Adderall Addiction Signs, Recognizing the Symptoms of Abuse

Adderall Addiction Signs

Signs of Adderall addiction can be serious and detrimental to one’s health. Some signs of Adderall addiction include:

• Doses increased as tolerance developed.
• Possessing an obsession with and a ravenous appetite for the drug.
• Adderall abuse as a means of improving performance.
• Addiction and recurrent, uncontrollable hunger.
• Neglecting responsibilities and endangering relationships.
• Effects of stopping use or withdrawal symptoms.
• Using drugs despite knowing they’ll hurt you.
• The fruitless effort to stop.
• Changes in temperament, including elevated levels of anxiety and irritability.

What is Adderall Abuse?

Adderall is a medication available only with a doctor’s prescription that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as narcolepsy. The stimulant effects of it, which can increase focus, energy, and productivity, are a common factor in Adderall abuse.

Adderall can cause addiction and dependence on the user if it is taken without a doctor’s prescription or in a manner not recommended by medical professionals. Abusing Adderall can involve taking higher doses than prescribed, taking the drug more frequently than prescribed, crushing the pills and snorting them, or injecting it. Other methods of abuse include snorting the drug or injecting it.

Abuse of Adderall can lead to many serious health problems, including elevated heart rate and blood pressure, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, aggression, and even psychotic episodes. Additionally, it can result in addiction, which, if not treated by a professional, can be extremely challenging.

Psychological Effects of Adderall Addiction

A person’s mental health may suffer significantly if addicted to the stimulant Adderall. The following is a list of some of the psychological effects of Adderall addiction:

• Anxiety Disorders and Attacks of Panic.
• Depression, as well as Thoughts of Self-Mutilation.
• Irritability and Aggression are Common.
• Hallucinations and paranoia both set in.
• Lack of good judgment and a tendency to act rashly.
• Problems with Memory and Cognitive Functioning are Present.
• OCD, or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
• Alterations in One’s Personality and Mood Swings
• Sleep Disorders.
• Psychosis and the Thinking That Accompanies It.

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Learn More:

• Which Drugs Are Uppers And Downers?
• The Connection Between Dopamine High & Stimulant Addiction
• Stimulant Addiction Treatment

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Adderall Abuse Statistics

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), in 2020, approximately 4.8 million people aged 12 or older reported misusing prescription stimulants, including Adderall, in the past year. This represents 1.8% of the population aged 12 or older. However, it is important to note that not all prescription stimulant misuse involves abuse, and not all misuse involves Adderall.

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1.2 million

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that in 2019, approximately 1.2 million people aged 12 or older reported misusing Adderall in the past year, which represents 0.4% of the population aged 12 or older.

Source: SAMHSA

6.8%

Approximately 6.8% of college students and 4.7% of high school seniors reported using Adderall without a prescription in 2019.

Source: SAMHSA

59 million

59 million, or 21.4% of people 12 and over, have used illegal or misused prescription drugs within the last year.

Source: NIDA

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Adderall Drug Facts

 

Adderall

Adderall contains a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine.

Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine is used to treat ADHD; narcolepsy and belongs to the drug class CNS stimulants. Risk cannot be ruled out during pregnancy.

Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine 20 mg is classified as a Schedule 2 controlled substance under the Controlled Substance Act (CSA).

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Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine

Availability: Prescription only

Drug Class: CNS Stimulants

Pregnancy Category: C – risk cannot be ruled out

CSA Schedule2 – High potential for abuse

 

What are Amphetamines?

Amphetamines are stimulants that speed up the
body’s system. Some are legally prescribed and used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

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What is their effect on the mind?

The effects of amphetamines are similar to cocaine, but their onset is slower, and their duration is longer.

In contrast to cocaine, which is quickly removed
from the brain and is almost completely metabolized, methamphetamine remains in the central nervous system longer. A larger percentage of the drug remains unchanged, producing prolonged stimulant effects.

Chronic abuse produces a psychosis that
resembles schizophrenia and is characterized by
paranoia, picking at the skin, preoccupation with one’s own thoughts, and auditory and visual hallucinations. Violent and erratic behavior is frequently seen among chronic users of amphetamines.

