Signs and Symptoms of Adderall Abuse & Addiction & Facts
What Is Adderall? How is it Ingested or Used?
Adderall (along with Ritalin) is known as a “smart drug” that is prescribed legally to those presenting symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Adderall contains a combination of amphetamines and dextroamphetamine. It is primarily subscribed for the purposes of treating attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).1 Sometimes a physician will subscribe it for an “off-label” use, such as severe depression or narcolepsy Adderall is classified as a central nervous system stimulant. That means it speeds up and heightens certain bodily processes.
Adderall is abused in a number of ways. Some people will take more than prescribed to get a “rush”. Other people will snort their Adderall prescription. Some people who abuse Adderall will take it to stay awake for a long time or to substitute for another stimulant they are addicted to.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Adderall Use or Abuse?
Even when used as prescribed, Adderall can cause unpleasant side effects. Abusing the drug can cause even more problems. A person who is on Adderall may have tremors in their hands. Some people who abuse it will develop bruxism2, which is an involuntary grinding of the teeth that can cause damage. Headaches, dry mouth and a range of stomach troubles can occur when a person uses Adderall.
Adderall works by increasing the availability of certain neurotransmitters such as dopamine in the brain. These brain chemicals help to boost a user’s alertness, attention, and energy levels. Users often describe the feeling they have when they are high on Adderall as “feeling powerful.” Part of the reason for this feeling is that Adderall increases the heart rate and the flow of blood to the muscles.
Somebody who is under the influence of Adderall may be excessively talkative, sweaty, and jittery. They may become easily overheated. Some people because irritable and “snappy” when they come down from the drug. Users who abuse Adderall often experience a crash that’s similar to the one experienced by other stimulant users.
Like we point out with almost every drug, sometimes the period where the person can’t get the drug is the biggest “tell” that they are dependent. If you are concerned that your loved one is abusing Adderall, they will likely demonstrate withdrawal symptoms if they are in a situation where the drug can’t be used (moodiness, irritability). The person may also strongly avoid situations where they will be under supervision for a long period (ie overnight trips). All too often, these visible symptoms are overlooked or attributed to.
What Are the Long-Term Effects and Dangers of Adderall Use and Abuse?
Adderall can be addictive, and users may develop a tolerance when they abuse it and consume it at high levels. Long-term abuse can affect many parts of the user’s life as well as their health. Some users will have a fast, pounding heartbeat and reduced appetite. They may develop symptoms of malnutrition, as well as diarrhea and constipation.
Somebody who has been abusing Adderall for a while may lose interest in sex (and many other perviously pleasurable pastimes). They may develop severe anxiety, paranoia, or mania. Some people who use Adderall get chest pain, slowed and difficulty speech, and weakness in their arms and legs. Some will develop blisters in their skin. Others mays suffer from heart attacks or seizures.
Signs and Symptoms of Adderall Dependency/Addiction
Adderall is a dangerous drug and addiction causes many uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms in the user. As a user develops a tolerance, they need more of the drug to function and stay high.
Because of this need for the drug, they will start to engage in drug-seeking behavior. Hey may hoard pills or hide them around the house. They may go doctor shopping to try to obtain multiple subscriptions. They may even buy Adderall off the street. Many people who are addicted to Adderall will suffer significant problems in their social or family life. They may lose their job or drop out of school. Some will commit crimes and suffer from legal problems.
Because Adderall is a highly addictive drug with serious withdrawal symptoms, it’s advised that a person trying to quit Adderall participate in a detox program under the trained eye of professional. In a detox setting, users will be made as comfortable as possible as they begin their journey to recovery.
Getting Help for an Adderall Problem
If you think you may have a problem with Adderall or another stimulant, you may be worried about your options. Addiction experts will recommend you find a treatment program that’s right for you.
Professional services like inpatient or outpatient treatment are extremely helpful to somebody who has just detoxed from a drug like Adderall. If you have any questions about what options are available, and how to get started, please pick up the phone and give us a call. You deserve to reclaim your life and start on a path to recovery.
All phone calls are 100% confidential.
