Signs of Adderall Addiction

What Is Adderall?

There are many prescription stimulants used as a medication for mental health disorders but one of the most commonly used medications is Adderall. Adderall is a medication that is used to support individuals struggling with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy. Adderall can cause dependence and addiction with prolonged use, so it’s important to know the signs of Adderall addiction.

Adderall, as well as other stimulant medications, are classified as a Schedule II controlled substance according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This medication works by stimulating their central nervous system and allowing them to manage the symptoms of their disorders while continuing through their daily experience. Individuals struggling with ADHD suffer from difficulties with attention, sitting still, and focusing.

Individuals with narcolepsy suffer from daytime sleepiness and are often excessively tired throughout the day. Adderall works by increasing the levels of energy and motivation within the body of an individual to help manage their symptoms.

If you or a loved one may be taking this powerful stimulant in dangerous ways, keep reading to find out the signs of Adderall addiction and how to get help!

How Is Adderall Taken?

This medication can come in different forms such as an immediate release form or an extended-release form. The immediate release typically lasts for around 4-6 hours and can be taken 1-3 times throughout the day whereas the extended-release is taken in the morning and will last for the entire day.

This medication is ingested orally by swallowing the pill or capsule and does not require food to be taken. It is important to follow the proper instructions as listed in the dosage instructions. It is also important to only take the proper dosage amount.

How Is Adderall Misused?

There are many ways in which Adderall misuse can take place. Taking someone else’s medication is a form of misuse. As It is often referred to as a study drug or smart drug that boosts cognitive function within individuals, it can be quickly misused by many individuals.

This idea of misusing Adderall to improve grades or performance is common among college students and young adults. This form of prescription stimulant abuse places them at an increased risk of becoming addicted to Adderall.

An individual adjusting their dosage on their own and taking in more Adderall is also a method of Adderall misuse. Taking in too much Adderall, especially consistently, can lead to an individual requiring a higher dose to achieve the same effects.

This form of substance abuse can lead to addiction. While it is possible to accidentally take in too much of this prescription drug, the issue typically arises in consistently taking an increased dosage.

What Are The Signs Of Adderall Abuse?

There are many individuals who use Adderall without a proper need for Adderall. Unfortunately, this increases the risk of Adderall addiction. Adderall has a high potential for addiction and is a dangerous substance to abuse.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the signs of Adderall addiction include:

• Altering the method of ingestion
• Taking in more than the prescribed dosage
• Requiring more of the medication sooner than should be necessary
• Ordering Adderall online, without a prescription
• Having issues with family and friends
• Altered sleeping and eating habits
• Losing interest in favorite activities
• Getting lower grades

Changing the method of ingestion is another sign of Adderall abuse. As Adderall is typically taken orally, changing this method can be seen in powderizing the pill and snorting Adderall or mixing it into a liquid and injecting it.

These ways of ingestion lead to a faster and more intensive high. It also leads to a more addictive experience for an individual. Individuals with prescription Adderall are not free of the risks and potential situations of abuse and addiction.

Adjusting the dosage and taking in more than the prescribed dose is also a similar way of leading to a more intense but addictive high. As an individual taking in more than the prescribed amount without a doctor’s approval can cause individuals to require an increased dosage for the same effects.

Some individuals will require an increased dosage for the same effects due to tolerance toward Adderall; however, an individual should first work with their medical provider before adjusting the dosage.

With all of these signs, it is important to keep in mind that some of these signs are not definite factors that declare an addiction is present; however, it is also important to address concerns you may have if there are other issues or an addiction present.

What are the Adderall Side Effects?

Just like any other medication, Adderall also comes with unwanted side effects. Adderall affects many different parts of the natural processes and functions of the body and builds a physical dependence within the body with consistent use.

The side effects that come with Adderall are similar across many other prescription stimulants. These side effects include:

• Decreased appetite
• Headache
• Nervousness
• Weight loss
• Constipation
• Changes in libido
• Dry mouth

Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms are one of the major factors which make stopping drug use so difficult. Taking Adderall consistently can cause an individual to have a dependence upon the medication.

