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Many people abuse Adderall recreationally for their stimulant-associated effects of increased energy and euphoria. However, Adderall can suppress the side effects of alcohol and can lead to alcohol poisoning. Continue to read more about the effects of mixing Adderall and alcohol.

By We Level Up NJ Treatment Center | Editor Yamilla Francese | Clinically Reviewed By Lauren Barry, LMFT, MCAP, QS, Director of Quality Assurance | Editorial Policy | Research Policy | Last Updated: February 8, 2022

Mixing Adderall And Alcohol. What To Do If You Mix Adderall And Alcohol?

Alcohol and Adderall should never be combined. Alcohol can increase the effects of Adderall, putting you at risk of adverse health effects such as confusion, dizziness, impaired judgment, increased heart rate, and decreased coordination. Drinking in combination with Adderall can also cause damage to the liver. To avoid any harmful effects, you should avoid taking alcohol and Adderall at the same time.

Taking Adderall and alcohol can also cause damage to the liver. To avoid any harmful effects, you should avoid taking Adderall and alcohol at the same time. Because Adderall is designed to help the brains of people with ADHD, misusing the drug may increase the risk of Adderall’s side effects.

Is Adderall And Alcohol Safe?

Before we talk about the effects of combining Adderall and alcohol, it’s essential to understand why this happens. There’s a popular misconception when it comes to drinking alcohol on Adderall. Many think that taking Adderall before drinking will help someone keep up their energy. If Adderall stimulates them and alcohol makes them tired, they should balance each other out, right?

This is not the case. In fact, drinking Adderall leads to a variety of dangerous side effects, such as being more receptive to alcohol poisoning. In addition, taking a prescription stimulant like Adderall makes it harder for the body to recognize how much alcohol a person is drinking. That simple fact significantly increases the risk of alcohol poisoning.

Many individuals intentionally mix alcohol and Adderall in order to party longer and drink larger amounts. Unfortunately, this practice is extremely risky and dangerous because it can result in potentially-fatal consequences, including alcohol poisoning, anxiety, depression, seizures, and even cardiac arrest.

This has become a popular trend, particularly among young adults and predominantly among college students [1]. Despite being meant for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder treatment (ADHD), Adderall is commonly abused for the alertness and enhanced focus it gives. Similar to other stimulants, these prescription drugs can produce an energetic high that increases confidence and sociability.

The Dangers And Risks Of Mixing Adderall And Alcohol 

The truth is that alcohol is a depressant and Adderall is a stimulant. It’s expected to think they cancel out, but in reality, these two substances butt heads. The conflict between them often results in:

  • Lowering someone’s inhibitions and making them more inclined to risky behavior
  • Having a more challenging time focusing on what’s going on around them
  • Decreased impulse control

But that’s not all that happens when mixing Adderall and alcohol. Adderall by itself carries an increased risk for heart problems, such as a rapid heart rate and high blood pressure. But, add alcohol into the equation and the risk factor for these side effects skyrockets. The bottom line? mixing Adderall and alcohol can cause long-term damage to the heart.

Yes, mixing Adderall and alcohol can kill you. Although this may seem disturbing, the risk of overdose is increased when several drugs or substances are taken at a time. In addition, as previously mentioned, because Adderall and alcohol belong to different drug classes, they can collide to produce unpredictable and dangerous side effects. 

For the same reason, alcohol can lessen the effectiveness of Adderall, prompting the user to take more Adderall to experience the increased focus and alertness it gives. But taking Adderall with alcohol doesn’t reduce the original amount of the drug taken, but it only dulls its effects. When someone takes more, they open themselves up to an overdose.

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Adderall And Alcohol Facts

Mixing Adderall and alcohol can lead to over-drinking and related consequences such as alcohol poisoning and risky behavior. 
Mixing Adderall and alcohol can lead to over-drinking and related consequences such as alcohol poisoning and risky behavior. 

Adderall XR and alcohol may be habit-forming, and this medicine is a drug of abuse. Tell your doctor if you have had problems with drug or alcohol abuse. Stimulants have caused stroke, heart attack, and sudden death in people with high blood pressure, heart disease, or a heart defect.

