You’ve probably heard of Adderall being used to help individuals concentrate. But just like other prescription drugs, it’s very addictive and can have side effects that feel similar to methamphetamine.
What is Adderall?
Adderall is a prescription stimulant that is prescribed by doctors to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (also known as ADHD). As with other prescription stimulants, it affects the central nervous system when used.
Why Do People Abuse Adderall?
People abuse Adderall for a variety of reasons, some of which are unintentional. Because Adderall can be prescribed by a doctor, some people don’t realize that it can still be extremely addictive. They might take more of the drug than is prescribed for increased effects, which is considered a form of Adderall misuse. This can result in dependency.
Other people might take Adderall recreationally, for example, college students who are studying for exams. But over time this can also cause a dependency on the drug. Before long it might be difficult to study or focus on school or work, or even get through the day, without taking Adderall.
Is Adderall Addictive?
Yes, Adderall is a stimulant drug and can be highly addictive. This is the result of dopamine levels being significantly increased when the drug is taken. Dopamine is the “feel good” neurotransmitter in the brain that produces rewarding feelings such as pleasure. When someone who is addicted to Adderall stops taking the drug, the dopamine levels drop, and the body and brain chemistry experience severe changes which need time to adjust back to normal. This causes individuals to continue to abuse the drug.
Not everyone who takes Adderall is going to become addicted, however, it’s important to follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor. As mentioned above, taking more Adderall than prescribed can put you at a much higher risk of becoming dependent on the drug.
Signs Someone is Abusing Adderall
The symptoms of Adderall abuse are similar to other addictive prescription drugs and can include a combination of the following behaviors:
Taking a higher dose than prescribed
Combining Adderall with other drugs
Severe mood swings
Nausea
Headaches
Dizziness
Avoiding social activities
Snorting or injecting Adderall
And others
Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms
Adderall misuse can lead to withdrawal symptoms since the brain and body become dependent on the drug over time. Even if not using Adderall for just a short period of time, individuals who are addicted to Adderall might experience headaches, irritability, depression, fatigue, brain fog, nausea, and difficulty concentrating. The temptation is then to keep using the drug in order to diminish the withdrawal symptoms, which continues to create the cycle of addiction.
The solution is to receive professional treatment at a rehab facility.
Addiction Treatment for Adderall Abuse
If you suspect you might have an Adderall addiction, help is available. Rehab treatment programs can provide you with the tools you need to stop abusing Adderall and live a healthy life.
At Sunshine Rehab, our medical detox program, inpatient rehab program, and mental health services help you to:
Detox from the drug completely so that you can begin treatment with a clear mind
Understand the reasons why use abuse Adderall in the first place
Learn to identify any triggers you have for using
Develop healthy coping tools
Feel supported by others who are going through a similar journey
Identify and address any co-occurring disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and others
Get Treatment For Drug Abuse
Our team at Sunshine Rehab is here to help you get your life back from substance abuse. Each of our therapies and programs provides patients with a unique and individualized approach to care for both drug addiction and alcohol addiction, as well as co-occurring disorders.
Contact us today to begin the treatment process. Our team is also available to answer questions related to your health insurance coverage for our therapies.
