Adderall is an extremely addictive prescription stimulant that is commonly abused. The stimulant has effects that are very similar to methamphetamines. Not everyone who abuses Adderall will automatically develop an addiction to the drug. However, after continuous use and larger doses, a person can become addicted to the stimulant, which can lead to Adderall withdrawal whenever the individual is not using the drug.
Adderall addiction can cause a number of negative effects on the body and the mind. One of the reasons that many people abuse Adderall is for the energetic feeling they get after taking it. Adderall is said to increase a person’s focus and create a rewarding effect on the mind and body.
Overtime, Adderall withdrawal, and abuse can begin to take a toll on a person. If you are worried that a loved one or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it may be time to get help. Free by the Sea is here to help get you back on track and move towards a brighter and cleaner future.
Adderall increases the dopamine and norepinephrine levels in a person’s central nervous system (CNS). Norepinephrine affects how the brain reacts to certain events, more specifically, how it pays attention and the speed of its reaction. On the other side, dopamine is essentially the rewarding ‘feel good’ chemical in the brain. While dopamine is completely natural in the body, Adderall and other stimulants produce abnormal amounts of dopamine in the brain.
Adderall is also used to treat cases of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) but it is commonly abused. Over time a person’s brain can become completely dependent on Adderall. Without it, they have trouble focusing and stimulating alertness in the brain. A person who’s struggling with Adderall addiction may feel tired or mentally foggy when not using the stimulant. This only increases the need to use Adderall.
A common misconception many people may believe is that Adderall is completely ‘safe’ because it’s prescribed by doctors. Many people fail to realize the negative effects it can have on the mind and body. Additionally, it can be very hard to stop taking Adderall once an addiction has formed.
Abuse happens when a person takes Adderall without a prescription or in a way that wasn’t intended or directed by a doctor. Adderall is often snorted or taken in large doses to enhance its effects. People abuse Adderall for the following reasons:
Students are some of the biggest demographic for Adderall abuse, especially in college. In many cases, students may use Adderall to help them focus more or study better. With the ever-increasing demand for work, students look at Adderall as a solution. However, abusing Adderall has been shown to worsen school performance, not enhance it.
In college, students may use Adderall recreationally. More dangerously, some may use it to party for longer periods of time. This typically includes mixing Adderall with other substances or alcohol, which is an extremely dangerous combination. Adderall use among students continues to be a big issue due to its availability (through family members or friends) and its reputation.
People who struggle with eating disorders may turn to Adderall because it decreases appetite. Several problems can come with using Adderall for this purpose. If an addiction emerges, both issues will be treated simultaneously during Adderall addiction treatment.
Athletes tend to use Adderall to enhance their overall performance and fight fatigue. They may use it during practice or in actual competitions. Sports like football, have had a history of Adderall abuse and other performance-enhancing incidents over the years.
It is important to be aware of the possible signs of an Adderall addiction. With almost all types of addiction, spotting it early can make a big difference in long-term recovery. There are few glaring signs of an Adderall addiction. Possible red flags include the following:
In many cases, a person may not intend to become addicted to Adderall. What starts as an easy way to gain focus and productivity for an important exam can quickly become an addiction. Regardless of why people use Adderall, it is important to be aware of the signs of addiction so you can get help before it’s too late.
As is common with most other drugs, Adderall causes a number of symptoms on the body. If a person continues to abuse Adderall for long periods of time, these symptoms can begin to worsen. Some of the common symptoms of Adderall abuse include:
One of the most dangerous effects of Adderall can be the potential for an overdose. The chances of an overdose skyrocket if Adderall is mixed with other drugs or alcohol. Knowing the signs of an overdose can be the difference between life or death. If you notice any of these signs in a friend or loved one, call 9-1-1 immediately:
Mixing Adderall with other drugs can be extremely dangerous and risky. Some people may try to mix Adderall with other drugs to enhance their effects. Some people try taking other drugs to go to sleep when Adderall prevents them from doing so. Never, under any circumstance, should you combine Adderall with other drugs (this can apply to all other drugs as well).
Combining Adderall and other drugs increase the chance of overdose and heart complications significantly. People tend to combine Adderall with drugs like alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine. In terms of alcohol, combining the two can increase the chance of alcohol poisoning. This occurs because Adderall tends to mask some of the effects of alcohol intake, which can result in large consumption.
The road to recovery may not be easy or painless but it is absolutely necessary. Continuing to abuse Adderall will only cause further harm or even worse consequences, like overdose or death. There are a number of treatment options that will get you on the road to recovery in no time. If you or a loved one is struggling with Adderall addiction, the time is now to get treatment.
Our team here at Free by the Sea is ready to help you get to a better life down the line. We offer personalized and comfortable treatment for you and your loved ones. Let’s take a look at the different Adderall addiction treatment options and see which one works best for you.
Inpatient is recommended for those struggling with moderate to severe cases of Adderall addiction. It is also the preferred treatment option for those struggling with multiple addictions. Inpatient rehab (or residential treatment) allows the person to stay at a facility for 30 to 90 days.
This type of treatment offers a safe and organized environment that allows you to focus on your addiction recovery. With a set routine, you will meet with qualified Free by the Sea therapists and professionals, ready to help you at a moment’s notice. You will be able to bond with others and live your life in a safe and supportive environment. In this particular program, the treatment will focus on recovery.
Detoxification (detox for short) is used for almost every single case of addiction. It is the first step towards full, comprehensive recovery. The detox process gets rid of a certain substance in a person’s body. This diminishes some of the withdrawal symptoms and helps ready the person for recovery. While it isn’t a total ‘cure’ for Adderall addiction, it is an essential part of the recovery process.
In cases of addiction, the mind is affected just as much as the body. In cases of Adderall, certain mental health disorders like depression and anxiety can be triggered. Free by the Sea offers a variety of effective therapy options to help you change your habits and feel better. Some of the more widely used therapy options for Adderall addiction treatment include:
Each of these therapy options lets a person open up in an individual or group setting. Changing your thought processes and encouraging positive change can be very beneficial for recovery. Let Free by the Sea help you live a better life, mentally and physically.
If you or a loved one is struggling with Adderall or drug addiction, Free by the Sea may be able to help. Let us guide you towards a healthier, happier life with our Adderall addiction treatment program. Contact us today to learn more about our treatment options and resources.
Dr. Richard Crabbe joined our team in 2019 as our psychiatrist and medical director. He attended the University of Ghana Medical School where he became a Medical Doctor in 1977. From 1978 through 1984, he was a medical officer in the Ghana Navy and provided a variety of services from general medicine to surgeries. He received his Certificate in General Psychology from the American Board of Psychology and Neurology in 2002.