Do I have an Adderall Addiction?

Wondering if you have an adderall addiction? Here’s how you can tell if you need treatment

Adderall addiction is a widespread problem in the United States, particularly among teens, college students, and young adults in their 20s. Adderall is the brand name for a stimulant medication prescribed for the treatment of ADHD. Use of Adderall by individuals who weren’t prescribed the drug has increased drastically in recent years, possibly fueled by the mistaken perception that Adderall is a harmless way to increase mental focus. Actually, Adderall can be highly addictive and users can begin experiencing addiction symptoms within two weeks of use when taken in high doses on a regular basis. If you find yourself wondering, Do I have an Adderall addiction, there are certain signs and symptoms that will let you know you have a problem.

Adderall addiction symptoms

If you are wondering if your use of Adderall has turned into Adderall addiction, there are certain symptoms to look for.  Adderall addicts may not experience all of the following symptoms, depending on the amount and frequency of the doses taken, but if you can answer “yes you may have become addicted, look for the following Adderall addiction symptoms:

  • Increased dosages – are you taking more and more Adderall to achieve the same results? Are you filling prescriptions early, or buying more Adderall from your supplier?
  • Withdrawal symptoms – do you experience insomnia, irritability, decreased energy, and headaches whenever doses of Adderall wear off?
  • Abnormal behavior – are you experiencing unexplained outbursts or violent episodes? Have you engaged in risk taking behavior that is out of character?
  • Cognitive difficulties – are you experiencing episodes of fuzzy thinking, particularly with higher doses of Adderall?
  • Mood disturbances – do you suddenly feel irritable, hostile, or aggressive for no reason? Have you lost enjoyment in activities and people that used to make you happy?
  • Psychological dependence – do you feel that you need to take Adderall to cope with events in your life? Do you experience cravings for Adderall whenever it wears off?

Adderall abuse in college

Adderall abuse is on the rise among college students again, according to the 2016 “Monitoring the Future” Survey conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Although stimulant abuse among college students decreased slightly between 2014 and 2015, the numbers of college students abusing Adderall rose to 10.7%. That means that one out of every ten college students abused Adderall in 2015. Despite the numbers of students who have struggled with Adderall addiction, CNN reports that 81% of college students in a 2008 study believed that illicit use of ADHD medication was “not dangerous at all” or only “slightly dangerous.”

When students who were not prescribed Adderall first try it, they find it improves focus and helps them keep up with demanding schoolwork schedules. Students can study all night without feeling tired or sleepy. As the psychological effects of Adderall addiction begin to kick in, students become increasingly reliant on the drug to carry them through their daily life. Every activity, from attending classes and studying to enjoying social situations, becomes an excuse to take more Adderall. Eventually, obtaining more Adderall becomes these students’ focus rather than schoolwork, and their grades suffer. Contrary to popular belief, research shows that students who abuse stimulants have lower GPAs than students who never take these medications.

Adderall addiction help

If you believe that you have become addicted to Adderall, you should seek help from an addiction rehab center. Adderall withdrawal symptoms can include seizures, suicidal ideation, and hallucinations, making it unsafe to try to go it alone. An inpatient rehab treatment center can provide Adderall addiction help in the form of medically supervised detox, behavioral therapy, and other supportive services to get you on the path to recovery.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.

About the Author

is a proud alumni member of WhiteSands Treatment. After living a life of chaos, destruction and constant let downs, Mark was able to make a complete turnaround that sparked a new way of life. He is serious about his recovery along with helping others. At WhiteSands Treatment, we offer support to you in your homes or when you are out living in your daily lives.