Most Popular Adderall Abuse FAQs

1. Why do people abuse adderall?

   Some things can cause Adderall abuse. Some people use it to help them do better in school or at work, while others do it for fun to get a feeling of euphoria or more energy. Some people also take Adderall to help them lose weight or stay awake for a long time.

2. How to get prescribed Adderall?

   People can get a prescription for Adderall from a doctor, a psychiatrist, or a qualified nurse practitioner. Before deciding whether or not to prescribe Adderall, these doctors usually do an evaluation. This may include a physical exam, a psychological evaluation, and a look at the patient’s medical history.

How do People Abuse Adderall?

Taking it more frequently than prescribed, taking it differently than prescribed, or taking it at a higher dose. Adderall abuse can take many forms, including the following:

• Crushing and snorting the pills.
• Putting the pills through an injection after dissolving them.
• Ingesting a greater quantity of the tablets orally compared to what was recommended..
• Utilizing the prescription medicine of another individual.

Abusing Adderall in these ways can raise one’s risk of experiencing adverse effects and developing an addiction to the drug. It is also possible for it to cause issues with one’s physical and mental health, including issues with the heart, high blood pressure, seizures, anxiety, and even paranoia.

 

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Physical Signs of Adderall Abuse Addiction

Adderall abuse symptoms can present themselves with some physical signs and symptoms, including the following:

• Addiction to the appetite suppressant Adderall can cause noticeable changes in eating habits and body weight.
• Consistent inability to sleep or other sleep disturbances may indicate Adderall addiction because it is a known drug side effect.
• Changes in Behavior and Interactions with Others: Adderall use has been linked to mood swings and agitation.
• Those addicted to Adderall may start shirking their duties at home, in the classroom, and in the workplace.
• Addiction to the stimulant Adderall can strain one’s finances due to the high cost of maintaining the habit.
• High blood pressure, heart problems, and gastrointestinal issues are just some of the physical health problems resulting from long-term Adderall abuse.
• Appearance Alterations Adderall abuse has been linked to a decline in personal hygiene and grooming practices.
• Addiction to Adderall has been linked to social withdrawal, in which sufferers avoid contact with others.
• Addiction may be present if one continues to use Adderall despite knowing that doing so will have negative consequences.

What are the Long Term Effects of Adderall Abuse?

Long-term symptoms of Adderall abuse can have severe physical and mental effects on a person. These effects can include:

• Cardiovascular problems include high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and irregular heartbeat.
• Gastrointestinal issues like constipation, stomach cramps, and nausea.
• Neurological damage such as seizures, tremors, and muscle twitches.
• Mental health problems like anxiety, depression, and paranoia.
• Insomnia and sleep disorders.
• Malnutrition and unhealthy weight loss.
• Decreased immune system function and frequent illnesses.
• Sexual dysfunction and reproductive issues.
• Cognitive impairments such as memory problems and difficulty concentrating.

These long-term effects may not be reversible and may have a significant negative impact on the quality of life of an individual. Using professional assistance and treatment is necessary to combat the abuse of Adderall and lessen the severity of its long-term effects.

Side effects of Adderall abuse and alcohol together can be extremely hazardous to one’s health. Both substances can significantly affect the body and mind, and their interaction can lead to serious health risks. Both substances can have significant effects on the body and mind.

People might take Adderall to keep themselves awake and alert while they are drinking alcohol, but doing so puts them at an increased risk of alcohol poisoning in addition to other negative effects. In addition, Adderall has the potential to mask the effects of alcohol, making it more difficult to gauge when it is safe to stop consuming alcoholic beverages. In some people’s cases, this can lead to binge drinking and alcohol dependence.

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance abuse, it is important to recognize the risks of combining Adderall and alcohol and seek help if you have these problems.

Adderall Abuse Signs Treatment

First, if you think a loved one is abusing Aderall, research the substances and their associated addiction to understand better what your loved one needs. Next, you must plan an intervention to provide your loved ones with options to battle the effects of Adderall addiction in a safe and supportive environment. During this intervention, offer compassion and support instead of judgment. Lastly, show your support throughout the entire treatment process.

