Mixing Alcohol & Methylphenidate: Effects, Symptoms & Treatment
The Effects of Mixing Ritalin and Alcohol
Those who are addicted to methylphenidate and alcohol may experiment by mixing the substances. The effects of mixing alcohol and methylphenidate can be dangerous. Users may mix the substances in order to achieve a high, including euphoria and other side effects. The dangers of mixing methylphenidate with alcohol should not be ignored.
Did You Know?
Methylphenidate, also known as Ritalin, is used to treat ADHD, which is diagnosed in approximately 2.9 to 4.4 percent of adults in America, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Methylphenidate is a prescription stimulant that helps increase dopamine levels in the brain. This chemical is associated with pleasure, attention, and movement. This medication is intended to slowly increase the release of dopamine, which is therapeutic to those with ADHD. When taken at differing doses and at high doses, dopamine is increased rapidly. This leads to euphoria and an increased risk of addiction or drug abuse in patients.
People who do not have ADHD are likely to have a reaction similar to that of speed, another stimulant drug. In ADHD patients, the stimulant has a reversed effect, which leads to the person becoming more calm and focused. It is important to understand the medications that you and your loved ones may be exposed to.
Side Effects and Complications of Mixing Alcohol and Ritalin
Methylphenidate has side effects, even when used correctly. Some of these include:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Heartburn
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty staying or falling asleep
Did You Know?
Ritalin may be therapeutic to those with ADHD at normal dosages when prescribed by a physician.
Stimulants tend to be abused because they can suppress the appetite, leading to weight loss, can increase wakefulness, and improve performance by increasing focus. The medication may be injected or snorted to aid the euphoria that comes with a high. Other patients may dissolve the medication and drink it. Sometimes this is done with alcohol.
Did You Know?
Injecting a stimulant can lead to increased highs and possible overdoses.
“Stimulants tend to be abused because they can suppress the appetite, leading to weight loss…”-Projectknow.com Stimulants increase blood pressure, body temperature, and the heart rate of a person in some cases. Combined with alcohol, this can lead to dehydration at a more rapid rate. Alcohol often exaggerates the effects of stimulants, and users may end up drinking more alcohol than their bodies can handle due to impaired judgment. People who are addicted to alcohol and methylphenidate and take the substances together may not realize when their bodies are suffering, and overdoses are more likely for those who mix drugs and alcohol.
Did You Know?
Prescription drugs are not safer than illegal drugs when not taken as advised.
Stop Mixing Alcohol and Methylphenidate Today
Those who are addicted to methylphenidate and alcohol may have become so by abusing methylphenidate over time for recreational purposes. Some people have parties with the substances present for the purpose of getting high. Others may use the drugs recreationally for study parties in school because of their ability to heighten attention span. Neither of these purposes are advisable, and they can be dangerous when the medication is not being taken as prescribed.
Alcohol lessens a person’s ability to make good decisions, so problems besides the dangers of mixing methylphenidate and alcohol could exist, like driving under the influence or getting into fights. If you or a loved one are struggling, know that you are not alone. Get started on your recovery right now with our free rehab locator tool, where you can find addiction treatment facilities that take insurance, inpatient detox, outpatient detox, and much more.