Adderall and marijuana (weed) are the two most commonly abused drugs among the young population in the US. Mixing Adderall and weed is common since people do not consider its ramifications. It is especially tempting to mix the two because Adderall gives a high whereas weed is calming, creating a seemingly balanced experience.
Unfortunately, weed and Adderall are a dangerous combination that can have devastating results if ingested in large quantities. Read on to learn more about how Adderall and weed are used, the effects they each have on the body, and the consequences of mixing the two.
What is Adderall?
Adderall (or, as it is chemically known, Dexedrine) is a stimulant drug that changes the natural levels of hormones in the brain to produce a feeling of euphoria and elation. It is an FDA-approved drug that is prescribed to treat ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and narcolepsy. For people struggling with ADHD, Adderall assists by improving focus, attention span, and organizational skills.
When used responsibly, under the supervision of a doctor or psychiatrist, Adderall is relatively safe. However, if the dosage is increased, taken more often than prescribed, or taken for a longer period than advised, Adderall can become addictive.
Side Effects of Adderall Abuse:
Prolonged misuse of Adderall can have adverse effects on the body and mind, including:
- Headache
- Nausea/ vomiting
- Insomnia
- Loss of appetite
- Weight gain/ loss
- Diarrhea/ constipation
- Seizures
- Breathing problems
- Chest pains
- Paranoia and mania
- Hallucinations
- Fever
- Dizziness
- Aggression
- Vision issues
What is Weed?
Marijuana, or weed (as it is called on the street) is a naturally-occurring substance which originates from the cannabis sativa plant. It is a depressant substance with hallucinogenic properties, and doesn’t cause a ‘high’ feeling but a calming, mind-altering experience. It is used mostly recreationally, except for one strain of marijuana that is approved to treat seizures.
Weed can be smoked in “joints”, vaped, mixed with foods and drinks, or injected. Using marijuana recreationally often can cause the body to develop tolerance, which eventually leads the person to become addicted to the substance.
Side Effects of Marijuana Abuse:
There are many negative side effects of abusing marijuana, including:
- Lack of coordination
- Distorted senses
- Altered sense of time
- Hallucinations
- Elevated blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Stroke
- Nausea and vomiting
- Memory loss
- Impaired judgment
- Cognitive dysfunction
Mixing Adderall and Weed
Adderall and marijuana together create a very unpredictable result, so it’s difficult to list the exact effects it can have. This is especially true because different people react differently to every drug, and different amounts of Adderall and weed in the mixture can make a significant difference to the outcome of mixing the two.
The problem is that Sativa (marijuana) and Dexedrine (Adderall) together can feel good to the user because they complement each other and reduce each other’s adverse effects. Weed can reduce the unpleasant emotions that result from Adderall use, whereas Adderall is reported to have lowered fatigue as an effect of marijuana.
Can You Smoke Weed on Adderall?
This is a common question for people who may be using one or both drugs recreationally. The answer is that doing so is hazardous to your health and can have devastating effects.
The Dangers of Mixing Adderall and Weed
Since Adderall is a stimulant and weed is a depressant, the two drugs usually have opposing effects, but sometimes can intensify the effects of each other. For example, both Adderall and weed cause increased heart rate, so using both together can produce an especially fast heart rate. Over time, this could cause serious cardiovascular issues, including a heart attack.
There are also mental health concerns when mixing the two drugs. Prolonged misuse of Adderall and marijuana together can greatly increase the chances of paranoia, anxiety, depression, and mania. There have also been reports of impaired judgment, memory loss, and suicidal tendencies in people who mix the two drugs.
Another serious concern about mixing the two drugs is that the levels of intoxication are higher than when only one drug is used. This can result in a person taking a fatal dose, causing an overdose. Someone taking both Adderall and weed may be frustrated that they aren’t feeling the usual levels of euphoria from Adderall (because of the weed), so they may increase the dose of Adderall with devastating results.
Adderall and Weed Addiction
Some people occasionally pop an Adderall pill or experiment with weed. Although this is certainly never advised, if the dosage is small, the damage will usually be minimal and the risk of becoming addicted is small. However, when using both Adderall and weed together- even if only infrequently- the risk of becoming addicted is significantly higher.
Adderall and Marijuana Addiction Treatment at Avenues Recovery
Whether you or a loved one is abusing either Adderall or marijuana, or both, you may want to consider entering rehab. An addict is rendered powerless in the face of their addiction, and often professional help is the only way for them to regain control of their lives.
At Avenues Recovery, we have helped thousands of addicts detox safely and successfully complete residential treatment. With individual and group sessions as well as holistic therapies, we have all of the resources needed to help you discover the beauty of life in sobriety.
Reach out today to start your journey along with therapists, mental health counselors, and peers who understand your challenge and are committed to helping you heal.