Pronunciation: ADD-ur-all
Generic Name: Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine
Brand Names: Adderall, Adderall XR, Mydayis
Drug Class: CNS stimulants

Mixing prescription drugs with alcohol can be harmful. Alcohol, like some medicines, can make you drowsy, sleepy, or lightheaded. Drinking alcohol while taking prescription drugs can intensify these effects. You may have trouble concentrating or performing mechanical skills. Small amounts of alcohol can make it dangerous to drive, and when you combine alcohol with certain prescription drugs, you put yourself at even greater risk.

Mixing prescription drugs with alcohol can lead to falls and serious injuries, especially among older people. If you or someone you know is struggling with a prescription drug and/or alcohol addiction, it’s essential to reach out for assistance. Inpatient addiction rehab provides treatment options for various substance use disorders, including those involving mixing alcohol and prescription drugs, and mental health.

56% of U.S. adults over the age of 21 drink alcohol at least once per month. Drinking alcohol in moderation is a safe practice for millions of people. But about 16 million people in the U.S. struggle with alcohol use disorder. Problem drinking can take many forms, including dependence on drinking, drinking to extreme levels of intoxication, and mixing alcohol with prescription drugs or illegal drugs.

DEA Adderall Drug Fact Sheet

People who use Adderall recreationally are at a very high risk of developing an amphetamine addiction. Snorting Adderall only increase the risks of this drug and addiction. Amphetamine is a strong central nervous system stimulant that is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, narcolepsy, and obesity. It is also commonly used as a recreational drug. Below is the DEA provided facts sheet made publicly available for prescription drug abuse awareness.

Adderall And Alcohol Use Disorder Statistics

Adderall is a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, two central nervous stimulants that improve focus and reduce impulsivity by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Unfortunately, it is remarkable that the prevalence of problematic use of amphetamine and stimulants has been rising in the elderly, and that prescription substance abuse in this population may augment associated risks and require unique considerations for diagnosis and treatment.

Unfortunately, about 40% of individuals who know they have an alcohol or drug problem, such as Adderall and alcohol abuse, and they are not ready to stop using, and many others simply feel they do not have a problem or a need for treatment.


5 Million

2.1% (or 5 million) misused prescription stimulants at least once, and 0.2% (or 0.4 million) had prescription stimulant use disorders.

Source: SAMHSA

16.1 Million

5.8% (or about 16.1 million people) reported misusing any prescription psychotherapeutic drug in the past 12 months. Many people drink alcohol while using drugs to enhance or otherwise modify their experiences with these substances.

Source: SAMHSA

85,688

In 2019, of the 85,688 liver disease deaths among individuals ages 12 and older, 43.1% involved alcohol.

Source: SAMHSA


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Symptoms And Effects Of Adderall and Alcohol

Adderall and alcohol cause very different symptoms.

Upon drinking alcohol, a person may experience a temporary uplift in mood. This feeling may be similar to taking small doses of Adderall. However, if a person continues to drink more they may experience symptoms that can include:

  • Stumbling, unsteady movement, or poor coordination
  • Slurred speech
  • Disorientation
  • Reduced reaction time
  • Reduced ability to think rationally
  • Distorted judgment.

Symptoms can depend on a person’s body weight, medical conditions, and history of alcohol usage. ADHD stimulants, like Adderall, can blunt the effects of alcohol. This means it may take longer for you to feel intoxicated and assume you’re having adderall and alcohol fun. And this can cause you to drink more, potentially leading to alcohol poisoning. Mixing alcohol and Adderall can also worsen ADHD symptoms and make stimulants less effective.

Adderall And Alcohol Interaction

Most people are familiar with the relaxing effects of alcohol. As a result, alcohol is favored in social settings because people feel more relaxed, self-confident, and friendly while under its influence. However, drinking too much alcohol in a short time can lead to alcohol poisoning, which is a medical emergency situation. 

The effects of both drugs only last for a few hours, but prolonged use can cause long-term organ damage, such as serious liver problems and memory issues. When both are used in conjunction, it can cause alcohol and Adderall liver damage. Many online mediums and entertainment signify the prevalance of substance misuse, such as Alcohol and Adderall song. While singing these songs may be harmless, the substances are not.