Similar to the side effects, many of the withdrawal symptoms of Adderall are closely related to the withdrawal symptoms of other stimulants. These symptoms include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Cravings
• Tremblings
• Sleep problems
• Irritability

Taking on these symptoms can be overwhelming and relapse-provoking. It is important to reach out and find addiction treatment if you or a loved one are struggling through withdrawal and addiction.

Can Someone Overdose On Adderall?

Yes, it is possible to overdose on Adderall. Despite this, it is unlikely for an individual to overdose on Adderall alone. It requires a large quantity of Adderall to overdose. This does not mean that taking too much of a specific dose is not dangerous.

Many of the side effects may be significant enough to cause harmful consequences which may lead to death. Polysubstance abuse is a more common way of overdosing on Adderall. Polydrug abuse is taking 2 or more drugs at the same time.

Combining Adderall alongside another drug, such as alcohol, is very dangerous for individuals and is much more likely to lead to overdose. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, some of the signs of Adderall overdose include:

• Restlessness
• Confusion
• Aggressive behavior
• Hallucination
• Rapid breathing
• Dark red urine
• Excessive fatigue
• Fainting
• Vomiting
• Seizures

If you or a loved one are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to call 911 immediately for emergency medical attention.

Finding the Right Adderall Addiction Treatment Center

Thankfully, there is addiction treatment for Adderall addiction. Treatment centers are equipped with resources to support individuals who misuse Adderall and allow them to properly recover from this substance abuse.

Individuals will work with a treatment provider to create a plan that fits their needs. Treatment for Adderall will typically entail behavioral therapy, group therapy, and individual therapy. Some forms of treatment include medications however, stimulants do not have medications for addiction.

While there are no medications to specifically support individuals struggling with stimulant addiction, there are some mental disorders in which medications may be supplemented to help individuals. Certain prescription drugs, such as Wellbutrin (bupropion) have also shown promise as off-label ways to help curb cravings and help with withdrawal symptoms.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment and Adderall

Many people with a substance use disorder also possess a mental health disorder which causes them to struggle with fully stopping substance use. Treating a substance use disorder, as well as other disorders, at once, is a crucial consideration in finding the right approach.

It is important for addiction treatment to meet the needs of an individual otherwise it is likely that they will relapse or face immense difficulties later on while maintaining recovery. Meeting every need of an individual allows them to properly manage their experience in a stable and healthier life-style.

The addiction treatment process typically begins with a drug detoxification process which cleanses an individual from a substance before taking on treatment. This allows an individual to safely process the withdrawals from stopping use.

Once this process has been completed, an individual then takes on addiction treatment for proper recovery. There are many different styles and forms of treatments that provide individuals with the options to receive treatment that meets their needs.

Inpatient Treatment

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Inpatient treatment is a form of treatment in which an individual lives on-site at a treatment facility to receive treatment. This form of treatment is beneficial to individuals who wish to be removed from their familiar environment.

Familiarity can sometimes be relapse-provoking for individuals and moving into a safe and distant environment may support their growth through recovery. Inpatient care works to build an individual’s experience away from substance use to allow them to return to their lives.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment is a form of treatment in which an individual can return home after receiving treatment. This provides an individual with more flexibility in their lifestyle. Individuals that have prior responsibilities such as school or work may continue taking on these responsibilities while also receiving proper treatment.

Outpatient care works to support individuals through their experiences and allow them to rebuild and return to their lives. Individuals can learn important skills and techniques in behavioral care which allows them to create stable lifestyles after treatment.

Visit our complimentary guide to Adderall addiction treatment to find out even more regarding different therapies and the latest approaches in evidence-based stimulant dependence treatment.

Find Adderall Addiction Treatment Now

Adderall addiction can bring many hardships and harmful experiences for you or a loved one. Here at Rehabs Of Armerica, we can help make finding treatment easy!

Whether finding a treatment center in your location or connecting you with recovery tools and resources, our hotline is available 24/7 to make sure you can get the help you need, anytime you need it.

It can be overwhelming to deal with Adderall addiction alongside the difficulties of life and trying to find treatment. Call us today and we can help find you the right treatment that suits your needs and gets your life back in your hands again!