Many kids are prescribed Adderall to treat ADHD and other attention deficit disorders. Some continue using it in college, finding that it helps them focus on studying and staying awake longer.
Unfortunately, some college students find that Adderall not only helps them study longer, but party longer. Drinking alcohol if you are taking Adderall can have lethal effects.
That’s because Adderall is a powerful stimulant while alcohol is a depressant. The combination can cause “serious cardiovascular adverse effects,” according to a study published in the National Institutes of Health Journal. Young people have suffered heart attacks as a result.
Nonmedical use of Adderall has become a serious problem on college campuses. Those who have been prescribed it share their prescription with friends. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, those who use it without a prescription are more likely to drink alcohol. Therefore, nonprescription users can be most at risk, even if they only take the drug occasionally.
In addition to the potential health problems of taking Adderall without a prescription (and therefore without receiving the proper medical caution about mixing it with alcohol), there can be legal consequences — both for the person who shared the drug and the person who took it. College students can find themselves facing charges both for underage drinking and illegal use or distribution of prescription drugs.
If your son or daughter is facing these charges, it’s essential to understand the impact they could have on your child’s future. An experienced Georgia criminal defense attorney can provide guidance.
Source: health enews, “College kids mixing ADHD drug with alcohol,” accessed Jan. 17, 2018