Effects & Dangers of Mixing Alcohol and Prescription Stimulants

According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 7.5 million of the 48.5 million people with a substance use disorder in 2023 had both an alcohol use disorder and a drug use disorder occurring at the same time.¹ This can occur as a result of continued, chronic polysubstance use, or the practice of using more than one substance at a time.²

Unfortunately, polysubstance use involving alcohol and prescription stimulants can result in a wide range of negative side effects and can possibly be life-threatening.³Keep reading to learn more about prescription stimulants, their intended purpose and why they are misused, the dangers of using them in tandem with alcohol, and how to find addiction treatment near you.

Combining Alcohol and Prescription Stimulants

Prescription stimulants, such as Ritalin, Adderall, Dexedrine, and Concerta, are FDA-approved medications that are used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD.⁴ These medications work by helping to reduce common symptoms of ADHD such as impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention.^4,5

However, while prescription stimulants are crucial for individuals with ADHD, it’s important to acknowledge that they may be misused by individuals without ADHD, and they also come with risks when misused or mixed with other substances, especially alcohol.⁵

Prescription stimulant misuse is common in certain populations, specifically college-aged students.⁶ One of the reasons for this is the desire to improve overall academic performance by:⁷

• Enhancing concentration.
• Increasing alertness.
• Improving studying.
• Improving overall academic performance.
• Staying awake.

Studies show that college students not only make up the majority of people who misuse prescription stimulants, but that they are also more likely to have higher rates of alcohol use as a result.⁷ Misusing prescription stimulants can also increase their risk of engaging in polydrug use.⁷ It is important to remember that mixing alcohol with other drugs, including prescription stimulants, can produce unpredictable outcomes and increase the risk for overdose.²

Dangers of Mixing Alcohol and Prescription Stimulants

People who mix alcohol and prescription stimulants may be unaware of the dangers and health risks they are exposing themselves to.² The combined effects of alcohol and prescription stimulants a person may experience can vary based on several factors. These factors can include how much of each substance they have consumed, how often they administered it, their gender and age, and underlying health concerns.³

Effects of Alcohol

Alcohol, even when consumed in small amounts, can cause negative effects, such as impaired driving abilities and drowsiness.³

Other short-term effects of alcohol can include:⁸

• Slurred speech.
• Impaired coordination.
• Unsteadiness.
• Problems with memory and/or attention.
• Stupor.
• Confusion.

Additionally, being under the influence of alcohol can also increase one’s risk of sustaining/causing injuries, experiencing violence, and engaging in risky behavior, such as unprotected sex.⁹

People who misuse alcohol over longer periods of time can suffer from chronic health effects, some of which may be severe.⁹

Long-term effects of alcohol use can include:^10,11,12

• Cardiovascular complications, such as high blood pressure, arrhythmias, stroke, and damage to the heart muscle.
• Liver problems, such as alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, fatty liver, and fibrosis.
• Pancreatic problems, such as pancreatitis.
• Increased risk of developing certain types of cancers, such as head and neck, esophageal, breast, liver, and colorectal cancers.
• Neurological complications, including cognitive impairment, memory problems, and dementia (e.g., Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome).
• Increased risk of exacerbating existing mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression.
• Increased risk of dependence and addiction.

Effects of Misusing Prescription Stimulants

The misuse of prescription stimulants refers to taking more of the drug than prescribed, using someone else’s prescription, or using it for reasons other than the intended purpose.¹³ Even though prescription stimulants are available by prescription, it doesn’t mean they are safe to misuse, and those who do may experience a wide range of negative and unpredictable health effects.¹⁴

Some short-term effects of prescription stimulant misuse include:^15,16,17

• Irregular heartbeat.
• High blood pressure.
• Paranoia.
• Reduced appetite.
• Extended wakefulness.
• Sweating, vomiting, cardiovascular failure and seizures when consuming large doses.

According to some research, the chronic misuse of prescription stimulants may cause problems with cognitive function, decision-making abilities, and a shift in mood and behavior as a result of changes in the brain’s structure and circuitry.¹⁸ This can worsen symptoms for those with untreated ADHD in particular, as they are already at a higher risk for substance misuse than those who are being treated.

Additional long-term effects of prescription stimulant misuse may include:^15,16

• Hostility.
• Paranoia.
• Psychosis.
• Depression.
• Suicidal ideation.
• Cardiovascular problems.
• Increased risk of dependence and addiction.

Interactions Between Alcohol and Prescription Stimulants

The effects of alcohol and prescription stimulants can range from mild to severe, depending on a variety of factors.² Regardless, it’s important to be aware that mixing prescription stimulants with alcohol can lead to potentially unpredictable and possibly dangerous effects and may damage your brain, heart, and other organs.²

Possible alcohol and stimulant side effects may include:^3,19

• Dizziness.
• Drowsiness.
• Poor concentration.
• Liver damage.
• An increased risk of cardiovascular problems, including arrhythmias.
• Organ damage (e.g., brain, heart).

Additionally, people should understand the increased risk of overdose when mixing substances.1 It is one of the most serious risks of any type of polysubstance use, including use of prescription stimulants and alcohol.^2,20

Alcohol and Prescription Stimulant Addiction Treatment

People who are struggling with alcohol and prescription stimulant addiction should know that effective, evidence-based treatment that includes behavioral therapies and other interventions are available. Treatment can take place in various settings, such as:²¹

• , where people receive medically supervised withdrawal management to become medically stable and, in many instances, continue on to formal treatment.
• , which means people live at a treatment facility, receive 24/7 care and support, and participate in different types of therapies and treatments.
• , or high intensity outpatient programs (HIOPs), which are highly supportive outpatient programs offering 4-8 hours of daily treatment.
• , which are more supportive forms of outpatient programs offering 9-20 hours of weekly treatment.
• , which means that people live at home but attend treatment at a rehab on a set schedule.
• , which refers to transitional residences that help people in recovery as they make their way back to their day-to-day lives after they’ve completed formal rehab.
• , which involves different ongoing forms of support, such as 12-step groups or individual counseling, to help people maintain recovery and prevent relapse.

Getting Help for Alcohol and Prescription Stimulant Addiction

If you or a loved one is ready to seek rehab for a substance use disorder, explore your options and reach out to a rehab center using our rehab directory tool today!