5 Signs Of Adderall Addiction

Adderall, also known as amphetamine, is a psychoactive controlled substance that is prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Misuse of Adderall can lead to a number of negative and potentially fatal mental and physical health conditions.

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Dr. Manish Mishra, MBBS

Medically Reviewed By: Manish Mishra, MBBS

on November 9, 2022

Adderall is a brand name for the amphetamine-based drug called dextroamphetamine.

It is a central nervous system stimulant used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Like other amphetamines, abuse of Adderall can lead to addiction.

Amphetamines are a type of psychoactive drug that have a wide range of potential side effects.

Short-term side effects of amphetamines can include increased alertness, improved mood, and increased energy levels.

However, long-term abuse of amphetamines can lead to serious health problems, including addiction.

List Of Signs And Symptoms Of An Adderall Addiction

If you suspect someone you love is abusing Adderall, here are a few signs to watch out for.

Taking Higher Doses Of Adderall To Get High

According to a National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the number of young adults ages 18 to 25 who used Adderall non-medically increased from 6.4% in 2006 to 8.1% in 2011.

Since Adderall is a stimulant, it has garnered the reputation of providing a euphoric buzz when taken outside of a prescription scenario, or when higher-than-prescribed doses are taken.

This is one of the telltale signs of Adderall abuse, as it can result in prescriptions that are designed for a 30-day period diminishing prior to the expected refill date.

Ignoring Responsibilities

The use of Adderall as a study drug has become increasingly popular in recent years, but abuse of the drug can lead to serious consequences.

For instance, college students who abuse Adderall may start to neglect their other responsibilities, such as homework and studying for exams.

They may also start to experience problems with friends and family as a result of prioritizing misuse of Adderall over social, interfamily, academic, and work-related responsibilities.

Developing An Adderall Tolerance

The abuse of Adderall, a prescription stimulant, is a serious problem that can have a number of negative consequences.

One of the most common signs of Adderall abuse is developing a tolerance to the drug, which can simultaneously result in an increase in cravings when the drug is not present.

This means that the person needs to take increasingly larger doses of Adderall to get the same desired effect.

Tolerance to Adderall can lead to a number of other problems, including addiction.

An Adderall Dependency

Adderall is a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States because it has a high potential for abuse and dependence.

When taken as prescribed, Adderall can be an effective medication for ADHD. However, some people misuse or abuse Adderall, which can lead to dependency.

Dependency on Adderall can develop quickly, as the body builds up a tolerance to the drug. Adderall dependency can cause physical and psychological problems and be difficult to break.

Experiencing Withdrawal Symptoms

When someone abuses Adderall, they may take more of the medication than is prescribed or they may take it more often than prescribed.

This can lead to Adderall addiction, and when someone with an addiction stops taking the medication, they may experience Adderall withdrawal symptoms.

Some of the withdrawal symptoms associated with Adderall abuse include fatigue, depression, and anxiety.

What Are The Side Effects Of Adderall Abuse?

Adderall is only available through a legitimate prescription, as it is a controlled substance, and can be used to treat both ADHD and narcolepsy.

When this drug is taken unnecessarily, it is often taken at more frequent increments and higher doses than are prescribed to those who need it, which can result in numerous health side effects.

A substance use disorder (SUD) involving Adderall can result in Adderall withdrawal symptoms, which can be both unpleasant and potentially dangerous.

Adderall abuse can lead to a number of side effects, including:

  • anxiety
  • insomnia
  • nervousness
  • irritability
  • dizziness
  • headache
  • dry mouth
  • constipation
  • high blood pressure
  • weight loss
  • vomiting and nausea
  • psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions

Symptoms Of Adderall Overdose

An Adderall overdose is a serious medical emergency that can occur when someone takes too much of the drug.

If you think that someone is experiencing an overdose, it is crucial to seek help immediately—since, depending on the circumstance, an overdose could be fatal.

Warning signs of an Adderall overdose can include:

  • increased heart rate
  • chest pain
  • sweating
  • seizures
  • psychosis
  • heart attack
  • difficulty breathing

It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of an Adderall overdose so you can get medical help if necessary.

Addiction Treatment Services For Adderall Abuse

Fortunately, there are many addiction treatment services available for those battling Adderall abuse.

These services can help individuals detox from the drug, as well as provide counseling and support to help them recover.

Detoxification is the first step in addiction treatment, and it can be done either in an inpatient or outpatient setting.

Once detox is complete, clients can begin counseling and therapy to address the underlying causes of their Adderall abuse.

This can be done in an individual or group setting and may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), 12-step programs, and other evidence-based approaches.

Other treatment options for Adderall addiction may include:

  • residential rehabilitation
  • dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
  • supportive recovery housing
  • partial hospitalization (PHP) programs

Find Drug And Alcohol Treatment Services At Bedrock Recovery Center

If you or a loved one is in search of Adderall addiction treatment at an accredited rehab center, look no further than Bedrock Recovery Center’s treatment programs.

We offer medical detox, intensive residential programs, medication-assisted treatment, and much more to help you reach long-term recovery. Call our helpline today.

  1. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/prescription-stimulants
  2. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/treatment-recovery
  3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

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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