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adderall and cocaine

Combining any substances can pose the risk of overdose, including mixing Adderall and cocaine. Read on to learn more about stimulant abuse and addiction.

Both Adderall and cocaine have long been used recreationally for their stimulant effects. Adderall is a type of amphetamine, and cocaine is a stimulant derived from the coca plant in South America.

When someone attempts to enhance the stimulant effects of one of these drugs by mixing the Adderall and cocaine it may become toxic to the body and cause potentially fatal outcomes. Either of these drugs is risky to consume, but combining them is very dangerous.

What is Adderall?

Adderall contains amphetamine/dextroamphetamine and shares many of the same traits as illicit stimulants, such as meth and cocaine. Adderall speeds up the body’s systems, such as heart rate and breathing. While Adderall is intended for the treatment of ADHD or narcolepsy, the drug is often used for non-medical reasons. However, when people abuse Adderall to gain a boost in energy and mood or to lose weight, it is risky.

After experiencing the positive effects early on, the person seeks to repeat that high over and over again. Tolerance to the Adderall begins to ramp up, so they may take more frequent doses. In just weeks an addiction can develop.

Signs of Adderall addiction include:

  • Being overly talkative.
  • Weight loss.
  • Increased tolerance.
  • Chronic insomnia or excessive sleeping.
  • Aggressive behavior.
  • Irritability
  • Angry outbursts.
  • Foggy thinking.
  • Mood swings.
  • Frequent headaches
  • Jittery

What is Cocaine?

Cocaine is a white, powdered substance that is derived from the coca plant. Like Adderall, it acts as a stimulant to the central nervous system, meaning it speeds up nerve activity. This is why cocaine is popular, for these effects. Cocaine causes the person to feel a boost of energy, to need less sleep, and experience a sense of euphoria.

Cocaine is usually snorted through the nose, where it then crosses into the bloodstream. The brain’s reward system records the effects as a pleasurable experience. This begins the process of addiction, as the brain signals the person to repeat the experience.

There are other methods for using cocaine. Some may smoke the cocaine, a type of cocaine referred to as crack cocaine. Another mode of delivery is by injecting a liquid form of cocaine with a syringe. These methods, smoking it or injecting it, can cause even more intense effects.

Even though the first few cocaine experiences may be quite pleasurable, the long-term effects are very serious. Long-term effects might include:

  • Heart attack.
  • An enlarged heart.
  • Severe damage to nasal tissue and cartilage.
  • Vascular damage.
  • Kidney damage.
  • Increased risk of stroke.
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Psychosis
  • Financial problems.

What Happens When You Mix Adderall and Cocaine?

Mixing Adderall and cocaine, both potent stimulants, can result in a dangerous increase in heart rate. Both these drugs increase the speed at which major organs function, so it would impact breathing rate and blood pressure as well. The liver is only able to break down a certain amount of the drugs, which leads to toxicity. This could lead to a heart attack, seizure, or stroke. It could also result in an overdose event.

Can You Overdose from Mixing Adderall and Cocaine?

As Adderall and cocaine abuse continues, including snorting high doses of the drugs, the risk of overdose rises.

Overdose symptoms of Adderall and cocaine might include:

  • Psychosis
  • Panic attacks.
  • Paranoia
  • High fever.
  • Extreme dehydration.
  • Intense headache.
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach pain.
  • High blood pressure.
  • Break down of muscles.
  • Tremors
  • Vertigo
  • Cardiac arrhythmia.
  • Delirium
  • Hyperventilation
  • Severe tremors.
  • Loss of consciousness.
  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Death

There is also a heightened risk in recent years for cocaine or Adderall to contain fentanyl. This is unknown to the user and could prove deadly.

An overdose that involves Adderall and cocaine is treated by removing as much of the drugs from the system as possible. Activated charcoal can help absorb excess Adderall in the gut, and sometimes the emergency measures will include stomach pumping or gastric lavage. IV fluids may be administered to replenish nutrients and correct dehydration.

How to Break the Grip of Stimulant Addiction

Adderall and cocaine are very potent and addictive drugs. You or a loved one may have become dependent or addicted to either or both of these drugs. If so, it will require expert treatment to overcome compulsive drug use.

When you seek treatment for the stimulant problem, be sure the program creates tailored treatment plans for poly-substance addiction. After you complete the intake interview and assessment, a custom treatment plan is created that includes these elements:

  • Detox. Recovery from stimulants begins with a medical detox and withdrawal process. The detox team pays close attention to the withdrawal symptoms as they emerge, and offers treatments to reduce discomfort.
  • Psychotherapy. Talk therapy sessions are at the center of addiction treatment. Using therapies like CBT or DBT, a therapist can help you make the needed changes in behaviors.
  • Group therapy. Group sessions provide a chance to discuss recovery topics with peers in recovery.
  • Family therapy. Because addiction impacts the whole family, these sessions can provide guidance and healing for all family members.
  • 12-step program. The 12-step program is often included in the rehab program and provides a roadmap for the recovery journey.
  • Holistic elements. Holistic methods are techniques that help induce a calm mental state and also reduce stress. These are very helpful both during rehab and throughout recovery. They include yoga, practicing mindfulness, massage, and journaling.
  • Education. It helps to have some knowledge about how drugs affect the brain and lead to addiction. Also, you will learn new coping skills and form a relapse prevention plan as part of the education piece.

Mixing Adderall and cocaine can be very dangerous. If you are in need of help for stimulant addiction, reach out for help today.

Bodhi Addiction Treatment and Wellness Provides Treatment for Stimulant Addiction

Bodhi Addiction Treatment and Wellness offers comprehensive addiction treatment for cocaine and/or Adderall use disorder. If you or a loved one is struggling with cocaine or stimulant abuse, please reach out today at (877) 328-1968.