Signs and Symptoms of Adderall Addiction

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Adderall Addiction

First and foremost, it is imperative to be aware of the signs and symptoms of Adderall addiction. Because it is a common medication in many households, it often comes as a shock to some that people will abuse Adderall that the drug can cause such harm. In its legal form, Adderall is a pharmaceutical drug that physicians prescribe for certain medical conditions, whether it be for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy.

Unfortunately, many people today, whether with or without a prescription for the medication, abuse Adderall because it contains the drug amphetamine, a potent stimulant. With many obtaining it illegally to stay awake for studying or partying, the misuse of Adderall continues to rise. And according to drugabuse.gov’s Prescription Stimulant DrugFacts, abusing Adderall can be as simple as taking more than prescribed or simply taking it for the high, not just the illegal use of it.

What makes this well-known prescription drug so potentially dangerous? Adderall is classified as a schedule 2 substance, meaning the drug has limited medical use and a high potential for abuse and dependency on the drug itself. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in its 2015 World Drug Report estimated that amphetamines such as Adderall are found to be the second-most abused substance in the world.

Because it is a legal drug, there is often difficulty in differentiating between Adderall addiction and abuse. In previous years, there was a clinical differentiation between physical dependence and mental addiction. Within the last few years, however, medical institutions everywhere are adopting and combining these concepts under substance use disorders.

Adderall Abuse

According to drugabuse.gov’s Prescription Drug Abuse research report, abuse of prescription drugs such as Adderall continues to increase rapidly. We subdivide the group of individuals who abuse Adderall into at least two groups. Some obtained this drug because of having a medical condition, meaning that they obtained it through a licensed physician.

This group, although still at risk, most likely will not develop a substance abuse disorder. This is if they follow the prescription directions that their doctor orders. Some do not have a medical need for Adderall and, through different means, obtain pills and abuse them to get high. In this case, the user will often crush and snort the Adderall to exacerbate the high, deliver the stimulant faster to the brain, and get a euphoric rush.

Over time, Adderall addiction will cause you to build up a great tolerance to the drug while using it. To retain this high that the abuser is chasing, after a while, you would have to consume more of this drug to continue feeling the desired effects. Withdrawal symptoms can emerge as soon as the abuse of Adderall stops. The drug Adderall’s continuous abuse remains for some even though it is causing them physical and psychological torment.

Effects of Adderall Abuse

Due to the potentially addictive nature of this drug, you can rapidly move from a seemingly innocent abuse of the drug to a full-blown addiction. Adolescents and younger adults are vastly more likely to abuse, although anyone can develop an Adderall addiction problem throughout their lifetime. This is where paying attention to potential signs and symptoms of Adderall addiction can benefit you and your loved ones struggling with Adderall abuse,

The most common sign of an Adderall addiction is the feeling of “giving away” your responsibilities that relate to the foundations of your moral compass, such as family, work, or school, to abuse Adderall.

Other signs of Adderall abuse involve physical, psychological, and behavioral issues that can include:

• Appearing to be overstimulated
• Extremely rapid thoughts
• Feelings of grandeur
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Anxiety
• Constant fear of running out of Adderall
• Spending a vast amount of time searching for the drug, after its effects have worn off

As with other prescription drugs, it is important to understand the signs and effects of Adderall’s abuse even if you are using it with a prescription.

Adderall Abuse and Mental Illness

Adderall abuse and addiction are not only linked to damaging physical side effects. Many studies have found that the abuse of Adderall very frequently goes hand-in-hand with mental illness. Because Adderall can change your brain’s neurocircuitry, the overuse or misuse of it can cause you to develop mental illnesses such as depression or psychosis, a mental condition that causes you to lose touch with reality.

Developing psychosis from Adderall use is even more likely if you have an existing mental illness. If misused or overused for an extended period of time, you may also experience suicidal thoughts from Adderall. If you seek treatment with us for Adderall abuse, we will be sure to examine any possible resulting mental conditions.

Treating Adderall Abuse or Addiction

We understand how difficult it may be to realize you have a problem with Adderall because it is a prescription drug that is so common. This where it is crucial to be aware of the signs and symptoms of Adderall addiction. When approaching rehabilitation for Adderall abuse, we will likely begin with an orientation to our treatment facility.

We will follow this with an initial assessment from our team of medical professionals to formulate a treatment plan that best ensures that you have a successful recovery. After having your preliminary assessment by our team of specialists, it is vital to implement a medically-managed “detox” period that allows you to clear the substance from your body in the most medically safe and comfortable process possible.

Once you complete a “detox” program, we will discuss whether inpatient or outpatient treatment is right for you. Whichever route you choose, we will ask you to participate in behavioral therapy. This involves learning skills you will need to help reinforce your sobriety and change the thoughts and patterns you’ve associated with your Adderall addiction.

After a formal discharge, our treatment facility will provide ongoing support and continued care to help you maintain a successful recovery and prevent a potential relapse. This includes our Intensive Outpatient Program, which we encourage you to research if you are interested in a strong, long-term recovery plan.

The Difficulty of Adderall Rehabilitation

Recovering from Adderall addiction can be an extremely painful process for you to endure. This is why it is essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of Adderall addiction. The strong effects the substance has on the dopamine reward system in your brain is the reason for the severe withdrawal symptoms that we associate with Adderall dependence.

Users’ lifestyles and personal circumstances make it difficult to remain completely abstinent from Adderall, especially since it heightens your mood and productivity. This kind of recovery is incredibly difficult for chronic users who have built up a more extreme tolerance to Adderall and its effects. However, at Resurgence Behavioral Health, we are well-versed in Adderall recovery and are here to help.

Adderall Addiction Treatment at Resurgence

At Resurgence Behavioral Health, we are here to help and support you through finding your most authentic self while leaving your most destructive self behind.

We understand what it takes to get you through your Adderall withdrawal and the emotional and psychological support you will need from us to become your best self.

Please contact us today with questions or concerns.