In addition, prolonged drug use can have severe physical and psychological effects on you, so seeking treatment as soon as possible is essential. Inpatient drug rehab offers intensive care that can help you promptly get through the early stages of Adderall abuse long term effects withdrawal. 

Adderall Abuse Effects Detox

Medical detox is often considered the first stage of treatment. It will help you navigate the complicated Adderall detox withdrawal but doesn’t address patterns of thought and behavior contributing to drug use. Various treatment approaches and settings can help provide the ongoing support necessary to maintain long-term sobriety after you complete the Adderall abuse detox.

Cravings are very common during drug detox and can be challenging to overcome. This often leads to relapse. Constant medical care provided during inpatient treatment helps prevent relapse. Clinicians can give medication and medical expertise to lessen cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Inpatient Adderall Abuse Rehab

There isn’t one treatment approach or style that will suit everyone. Treatment should speak to the needs of the individual. Inpatient rehab and addiction treatment aren’t just about drug use. the goal is to help the patient stop using Adderall and other substances, but drug rehab should also focus on the whole person’s needs.

Addiction is a complex but treatable disease that affects brain function and behavior. When someone or their family is considering different treatment facilities, they should account for the complexity of addiction and the needs of the individual. The objective of attending an inpatient rehab center for addiction treatment is to stop using the drug and re-learn how to live a productive life without it.

Following a full medical detox, most people benefit from inpatient rehab. Inpatient drug rehab can last anywhere from 28 days to several months. Patients stay overnight in the rehab facility and participate in intensive treatment programs and therapy. Once someone completes rehab, their addiction treatment team will create an aftercare plan, which may include continuing therapy and participation in a 12-step program like Narcotics Anonymous.

Several different modalities of psychotherapy have been used in the treatment of mental health disorders along with addiction, including:

Psychotherapy for Adderall Abuse Addiction

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – is an effective treatment that involves changing both the patterns of negative thoughts and the behavioral routines which are affecting the daily life of the depressed person for various forms of depression.
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) – is a comprehensive mental health and substance abuse treatment program whose ultimate goal is to aid patients in their efforts to build a life worth living. The main goal of DBT is to help a person develop what is referred to as a “clear mind.” 

Medication-Assisted Treatments for Adderall Abuse Addiction

Medication-Assisted Treatments (MAT) for substance use and mental health disorders are commonly used in conjunction. This includes the use of medications and other medical procedures. During your rehab, the staff from your treatment facility will help you identify what caused your addiction and teach you skills that will help you change your behavior patterns and challenge the negative thoughts that led to your addiction. Sometimes, the pressures and problems in your life make you rely on substances to help you forget about them momentarily. The effects on the nervous system can be treated simultaneously with the help of therapies.

If you or a loved one is struggling with Adderall Abuse and adderall addiction or a high-functioning aderall addict, call today to speak with one of our treatment specialists. Your call is private and confidential, and there is never any obligation. The We Level Up Lake Worth treatment center network offers nationwide facilities. Connect with one of our rehab specialists.

Prescription Drug Abuse & Prescription Medication Addiction Recovery & Sobriety Story

“I wanted my life back. I was a shell of a person. I wanted to be trusted; I wanted relationships back that I lost, mainly my children and family. It started innocent enough, I got into a car accident, and then I got kind of sucked into the whole, you know, medication issue with the pills. And before I knew it, I was in a cloud. I was sucked in by addiction and with my mind,

I kept thinking it was OK because a doctor was prescribing this for me, a doctor was giving me this, a doctor was giving me that. So, I didn’t think I was doing anything wrong. Level Up supports my family and my relationships with my family, and they’ve helped me grow as a person. When I first started there, I was so intimidated and kind of scared, you know? But, they’ve taught me, they’ve kind of taught me how to come into my own. And then, you know, when I get the call from my twenty-one-year-old daughter in the middle of the day, just to say ‘I love you, Mom.’, that’s amazing.”

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