Those who mix these two powerful substances may be unaware of the risks of combining them. Here are some of the negative effects of combining Adderall and alcohol:

  • While under the influence of both Adderall and alcohol, the person has decreased capacity to make sound judgments, possibly leading to dangerous impulsivity or high-risk behaviors.
  • Impairment by the alcohol may not be recognized because of the Adderall in the system, possibly leading to an accident or injury.
  • Adverse effects of the Adderall and alcohol combination include heart palpitations, convulsions, increased body temperature, and tremors.
  • Seizures are more likely to happen when Adderall and alcohol are used simultaneously.
  • Overdose can happen when the person can’t perceive the actual effects of the substances. They may not experience the Adderall or the alcohol’s full effect and continue to use them, potentially leading to an overdose.
  • Both Adderall and alcohol can cause hallucinations or psychosis at higher doses.
  • The possibility of developing a polydrug use disorder increases with continued use of both Adderall and alcohol.
  • Despite the perception that reflexes and motor coordination are not as affected by alcohol when one mixes Adderall and alcohol together, individuals remain significantly impaired in regard to their reaction time, motor coordination, and visual perception. This can lead to a number of potentially dangerous situations.
  • The potential to develop serious neurological effects, particularly seizures, is significantly increased when one mixes the two drugs.
  • Long-term abuse of Adderall and alcohol can lead to serious cognitive issues that reflect damage to the central nervous system. These issues most often manifest as issues with attention/concentration, learning and memory, and complex problem-solving. In addition, a number of emotional effects that may represent damage to the central nervous system may also occur, including longstanding issues with depression, apathy, loss of motivation, and even potential psychosis.
Because Adderall is designed to help the brains of people with ADHD, misusing the drug may increase the risk of Adderall and alcohol side effects.
Because Adderall is designed to help the brains of people with ADHD, misusing the drug may increase the risk of Adderall and alcohol side effects.
  • Even though one of the primary reasons that individuals give for abusing Adderall is to enhance their ability to study, learn, and improve their grades, research indicates that individuals who abuse Adderall, or who abuse Adderall and alcohol together, typically have lower grades and significantly lower levels of academic and professional achievement than individuals who do not abuse these drugs. Thus, even though the primary reason that many individuals report for abusing stimulant medications like Adderall is to enhance their cognitive abilities, this alleged effect appears to be a myth.

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Alcohol and Adderall Addiction

Alcohol is the most regularly abused addictive substance in America, as more than 17 million people in the United States are considered to suffer from addiction to alcohol. In addition, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) [3], publishes that over 1.5 million American adults were considered to be currently abusing a prescription stimulant drug.

Combining these Adderall and alcohol magnifies the side effects of both and may promote more use of both. One may be taken to offset the effects of the other, to enhance the “high,” or to lessen the “crash” that can ensue when one substance wears off. Increased dosage of stimulants and intensified alcohol consumption can cause a person’s brain chemistry to be altered.

Both alcohol and stimulant drugs such as Adderall disrupt the normal absorption, production, and transmission of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is essential in regulating moods and controlling willpower [4]. High levels of dopamine, which happen due to both alcohol and Adderall pleasure. 

When these substances wear off, however, levels of dopamine drop, and moods fall as a result. This can encourage a person to keep taking these “feel-good” substances to increase happiness. Repeated alteration of the brain’s natural chemistry disrupts its chemical makeup and can even physically alter some of its circuitry and lead to drug dependence.

When someone is dependent on drugs or alcohol, withdrawal symptoms can manifest when these substances are not active in the body. Therefore, an individual may take a different psychoactive substance to attempt to dispel withdrawal symptoms. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) [2] Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) reports that alcohol may be used to counteract symptoms of stimulant withdrawal, for instance, which can in turn lead to withdrawal symptoms from alcohol as well.

Withdrawal symptoms may be more significant and last longer when multiple mind-altering substances, like alcohol and Adderall, are involved. 

Withdrawal From Adderall And Alcohol Abuse

Withdrawal can cause:

  • Paranoia
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Suicidal tendencies
  • Hallucinations
  • Psychosis
  • Fatigue
  • Insomnia
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Irritability
  • Disorientation
  • Restlessness
  • Lack of energy
  • Inability to feel pleasure
  • Changes in appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Muscle weakness
  • Irregular heart rate and blood pressure
  • Tremors
  • Seizures
  • Changes in body temperature
  • Drug cravings

Physical alcohol withdrawal symptoms can even be life-threatening, and withdrawal from Adderall can be tough. In addition, when you combine both alcohol and an Adderall, these side effects may be especially hazardous. As a result, medical detox in a drug rehab facility is required to safely process these substances out of the body while managing the symptoms, often with medications.

