Adderall is a stimulant drug that many people find helpful when it is prescribed to them for ADHD. However, it is commonly abused, especially by teenagers and college students. Because of this, it is also sold illegally on the streets for people that are unable to get a prescription from a doctor. People abusing Adderall often have the illusion that things are going very well with the help of Adderall. This, coupled with difficult withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped, causes people to delay finding help for their Adderall addiction. Thrive Treatment helps provide education about Adderal abuse, addiction, and treatment.
What is Adderall?
Adderall is a stimulant drug that is often legally prescribed to treat individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Adderall is an amphetamine-type stimulant medication. When people with ADHD use this substance, it helps reduce inattentive and hyperactive symptoms and improve overall day-to-day functioning. However, when abused by people without ADHD, it tends to have the opposite effect and makes people have hyperactivity and increased energy. People often abuse it with the idea that it will help them focus and be more productive. Because of this misunderstanding of how Adderall works, students on college campuses often abuse it. However, Adderall abuse by people without ADHD is associated with many negative consequences despite the illusion to those abusing it that things are going well.
How is Adderall Used?
Adderall comes in the form of a pill, so it is recommended that it is taken orally and swallowed. It is also commonly crushed up and snorted when people are abusing it. When used as prescribed, it is taken daily to improve hyperactive and inattentive symptoms. However, those abusing it recreationally tend to use it to help them complete work, schoolwork, chores, or other productive goals.
How Addictive Is Adderall?
Adderall is an amphetamine-type medication that is highly addictive. Individuals that abuse Adderall can quickly build a tolerance for the medication. If they stop use of it, then they may experience withdrawal symptoms that can be very uncomfortable, which often causes people to relapse to avoid these symptoms. Signs of addiction include the following:
- Building up a tolerance and needing more Adderall or more frequent doses to get the same effect
- Withdrawal symptoms. For Adderall, this includes increased anxiety, depression, agitation, headaches.
- Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to stop use of Adderall
- Continued use of Adderall despite negative social, interpersonal, or legal consequences.
- Continued use despite negative physical or psychological effects caused by Adderall use
- Adderall use is getting in the way of obligations such as family, work, or school.
- Use of Adderall in larger amounts or over a longer period of time than intended
- Using Adderall in physically hazardous situations
What are the Signs of Adderall Abuse?
There are some symptoms that are very specific to Adderall abuse. The following symptoms can indicate possible Adderall abuse, especially if these symptoms are very uncharacteristic of the individual:
- Increase in energy that causes excessive talking, increase in social behavior, and feelings of grandiosity.
- Feeling very worried about possibly not having access to Adderall
- “Doctor shopping,” or seeing many doctors with the goal of obtaining an ongoing prescription of Adderall or multiple prescriptions to support the built-up tolerance of Adderall.
- Increase in feelings of anxiety, worry, or panic
- Feeling hyperactive and an increase in goal-directed behavior.
- Uncontrollable shaking of a body part, such as the leg
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Headache, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, diarrhea
- Weight loss
Finding Adderall Addiction Treatment Centers
If you, a loved one, or someone you know is struggling with Adderall abuse or another addiction disorder, don’t hesitate to reach out for help as soon as possible. It is never too soon nor too late to seek help. Addiction treatment centers like Thrive Treatment can assist you in detoxing from Adderall or other drugs, find therapy options that best suit you, and develop skills to maintain long-term sobriety. Thrive Treatment has many options available for addiction treatment, such as partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, outpatient, and sober living home options. Our variety of options allows for us to help you build a personalized treatment plan based on your needs. Contact us today to schedule an assessment and start treatment today.
