Can Adderall Get You High?

Adderall is a prescription medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. This dopamine-enhancing stimulant drug can be abused, however, resulting in a euphoric or slightly buzzing sensation known as a high.

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Dr. Manish Mishra, MBBS

Medically Reviewed By: Manish Mishra, MBBS

on November 9, 2022

When taken in large doses, Adderall can cause a feeling of euphoria and increased energy levels — similar to highs experienced with other forms of drug abuse.

It can also lead to increased alertness, improved focus and concentration, and decreased appetite.

Adderall, the brand-name drug for amphetamine, is a medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that belongs to the parent dextroamphetamine drug class.

It is a central nervous system stimulant that works by increasing levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine and comes in extended-release (ER) and instant release (IR) form.

While Adderall is not typically considered a recreational drug, some people do abuse it for its stimulant effects. As such, it is deemed a Schedule II Controlled Substance.

Adderall abuse can result in serious side effects, including anxiety, panic attacks, paranoia, and even psychosis.

Effects Of Adderall That Make You Feel High

Adderall can make you feel high when you abuse it, because it is a prescription stimulant that increases levels of dopamine in the central nervous system (CNS).

In addition to dopamine, the neurotransmitter norepinephrine is also targeted by Adderall, resulting in feelings of euphoria.

Some prescription drugs, such as stimulant ADHD medications, speed up your heart rate and make you feel more awake and alert.

Amphetamines can make you feel more confident and increase your energy levels. Some people abuse Adderall by taking it without a prescription or taking it in higher doses than prescribed.

Other Side Effects Of Prolonged Adderall Abuse

Prolonged abuse of Adderall can lead to anxiety, insomnia, and even psychosis.

It can also cause cardiovascular problems, such as high blood pressure and irregular heart rhythms. In addition, Adderall abuse can lead to weight loss, malnutrition, and dehydration.

Adderall withdrawal can result from amphetamine drug abuse, resulting in chest pain, insomnia, restlessness, and mood swings.

Will Getting High On Adderall Lead To Withdrawal Symptoms?

Adderall addiction often starts with a legitimate prescription for the drug. People who take Adderall as prescribed may begin to feel that they need the drug to function normally.

They may start to take larger doses of the drug or take it more often than prescribed, which can result in physical dependence on the drug.

Once someone is addicted to Adderall, they may start to experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit taking the drug.

Adderall withdrawal symptoms can include fatigue, depression, anxiety, and irritability. In some cases, people may also experience hallucinations and delusions.

Can You Overdose From An Adderall High?

Yes, you can overdose from taking too much Adderall, resulting in various adverse effects on both physical and mental health, ranging from heart problems to depression and bipolar disorder (BPD).

An Adderall overdose is defined as taking one or more high doses of the drug at any given time. This can lead to serious health problems, including sudden death.

Symptoms of an overdose include confusion, hallucinations, seizure, trouble breathing, and irregular heartbeat.

Treatment Options For Adderall Addiction

There are a number of addiction treatment programs and services available to treat the cravings, psychological, and physical side effects that stem from the use of Adderall.

Rehabilitation programs and services for Adderall drug use include:

  • short-term and long-term residential treatment
  • cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • counseling and therapy programs
  • detox
  • programs for young adults
  • inpatient and outpatient programs

Find Substance Abuse Treatment At Bedrock Recovery Center

If you or a loved one is seeking addiction treatment for Adderall abuse, give our Bedrock Recovery Center helpline a call today.

Our rehabilitation center offers multiple treatment options for prescription drug addiction, including medical detox, inpatient drug rehab, and more.

Let us help you begin your recovery.

  1. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/adderall-and-adderall-xr-amphetamines-information
  2. National Library of Medicine (NLM) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2670101/
  3. National Library of Medicine (NLM) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2670101/

Written by Bedrock Recovery Center Editorial Team

© 2024 Bedrock Recovery Center | All Rights Reserved

* This page does not provide medical advice.

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