In recent years, thousands upon thousands of people were admitted into rehab for prescription stimulant abuse, with Adderall being one of the most common culprits.
In this article, we'll go over Adderall misuse and the crippling addiction it can lead to. We'll also talk about the groups that are most susceptible to Adderall dependence, as well as the first steps to take in order to break free. If you or your loved one has fallen victim to this particular drug addiction, keep reading to educate yourself on how to overcome it.
What is Adderall?
Adderall is supposed to be used between one and three times per day, as per the doctor's instructions, in adherence to the prescribed dose. Adderall pills should be taken 4-6 hours apart from each other and never late in the day, as it can lead to trouble falling asleep and insomnia in more severe cases.
This stimulant is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs to children and teens, with the goal of helping them focus on schoolwork and not fall behind their peers. Unfortunately, teenagers are also one of the most susceptible groups to drug abuse, and it has developed a reputation for being misused by high schoolers all across the United States.
How It Works
The latter, on the other hand, is a reward chemical intended to make you feel good after certain activities, such as exercising, meditating, or having sex. Most psychoactive drugs are so addictive because they bind with dopamine receptors, triggering a release that wasn't "earned" by performing actions that release dopamine naturally.
Other Prescription Amphetamines
Most, if not all, prescription amphetamines have the potential to lead to substance abuse disorder if not taken accordingly to the prescribing doctor's instructions. Addictive prescription drugs should be handled with care, especially if they are to be used by minors.
Adderall Addiction
The problems begin when you start developing a psychological dependence on Adderall on top of the physical one. Some people are able to notice when they become psychologically dependent on the substance and cooperate with their doctor to help them get off it, reduce dosage, or obtain a prescription for a different medication altogether.
Addiction begins when the user starts chasing the high that their drug of choice provides them, which leads them to crave and obsess over the drug, prioritizing it above all else. One dead giveaway that might suggest you're addicted to Adderall is the fact that you run out of your prescription early and start experiencing painful withdrawal symptoms (which we will go over later in this text). At that point, you might find yourself ready to do whatever it takes to get more of the substance.
Non-Medical Use of Adderall
Although it's not a street drug per se, it can be found in the inventories of drug dealers just as often as substances such as cocaine or marijuana due to how many people actively seek it out. It has even developed a reputation as the "study drug" of choice for students who need to get out of an academic rut or get better grades on exams. Some addicts even go as far as faking ADHD in order to secure their own prescription.
Today's youth is also increasingly using Adderall recreationally. After all, it contains amphetamines, which are already a component of many popular party drugs, such as MDMA. It can lead users to experience a more intense euphoric rush than alcohol, and is also frequently combined with other drugs, which can have fatal consequences that go beyond the outcomes of addiction to Adderall by itself.
The Most Common Signs of Adderall Addiction
The symptoms of Adderall addiction follow a similar pattern to that of other stimulant medications and street drugs like cocaine or methamphetamine.ย
While you should be on the lookout for all of those symptoms, it's important to note that they do not exhibit themselves in the exact same way in all individuals.ย Not experiencing all of them doesn't necessarily mean that a person doesn't need professional treatment to get out of addiction.ย
With that said, here are some of the most frequently reported signs of Adderall addiction:
Adderall Abuse
Many people abuse it to increase productivity, whether at work or at school. However, Adderall is equally popular for its capacity to improve one's confidence, conversational skills, and the immense feeling of euphoria in produces, especially in individuals who don't have ADHD. It can also boost athletic performance, as well as suppress appetite, which is why a lot of people also turn to Adderall to lose weight.
Another clear sign of abuse is not taking Adderall in a way that goes against your doctor's advice. This includes ingesting increasingly higher doses but also crushing up and snorting the pills for a more immediate, intense effect.
Side Effects of Adderall
Signs of Adderall Overdose
Who is Prone to Adderall Abuse?
People with Eating Disorders
Athletes
To give you a sense of how much this problem has gotten out of hand, in the early 2010s, the NFL amassed a record-breaking number of Adderall-related suspensions.
As you can see, Adderall abuse can be found even in the highest echelons of sports, and the problem is even more pronounced in lower leagues, as well as academic competitions.
Students
Young adults, with college students in particular, often use Adderall when studying for important exams and trying to meet the demands of their supervisors at work. College campuses are also full of recreational Adderall users, who often resort to mixing Adderall with other drugs.
Quitting Adderall
Inpatient treatment centers are by far the most effective way to get rid of any addiction once and for all, but there are also outpatient rehab methods that can help you return to a healthy, addiction-free lifestyle.
For minors struggling with Adderall abuse, the support of their parents and relatives is key. Family therapy is a good way to overcome addiction together with the help of a professional counselor. Adults could also benefit from support groups, individual therapy sessions, and frequent medical consultations.
Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms
When you quit Adderall, you're likely to experience some withdrawal symptoms, which may be severe, depending on your addiction level. To help you prepare for it, we've compiled a list of some of the commonย symptoms of Adderall withdrawal:
Get the Professional Adderall Addiction Treatment You Deserve
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If you're ready to take the next step towards recovery and get the best help possible, don't hesitate to contact us for a personalized action plan, expert guidance, and securing a stay at our residential rehab facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get addicted to Adderall if I'm diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
What other drugs is Adderall often combined with?
What's the difference between Adderall and methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine, on the other hand, is strictly illegal, and can only be bought using illegal means. To save money, dealers often add toxic chemicals to increase the overall amount they can sell, which can cause severe harm on top of the damage that meth will do to you. If you or someone you know is addicted to it, they should seek methamphetamine addiction treatment immediately.