Adderall Addiction: Symptoms, Signs, and Side Effects
Adderall is a common, often abused prescription stimulant drug prescribed for ADHD. Some studies show that it has recently been growing in popularity as an illegal recreational drug. Though the rates of addiction and abuse are high, it remains one of the 45th most prescribed drugs in 2016 – with more than 17 million prescriptions handed out last year alone. By 2018, nearly 5.1 million Americans had an Adderall substance use disorder, according to surveys done by psychiatrists specializing in this field. The age group with the highest abuse rates was 18-25 (0.5%), while younger and older generations had lower rates at 0.2%.
What Is Adderall Used For?
Adderall is used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. It works by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, which helps improve focus and attention span.
Adderall is often prescribed to children and adults with ADHD, as well as to people with narcolepsy. It can also be used off-label for other conditions, such as depression and anxiety
When taken as directed, Adderall is generally safe and effective. However, when misused or abused, it can have serious side effects and can lead to addiction. People who misuse Adderall may take higher doses than prescribed, take it more frequently than prescribed, or take it without a prescription. This type of use can quickly lead to physical dependence on the drug.
What Causes Adderall Addiction?
Drugs, such as Adderall, feed off of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine promotes healthy activities but can become dangerous when abused and used excessively. If enough dopamine is released from the drug at once, one will experience intense happiness – possibly even euphoria – until it all subsides again.
Drugs like Adderall are highly addictive because they work so quickly to release extreme amounts of dopamine. Even if taken under strict prescription guidelines, some people may still find themselves addicted to the substance.
Physical withdrawal symptoms will occur for those who stop taking a substance such as Adderall after developing an addiction; however, these withdrawals do not involve compulsively seeking more drugs.
Snorting Adderall
Snorting Adderall is common among those looking for an instantaneous effect. Pills are crushed into a fine powder that gets snorted up one’s nose. This often leads to more intense highs, but there are consequences to abusing this substance in such a way.
Snorting pills causes injuries and decay to the nasal and sinuses cavities of one’s body, as well as elevated risks of heart problems. Those who abuse Adderall through snorting also carry an increased risk of overdosing or having adverse side effects induced by other drugs already in their system through combining substances.
Signs and Symptoms of Adderall Abuse
Adderall abuse is a severe problem that can lead to various negative physical, mental, and emotional health consequences. Knowing the signs and symptoms of Adderall addiction is essential in recognizing the problem and getting help before it spirals out of control.
Some common signs and symptoms of Adderall addiction may include the following:
- Increased energy levels – People abusing Adderall often experience increased energy levels as a result of the stimulant effects of the drug. This can manifest as excessive talking, hyperactivity, and difficulty sitting still.
- Changes in sleep patterns – Abusing Adderall can interfere with natural sleep cycles, leading to insomnia, sleeping too much, or disturbed sleep.
- Changes in appetite – As with other stimulants, Adderall can lead to decreased appetite or increased cravings for unhealthy foods.
- Mood swings – Abuse of Adderall can lead to increased irritability, paranoia, anxiety, and depression.
- Financial problems – Those abusing Adderall often have difficulty paying bills or managing their finances.
- A decline in personal relationships – People addicted to Adderall may neglect their relationships with family, friends, and partners as they become more focused on obtaining and using the drug.
The side effects of Adderall addiction
When it comes to Adderall addiction, it’s important to understand the signs and symptoms to get help if needed. Adderall is a powerful stimulant that can be habit-forming and lead to dangerous side effects. The common side effects of Adderall addiction include:
- mood swings
- insomnia
- weight loss
- fatigue
Mood swings are a common symptom of Adderall addiction. Sudden shifts in mood or behavior or extreme irritability and restlessness can characterize this. It’s important to be aware of this and take steps to manage your emotions and keep yourself healthy.
Insomnia is another common symptom of Adderall addiction. This can cause difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, leading to exhaustion and an inability to concentrate. If you’re struggling to sleep, try avoiding caffeine and other stimulants before bed and focusing on relaxing activities.
Weight loss is also a potential side effect of Adderall addiction. This can happen due to decreased appetite or excessive exercise. If you’ve noticed significant weight loss, you should talk to a healthcare provider about the potential risks.
Fatigue is another common side effect of Adderall addiction. This can cause feelings of exhaustion and decreased energy levels, even when there are plenty of hours in the day for rest. To combat this, get enough sleep and take regular daily breaks.
Treatment for Adderall addiction
Defining Wellness Center offers a comprehensive treatment program for individuals with Adderall addiction. Our team of experienced health providers will work with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
At Defining Wellness Center, we understand that Adderall addiction can be challenging. We utilize evidence-based therapeutic interventions and medications to address addiction’s physical and psychological aspects. Our team will work with you to address any underlying issues that may have contributed to your addiction, help you develop positive coping strategies, and build a robust support system.
During your treatment at Defining Wellness Center, you can receive individual and group counseling, relapse prevention planning, medication management, and lifestyle and behavior modification. Our team also provides family therapy and educational programs to help you and your loved ones learn more about addiction and its effects on the family.
At Defining Wellness Center, we are committed to helping those suffering from Adderall addiction fully recover. With our comprehensive treatment programs and individualized care, we strive to ensure each patient receives the best possible treatment for their unique situation. Contact us today.
