On This Page
What is Adderall?
Adderall is a stimulant prescription drug that doctors recommend for patients who suffer from ADHD. It's pharmacological purpose is to help the patient focus and thus become more productive at work and/or school. Chemically, Adderall is similar to methamphetamine. Meth, however, is not a prescribed substance, but rather a drug that’s often made on the street, and thus can contain any number of random, toxic elements.
Both stimulants are addictive and can be used exclusively as drugs of abuse. Adderall's makers seek to avoid this by formulating it to release over time. The time-release helps the user avoid a euphoric rush while gaining benefits from a measured dose of stimulant. However, when users crush and snort the pills, they can achieve a euphoric rush that fuels addiction. Some users who have gained a tolerance to oral administration will turn to snorting as a way to increase the effects.
Interactions of Alcohol and Adderall
Alcohol acts as a depressant on the central nervous system, while Adderall has the opposite impact. For decades, addicts and other drug abusers have mixed depressants with amphetamine drugs. The thinking is that each counteracts parts of the other drugs effects, thus creating a unique high. The downside is that the mix is often highly addictive, if not deadly.
When users mix Adderall and alcohol, they find that the sleepy, sluggish aspects of drinking are nullified by the amphetamine’s upper effect. However, alcohol's other effects, such as its euphoric attributes, are enhanced by the stimulant. Users then feel more drunk but also like they can drink more and perhaps extend a drinking session well in to the wee-hours. Users also raise the risk of heart problems.
Though medical science advises limiting one's drinking while on Adderall, it is probably best to avoid the mixture altogether. Both substances are drugs of abuse, so users will be most safe by keeping them separate.