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Adderall And Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Since Adderall and alcohol are both substances that individuals can become physically dependent on, quitting will cause withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms have the potential to be moderate, or severe, and life-threatening. Therefore, people attempting to stop drinking alcohol, using Adderall, or a mixing of the two, should seek professional help through the aid of an inpatient substance abuse treatment center. Symptoms of withdrawal may include tiredness, anxiousness, irritability, headaches, depression, nightmares, decreased appetite, tremors, vomiting, pupil dilation, and a fast pulse.

For those experiencing an addiction to mixing Adderall and alcohol, detox may not be sufficient enough for long-term recovery. As a result, attending an inpatient treatment center may provide recovering individuals with the support and tools needed in order to build a strong foundation of sobriety. Treatment centers like We Level Up NJ understand the struggles linked with battling addiction on their own. Because of that, we ensure that each client’s needs are met through individualized and comprehensive treatment plans.

When Adderall and alcohol misuse spirals into chronic substance use, it is time to seek a treatment program. Treatment for polydrug, or having more than one substance use disorder, is available in residential or inpatient settings. During rehab, the primary aim is to change the substance-seeking behaviors that have led to the cycle of addiction.

A comprehensive and individualized recovery program will give multiple treatment elements that work together to help make these fundamental shifts in thought and behavior patterns. These include:

With therapy and support, you can a life drug-free, and recover from Adderall and alcohol use disorder.
With therapy and support, you can a life drug-free, and recover from Adderall and alcohol use disorder.

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Can you overdose on Adderall and alcohol? Yes. Taking a stimulant like Adderall makes it harder for your body to recognize how much you drink. That simple fact about alcohol and Adderall combo significantly increases your risk of alcohol poisoning. Adderall and Lexapro and alcohol is another killer combo. As well as Wellbutrin Adderall and alcohol. The danger is real. Mixing alcohol with certain medications can cause nausea and vomiting, headaches, drowsiness, fainting, or loss of coordination.

If you’ve tried to quit in the past but ended up using Adderall and alcohol again, that’s a clear sign you need professional help. Get them the safest help they need and deserve. Our team at We Level Up NJ specializes in creating an ideal environment and providing effective therapies.

Top 3 What Happens If You Mix Adderall And Alcohol? FAQs

  1. Can you mix Adderall and alcohol?

    No. Mixing Adderall and alcohol is dangerous because alcohol inhibits the symptoms of Adderall, making it seem as if the drug isn’t working. However, the actual content of the drug hasn’t changed. As a result, this makes it easier for someone to overdose on Adderall when polydrug abuse happens.

  2. What happens when you mix Adderall and alcohol?

    Mixing Adderall and alcohol can kill you. While this may seem extreme, the risk of overdose is increased when multiple drugs are used at a time, and alcohol is scientifically considered a drug.

  3. What does Adderall and alcohol feel like?

    Adderall and alcohol are not a good combination. The same can be said for most stimulant/depressant combinations. This is due to the opposing mechanisms of action that each drug inflicts on the body. When one substance tells the body to speed up and another tells it to slow down, there is a conflict of interest happening within a person’s system that can cause elevated strain.

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Sources

[1] Drug and Alcohol Use in College-Age Adults in 2018 – National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

[2] Prescription Stimulants DrugFacts – National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

[3] What is the scope of prescription drug misuse in the United States? – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

[4] Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

[5] We Level UpAdderall Addiction Treatment

[6] We Level UpAlcohol Detox

[7] McKay JR. Impact of Continuing Care on Recovery From Substance Use Disorder. Alcohol Res. 2021 Jan 21;41(1):01. DOI: 10.35946 PMID: 33500871; PMCID: PMC7813220.

[8] Fluyau D, Charlton TE. Drug Addiction. [Updated 2022 Aug 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549783/

[9] Justinova Z, Panlilio LV, Goldberg SR. Drug addiction. Curr Top Behav Neurosci. 2009;1:309-46. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-540-88955-7_13. PMID: 21104390; PMCID: PMC3039293.

[10] Jahan AR, Burgess DM. Substance Use Disorder. [Updated 2022 May 5]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK570642/