Adderall is a prescription drug mainly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and sometimes narcolepsy.
Adderall is also often misused by people wanting to increase focus, such as when studying, or for its side effects, such as weight loss. Misusing Adderall for any reason is abuse, and this is never recommended. Abusing Adderall always poses a risk to your health and wellbeing.
You should not take Adderall unless it has been legitimately prescribed to you, even if you suspect you may need it. Adderall may not be the proper medication for you for many reasons. It is essential to consult a licensed medical professional who will assess your current health profile and medical history.
Taking Adderall intended for someone else is always considered drug abuse, no matter the dosage. People who take Adderall recreationally often snort it as this provides rapid onset effects. Snorting Adderall can have devastating consequences on your health and could cause addiction or even an overdose which can be fatal.
If you have abused Adderall, you must seek professional medical advice. It is never too late to ask for help and get back on track. In the case of Adderall addiction, help is available at American addiction centers. You deserve a life free from Adderall abuse.
What Is Adderall?
Adderall is a stimulant drug in the amphetamine family taken in pill or capsule form. It is usually prescribed for attention deficit disorder (ADD) and sometimes narcolepsy. You cannot purchase Adderall without a prescription. This is because Adderall is a schedule ii controlled substance due to its potential for abuse and addiction.
Adderall is designed to increase focus and alertness in people with attention deficit disorder (ADD). Stimulants, or “upper,” speed up messages sent to our central nervous system, increasing heart rate and blood pressure, among other things.
Common side effects of Adderall include:
- Headaches
- Fast heartbeat
- Raised blood pressure
- Anxiety and irritability
- Mood swings
- Loss of appetite
- Trouble sleeping
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Stomach upset and diarrhea
Rare and severe side effects include:
- Heart problems
- Blurred vision
- Hallucinations
- Psychosis
- Seizures
People abuse Adderall for side effects such as weight loss and the belief they improve focus. Adderall can also create a euphoric high, creating havoc with the brain’s reward system. Our brains crave these happy hormones, which is how addiction occurs.
What Is Adderall Abuse?
You should only take Adderall if you have a legitimate prescription, and you must only take the stated dosage. Taking Adderall in any other way is considered abuse, even if you don’t feel like you are doing any harm.
Adderall abuse can look like this:
- Taking Adderall not prescribed to you
- Taking Adderall prescribed to you but at a higher dose than stated or for longer than recommended
- Taking Adderall, not for its intended purposes, such as to focus or lose weight
- Taking Adderall for a euphoric high
- Snorting Adderall for more immediate effects
When misused, prescription drugs can be as harmful as street drugs and should not be underestimated.
Is Adderall a Study Drug?
There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding Adderall, and it is taken recreationally for a variety of reasons. Many people, particularly young adults and students take Adderall because they believe it improves focus and performance. This has led it to be dubbed the “study drug.” Other so-called study drugs include Ritalin and Concerta.
But Adderall is not a performance-enhancing drug. Adderall improved focus in people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) because people with this condition have dopamine and norepinephrine deficits. Adderall helps restore this balance but does nothing for people who already have enough of these brain chemicals.
Some people also consider Adderall a “crash diet drug” because weight loss is one of its possible side effects. Adderall is also sometimes taken as a “party drug” because it can bring on energy and a state of euphoria.
If you are concerned about “study drugs” or feel pressured into taking them, you must talk to someone.
What Are The Dangers of Snorting Adderall?
Snorting Adderall is extremely dangerous. Many users crush and snort Adderall tablets as opposed to via oral administration. This is because it is the fastest way to reach the blood-brain barrier, and snorting brings effects in just a few minutes. However, this comes with adverse effects and short- and long-term health risks.
Some side effects of snorting Adderall are:
- Nasal septum damage
- Reoccurring nose bleeds
- Impaired sense of smell
- Sinus infections
- Increased risk of physical dependence
- Increased risk of overdose
It can be hard to read, but Adderall abuse can cause death in extreme cases.
Snorting Adderall XR particularly increases the risk of overdose. This is because it is intended to work on a slow-release basis, but through snorting, it enters a person’s bloodstream all at once.
It is never too early or late to get help for Adderall abuse. Turn your life around and get on the road to recovery today.
What Are Signs of an Adderall Overdose?
Adderall overdose is a severe emergency that requires medical attention. It is crucial to know the signs of overdose to get help immediately, whether for you or someone else.
Signs of an Adderall overdose include:
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Severe confusion
- Hallucinations
- Tremors
- Rapid breathing
- Seizures
- Falling unconscious
If someone who has recently taken Adderall is exhibiting one or more signs, they may be experiencing an Adderall overdose. Call 911 if you suspect you or someone else is suffering from an overdose.
It makes for challenging reading, but the fact is, you can die from an Adderall overdose. Adderall abuse can also cause heart attacks and strokes. You may have a potential addiction if you cannot stop taking Adderall despite adverse side effects. The only way to overcome this is through addiction treatment.
How Do I Know If I Have an Adderall Addiction?
Not everyone who misuses Adderall will develop an addiction, but the risk is always there whether you take Adderall legitimately or otherwise.
An Adderall addiction is a type of substance use disorder (SUD). This is nothing to be ashamed of; it is simply an illness that needs professional treatment.
Only a clinical professional can diagnose a substance use disorder, but knowing the signs of addiction could differentiate between seeking help and staying in denial.
Signs of Adderall addiction include:
- Mood swings
- Exacerbated existing mental health issues such as depression or anxiety
- Sleep problems and fatigue
- Poor performance at school or work
- Withdrawing from responsibilities
- Isolating from friends and family
- Defensiveness and denial of addiction
- Poor hygiene and lack of self-care
- Loss of interest in things that were once important
- Risky behavior, i.e., driving under the influence
- Secretive behavior, i.e., lying to hide drug use
- Continuing drug use despite adverse effects and consequences to daily living
- Being unable to stop taking drugs even if you want to
It can be hard to recognize addiction or even accept a diagnosis of addiction. It is essential not to be hard on yourself. Addiction can happen to anyone at any time, and all that matters is you seek the help you need.
The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. The second step is seeking help.
What Do Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms Look Like?
Substance abuse treatment starts with detoxification. The US has thousands of treatment centers, ensuring you will find the right one for you. Talk to your insurance provider about treatment options.
Detox rids the body of all substance traces, removing the physical addiction. It is always recommended that you detox under professional supervision, such as at a specialized rehab center. The withdrawal process can bring on unpleasant and sometimes dangerous side effects. With the proper care, you will be made safe and comfortable for the duration of your detox.
Some Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms include:
- Mental health issues such as depression
- Insomnia and other sleeping issues
- Fatigue
- Stomach pains
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cravings
When detoxing at a treatment center, you may be able to get help for some of these symptoms, such as medication if you have trouble sleeping. Detox lengths vary depending on the extent of your drug use and if you have any other co-existing addictions or issues. However, most detoxes last around one week.
Get Help For Your Adderall Addiction Today
After you are no longer physically dependent on Adderall, you must work on treating any psychological dependence. Many people with substance abuse issues also have co-occurring mental health issues. Therapy will help you to gain the coping mechanisms required to avoid relapse.
This stage of addiction treatment takes much longer than detoxing, but it is essential for long-term recovery. You are worth the hard work, and your future begins today.
