Adderall Addiction
Adderall is a drug that often leads to addiction. It is a prescription amphetamine, and a lot of people use it because they want to reach the high sensation it can offer. Even though it is offered as a prescription, its high addiction potential can quickly make recreational use turn into a bad addiction.
Sadly, anyone can develop an Adderall addiction, whether they are teenagers, young adults, or elders. While it can offer some pleasant feelings that addicts seek, Adderall also has some uncomfortable symptoms and some side effects that make the experience less pleasant.
Despite these side effects, people who developed an addiction cannot give up on the drug, finding it hard to stop by themselves or being unable to do so because of the withdrawal symptoms.
When someone abuses Adderall and develops an addiction, they must get help as soon as possible before things get worse.
What is Adderall?
Adderall is a drug that has a combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. The two substances are stimulants for the central nervous system, and they affect nerves and chemicals in the brain that affect impulse control and hyperactivity.
Usually, Adderall is prescribed in the treatment of narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The drug can increase someone’s ability to pay attention but can also help them control behavioral issues and stay focused on various activities. People who have issues with their listening skills and task organization will also find this drug useful.
How much Adderall one needs will depend on the medical condition they are dealing with and how they respond to treatment. While trying to find the right dose, the doctor may have to adjust it.
Even though Adderall is allowed for medical purposes, many people end up abusing the drug and developing an addiction.
How Adderall Addictions Develop
Adderall is very accessible and potent – therefore, it is very likely for people who use it to start abusing it and become addicted. Not every person who uses Adderall will end up being addicted, but the likelihood is always there. Those who use the drug in unprescribed doses or those who take it regularly are especially at risk of becoming addicted.
As someone keeps using Adderall, their brain becomes used to its effects over time, so the chemistry of the brain changes. As a result, tolerance is slowly built, and the brain and body will expect the drug all the time. When there is already some Adderall tolerance, the user will start taking higher amounts in order to reach the desired high.
Therefore, an abuse cycle will settle, and the person will become addicted in no time. Adderall addiction can be very dangerous as it can lead to some unpleasant side effects.
Signs of Adderall Addiction
Since Adderall affects dopamine and other brain neurotransmitters, people will end up getting some pleasant effects from it during consumption. Individuals who start using Adderall in an abusive way will show signs such as:
- Being very talkative
- They’re willing to work
- They are very social
- Wellness illusion
- Being very hyperactive or excited
- Thinking about things more than they usually do
- Getting life meaning insights
- Being anxious, nervous, worried, or impatient
But these represent only the tip of the iceberg. As someone becomes addicted to Adderall, they will deal with some unpleasant symptoms, such as:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Nervousness
- Dry mouth
- Seizures or shaking that cannot be controlled
- Restlessness or insomnia
- Weight loss/appetite loss
- Stomach pain
Adderall Side Effects
Using Adderall can lead to some bad side effects, especially if someone has been addicted to the drug for a very long time. Apart from bad sleep, headaches, seizures, weight loss, stomach pain, and other symptoms, one may also experience increased depression and anxiety, as well as stimulant-induced psychosis.
Furthermore, they may end up trying out other drugs alongside it because they do not think the Adderall “high” is enough for them. When they do not use the medication, they become depressed as the brain is already used to the substance.
Some individuals may also end up dealing with more severe side effects, including:
- Seizures
- Arm or leg numbness
- Dizziness or vision changes
- Chest pain
- Muscular or verbal tics
- Slow speech
- Fever or exhaustion
- Itchiness
- Rashes
- Hard time breathing or swallowing
- Shortness of breath
- Peeling or blistering skin
- Tongue, eyes, face or throat swelling
- Higher heart rate
Withdrawal Symptoms
After developing an addiction to Adderall, one will find it almost impossible to give up on it, and that is because they will experience withdrawal symptoms. A person cannot usually give up on Adderall alone due to withdrawal, and they will have to go through medical detox.
Usually, withdrawal lasts for a few days or months, depending on the person. It is very likely for some people to relapse during this time. Here are some withdrawal symptoms that may appear:
- Dry mouth
- Mood swings
- Tremors
- Having a hard time focusing
- Low energy
- Body pain
- Short-term memory loss
- Crying uncontrollably
- Severe anxiety or panic attacks
- Bad cravings
- Depression
Reaching an Adderall Overdose
Adderall overdoses are not that common, but they are possible. Even if they are rare, that does not mean one should keep abusing the drug and take high doses.
When someone overdoses on Adderall, the symptoms will include:
- Headaches
- Tremors
- Rapid breathing
- Vomiting
- Hallucinations
- Fever that is 106.7 F or higher
- Heart attack
- Death
Treating Adderall Addictions
Adderall addiction affects people both physically and psychologically, and for this reason, they must go through treatment. First of all, the addict must undergo medical detox.
Then, to make sure a relapse is not going to happen, the person will have to go through behavioral therapy to find healthier coping mechanisms and learn to avoid triggers.
How Real Deal Can Help
Real Deal can take care of both detox and therapy for you, making sure you successfully give up on Adderall and improve your life. Our program offers a professional facility with trained specialists who know how to help people who deal with addiction or are going through withdrawal.
We’ll make sure to find the best treatment. After the drug is out of your system, we offer the best therapy to ensure your sobriety is maintained.
Make sure to reach out for help if you are struggling with an Adderall addiction and cannot stop using the drug. The sooner you reach out, the sooner you will be able to improve your life.