Originally posted on https://www.ridgeviewrecovery.com/rehab-blog/adderall-vs-alcohol/

One of the warnings on the prescription bottle says not to mix the drug with alcohol. It warns that there could be severe reactions or lead to substance abuse. What happens when you do combine Adderall and alcohol? And if either or both substances hooked you, what should you do?

WHAT DOES ADDERALL AND ALCOHOL DO?

Doctors prescribe Adderall for ADHD. It’s a stimulant that helps people with the condition process stimuli more quickly. Therefore, they’re able to focus longer and more intensely on an activity. Besides that, they’re more alert in a work or classroom setting.

Common side effects include a decrease in appetite and an increase in anxiety. You may feel jittery. Besides that, your heartbeat increases. Some people experience hyperfocus.

In contrast, alcohol’s a nervous system depressant. Initially, it has stimulant properties. However, they quickly diminish as the blood alcohol level increases. Alcohol slows mental processes.

At the men’s alcohol addiction treatment center Corona, CA relies on therapists meet clients who endured side effects of intoxication. They include depression, hostility, self-isolation, and anxiety. Alcohol also decreases your immune system’s functioning. Therefore, you’re more likely to get sick.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU MIX ADDERALL AND ALCOHOL?

Common sense suggests that alcohol and Adderall cancel each other out. However, chemistry doesn’t work that way. Adderall vs alcohol results in side effects that heighten negative aspects of each drug. For example, taking both drugs may leave you feeling anxious.

You may experience a deepening depression. Some men report feeling angry and lashing out at others. It’s not unusual to get into fights. You might take risks that you normally wouldn’t.

Alcohol and Adderall, in combination, can somewhat diminish the sedative effect of the drink. Therefore, you imbibe more than you usually would. As a result, there’s the danger of suffering alcohol poisoning or a blackout. You didn’t see it coming.

Over time, you may develop a dependency on both drugs. Polysubstance abuse is a severe condition that requires clinical intervention. Withdrawal on your own is tough. It’s a better idea to enlist the assistance of therapists.

HOW REHAB HELPS YOU END SUBSTANCE ABUSE

In the Adderall vs alcohol debate, dependency on one isn’t worse or better than on the other. Besides that, you may struggle with a chemical dependency that includes both stimulants and sedatives. Rehab lets you unravel what’s going on. It also empowers you to go back to living sober.

It all starts with detoxification. Medical specialists ensure that you don’t feel pain or intense cravings. Besides that, they give you outlets to talk about what you’re thinking and feeling. After about a week, you wake up without the withdrawal symptoms.

Next, you begin rehab. Therapies might include:

• Behavioral counseling that empowers you to find new ways of dealing with stress, anger, and frustration
• Psychotherapy as a tool for managing underlying co-occurring conditions that create triggers
• Family therapy to reopen communication with loved ones and heal relationships
• 12 Step program participation that focuses on accountability and voluntary sobriety
• Individual and group therapy for receiving input from therapists and peers

REACHING OUT FOR HELP

It’s time to end the abuse of Adderall and alcohol. You know that doing it on your own won’t work. That’s why Ridgeview Recovery offers to provide the type of therapeutic environment that makes a difference. Call 855.463.5505 now!