconceptions about seeking treatment for Adderall or alcohol use is that you’ll need to leave your family, your work, or your friends. If that’s something you feel you’re unable to do, we can support you with other methods of treatment. We also offer residential treatment for those needing intensive care. Each client is unique, so each treatment plan is unique.
We are proud to offer a full continuum of care for Adderall use disorder
Serenity Lane is the oldest non-profit program in the state of Oregon with over 50 years of experience. We specialize in individualized, effective, and innovative solutions for recovery. If you or someone you love is ready for Adderall addiction treatment, call us today at 800-543-9905. We offer no-cost, confidential screenings at all of our locations.
Can drinking and taking Adderall cause alcohol poisoning?
Yes, alcohol poisoning is much more likely if you have Adderall in your system. When alcohol is introduced into a system with Adderall, it begins to cancel out the medication. The same happens when Adderall is introduced to a system with alcohol in it – the effects of the alcohol won’t feel as strong as they would in a body without stimulants. This can lead to overdose. The person drinking may think they need to drink more because they aren’t “feeling it.”
How long after taking Adderall can I have a drink?
This depends on the form of Adderall you are prescribed – regular-release or extended-release. With regular-release Adderall, you should wait a minimum of 6 hours before using alcohol. If you’re taking extended-release Adderall, it stays in the body longer, so you’ll need to wait a minimum of 8 hours before drinking.
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