Adderall Addiction And Abuse

Addiction To Adderall

Adderall is an addictive prescription stimulant with effects similar to meth. Because of its potency and accessibility, the risk of Adderall addiction and abuse is high.

Although not everyone who uses Adderall will develop an addiction, people regularly taking Adderall at unprescribed doses are at an elevated risk of becoming addicted.

Adderall works by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the central nervous system (CNS). Norepinephrine affects how the brain responds to events, particularly how it pays attention and the speed with which it reacts to outside stimuli. Dopamine, the body’s “feel-good” chemical, creates a rewarding effect. Although dopamine occurs naturally, drugs like Adderall produce unnaturally high levels of it. This can cause users to come back for more.

The brain of an addicted person is dependent on Adderall to stimulate alertness and productivity. Without Adderall, addicted people often feel tired and mentally foggy. These are symptoms of Adderall withdrawal, a strong sign of an addiction.

Common signs of an Adderall addiction include:

• Needing larger doses to feel the drug’s effects
• Wanting to cut down on use but not having the ability to do so
• Taking the drug despite knowledge of the harm it’s causing
• Not being able to finish work without Adderall
• Spending a lot of time and money getting, using, and recovering from the drug
• Being unable to feel alert without the drug
• Neglecting other activities in favor of using Adderall
• Suffering withdrawal symptoms when not using Adderall

No one intends to become addicted to Adderall. Usually, the problem starts as a way of increasing productivity on a stressful day at work or studying for an important test. Some people even fake the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to get their own prescription for the drug.

Uninsured, I chose to pay hundreds for a refill instead of buying groceries. I’d consume far more than my allocated dose, then spend sleepless nights tossing and turning, my mind racing and heart pounding, only to wake up and take another pill with a coffee to compensate.

The withdrawal symptoms caused by Adderall addiction make it hard for users to quit on their own. These withdrawal symptoms can seem unbearable for some. Getting the help of a therapist or treatment center increases the chances of successfully quitting.

Adderall Dependence Vs. Adderall Addiction

An Adderall dependency is a natural, expected physiological response to the drug. The individual has a physical dependence due to the interaction of the chemicals in the body (even if taken as prescribed) but not a psychological dependence where they are abusing the medication to reach a “high.” They may require assistance from their doctor to get off the medication due to the way the chemicals affect the brain; however, they are not mentally obsessing over or craving Adderall.

An Adderall addiction refers to a person’s physical and/or psychological reliance on Adderall along with a specific set of behaviors. These individuals are usually unable to cope when they stop taking Adderall and will go to any length to obtain more of the medication. Use of the drug becomes the main priority of the individual. They often run out of their prescription early due to taking more than prescribed, leaving them in withdrawal from the substance, which results in going to any length to obtain more of the substance. Obsessive thoughts about Adderall and cravings are also indicators of addictive behavior.

Understanding Adderall (Prescription Amphetamines)

Adderall, a potent CNS stimulant, is the most commonly prescribed amphetamine. It is a Schedule II controlled substance because of its strong addictive potential.

Adderall comes as a tablet to be ingested orally, with doses ranging from 5 to 30 milligrams. Some people looking for immediate effects may crush up their tablets and snort their Adderall. Street names for Adderall include speed, uppers, black beauties, addys, and pep pills.

Adderall Effects And Abuse

Many people mistakenly believe Adderall is “safe” because it is prescribed by doctors. However, continued abuse of Adderall can lead to long-term side effects and an addiction that can be hard to break.

People abuse Adderall because it produces feelings of confidence, euphoria, increased concentration, and a suppressed appetite. These effects make Adderall a go-to choice for anyone looking for a boost in physical or mental performance.

Taking Adderall without a prescription, or in a way not directed by a doctor, is considered abuse. This includes snorting Adderall pills or taking over large doses to get a stronger effect.

Adderall is abused for many purposes, including:

• Weight loss
• Studying
• Athletic performance
• Staying awake

Although people tend to associate Adderall abuse with high school and college students, many older people also use the drug. Most people who have received treatment for an Adderall addiction started taking it when they were approximately 23, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

Who Abuses Adderall?

• Students and professionals

  Adderall’s ability to help users focus and stay awake for longer than normal makes it attractive to students and working professionals facing ever-increasing demands at school and work. College students in particular make up a significant population of those abusing Adderall as a study drug.

• Athletes

  Athletes may abuse Adderall to counter fatigue and enhance performance during practice and in competition. In 2012, Adderall abuse contributed to a record-breaking year of drug-related suspensions in the National Football League.

• People with eating disorders

  People struggling with eating disorders may abuse Adderall because it suppresses the appetite. If someone with an eating disorder becomes addicted to Adderall, they will often require treatment that addresses both issues simultaneously.

Adderall abuse can cause severe health-related problems, including potentially lethal overdose.

Signs of an Adderall overdose may include:

• Chest pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fast breathing
• Uncontrollable shaking
• Fainting
• Fever

Common Drug Combinations

There are several reasons for combining Adderall with other drugs. Some users may do this in an attempt to enhance the effects of Adderall. Some may even take a drug to relax if Adderall is preventing them from sleeping. No matter the reason, mixing Adderall with other drugs increases the risks of overdose and complications such as cardiac arrest.

In 2009, 67 percent of people admitted to an emergency room for complications with prescription Stimulants like Adderall also had other drugs in their system.

Some drugs commonly combined with Adderall include:

• Alcohol
• Cocaine
• Marijuana
• Xanax

The chance of getting alcohol poisoning is higher for people taking Adderall. This is because the alertness Adderall produces can mask the effects of severe alcohol intoxication. Someone on Adderall might not realize how much they have drunk and end up with alcohol poisoning.

Studies have also shown that students using Adderall are more likely to abuse alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine.

Adderall Addiction And Abuse Statistics

Don’t Wait, Get Help Now

The longer you have been abusing Adderall, the stronger your addiction can become. The withdrawal symptoms that start shortly after quitting can make it hard to stop on your own. There are many options available for treating this addiction, such as therapy and outpatient rehab. Contact a treatment provider to find Adderall addiction treatment today.

Featured Centers Offering Treatment for Adderall Addiction