Adderall Abuse: 5 Things You Should Know

Do you want to know the signs of Adderall abuse? There are 5 things you should know.

If you are abusing Adderall there are some things that you need to know about the drug. Adderall is a potent, and highly addictive, prescription amphetamine that stimulates the central nervous system. This Schedule II controlled narcotic is often prescribed to treat various conditions such as: narcolepsy, ADHD, and obesity. Adderall abuse may eventually cause the body to build up a tolerance to the drug, and more of the drug will have to be taken to achieve the same effects as before. Once an individual has built up a tolerance to Adderall, they are no longer able to function normally. Adderall abuse can cause many adverse effects and may lead to addiction.

1. How Adderall Works

An Adderall high floods the brain with unnaturally high levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which creates feelings of pleasure and well-being. This Adderall high feels euphoric and can make an individual continue abusing the drug to experience the high. Some Adderall side effects are increased focus and energy which is caused by the drug activating the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. For this reason the drug is popular among college students, who use it to enhance their concentration and improve scholastic performance. Another Adderall side effect is increased muscle strength, which makes it a popular choice among athletes who want to improve their athletic performance.

Workaholics and professionals, who have demanding positions of responsibility to keep up with are also attracted to the drug for increased focus and stamina. But eventually Adderall abuse will catch up with them too. When Adderall is taken with alcohol or other drugs it creates a higher risk for heart attacks and death. Adderall abuse and addiction can lead to serious physical and psychological problems.

2. Adderall Side Effects:

• Increased energy and focus, euphoria, increased physical strength
• Improved memory and scholastic performance
• Anxiety, depression, mood swings, paranoia, psychosis, aggression, hallucinations
• Impaired coordination, decreased appetite, malnutrition, dehydration
• Hypertension, angina, arrhythmias, seizures

3. Who Abuses Adderall

Adderall is often abused by individuals with mental health disorders, such as: bi-polar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, and other substance abuse problems. Other factors for Adderall abuse can include: addiction within the family, childhood abuse or neglect, genetic factors, and trauma. Individuals with co-occurring mental disorders should be treated simultaneously for both Adderall addiction and their mental problems. Counseling, therapy and addiction recovery programs are needed to address the addiction, plus psychological and emotional problems of other addicted individuals. Patients should be treated holistically in body, mind and spirit to find healing from Adderall abuse and addiction.

 4. Adderall Withdrawal

When an individual is addicted to Adderall, they will begin to get withdrawal symptoms when they reduce or stop taking the drug. The crash of withdrawal symptoms can be severe if the drug was used for a long time or at high doses. Adderall withdrawal should be done at a drug treatment center where medical professionals can monitor the patient and keep him stable and safe. Withdrawal symptoms can last up to 90 days or longer and may include:

 

• Weakness, fatigue, drug cravings, crying jags, panic attacks, seizures
• Extreme depression, mood swings, anxiety, paranoia, psychosis, suicidal thoughts
• Dizziness, irregular heartbeat, sleep problems, vivid dreams, tremors, chills

5. Adderall Recovery

Recovery from Adderall abuse should include a medical detox, plus psychological and behavioral therapy. Patients that are prescribed Adderall should be given sufficient education about the dangers of Adderall abuse and long-term Adderall side effects. Physicians should continue to monitor their patients while they are on this medication, to ensure that they have not built up a tolerance to the drug. Prevention strategies should help to prevent some patients from experiencing the sorrow of Adderall addiction and the desire to seek an Adderall high.

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.