Can I Be Addicted To My Prescription Adderall
Beans, black beauties, dexies, pep pills, speed, and uppersthese are just some of the street terms for Adderall, the trademarked name for the combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine thats typically used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. If you misuse Adderall to stay awake, get high, or help you focus, you not only risk becoming addicted to prescription Adderall, but you can also experience dangerous side effects.
If youre worried that you might be addicted to Adderall, then keep reading to learn more about Adderall addiction and dependence, how to know when its a problem, and what you can do to stop the cycle of abuse before you cause more harm to yourself and others.
How Long Does It Take To Get Addicted To Adderall
Adderall is a medication that is prescribed to individuals diagnosed with attention-deficit disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder . It is designed to help promote focus and curb hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. When Adderall is taken as prescribed for this purpose, it can make a world of difference in the lives of those with this behavioral disorder. Unfortunately, Adderall can be habit-forming when it is abused, making it highly appealing for those looking to get a stimulant high.
In the United States, approximately 2.5 million people are prescribed prescription stimulants like Adderall for the treatment of ADD/ADHD. A good portion of those who are prescribed this medication are children, teenagers, and young adults, primarily because the symptoms associated with this behavioral disorder become exasperated in school settings. That is why it is most common to see the abuse of Adderall in teenagers and young adults, as they have access to it and often utilize it as a study drug.
Adderall Addiction Vs Adderall Dependency
People often conflate Adderall addiction with Adderall dependency. However, most people with an Adderall addiction might develop it from illegally obtaining the drug. On the other hand, Adderall dependency most often occurs in those who have been prescribed the medication.
A dependency on Adderall can be expected when the medication is prescribed long-term to a person. A person with an Adderall dependency doesnt abuse the medication or take unnatural quantities to stimulate a high.
A person with a dependency might be weaned off the medication, while a person with an addiction to Adderall needs addiction treatment. Additionally, a person with an addiction will typically go through extreme measures to get this medication.
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Adderall Effects And Abuse
Many people mistakenly believe Adderall is safe because it is prescribed by doctors. However, continued abuse of Adderall can lead to long-term side effects and an addiction that can be hard to break.
People abuse Adderall because it produces feelings of confidence, euphoria, increased concentration, and a suppressed appetite. These effects make Adderall a go-to choice for anyone looking for a boost in physical or mental performance.
Taking Adderall without a prescription, or in a way not directed by a doctor, is considered abuse. This includes snorting Adderall pills or taking overlarge doses to get a stronger effect.
Adderall is abused for many purposes, including:
- Weight loss
- Athletic performance
- Staying awake
Although people tend to associate Adderall abuse with high school and college students, many older people also use the drug. Most people who have received treatment for an Adderall addiction started taking it when they were approximately 23, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Who Abuses Adderall?
Adderall abuse can cause severe health-related problems, including potentially lethal overdose.
Signs of an Adderall overdose may include:
- Chest pain
How To Find Help
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse or addiction, you can contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357. SAMHSA also provides an online treatment center location.
And if you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-8255 .
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How To Get Help
There are many options for people who want help with Adderall addiction or Adderall abuse. Inpatient rehabilitation provides medical support during withdrawal and the advantage of a setting that is temptation-free. Often, detoxing is a challenge for those addicted to Adderall, so its wise to have support from a medical professional during that period. Outpatient addiction treatment offers comprehensive treatment with the flexibility to spend evenings at home.
In addition to intensive addiction treatment, you may find that cognitive behavioral therapy, group therapy, and 12-step programs such as Narcotics Anonymous can help you develop healthy coping mechanisms for stress as you recover. It can be difficult to adjust as your brain heals from Adderall addiction ongoing therapy can help you stay on target and adapt.
Although many people use Adderall safely as prescribed, it is important to remember that Adderall is, in fact, a prescription drug. Using it without the guidance of a doctor, or abusing a prescription, can lead to harmful side effects and addiction. If you have used Adderall to improve your concentration, manage stress or increase your energy, it is important to know that there are healthier and more effective ways to achieve all of these goals. Treatment for Adderall addiction can help you find them.
Effects Of Adderall Addiction
The effects of Adderall addiction can be very damaging, especially long-term, without treatment. In addition, a person abusing this medication could potentially develop serious health problems and, in some cases, might even suffer from an overdose.
People who have been addicted to Adderall for a long time might experience some of the following effects:
- Anxiety
- Migraines
- Difficulty breathing
In severe cases, Adderall abuse could cause symptoms like delusions and damage to the heart. Trying to quit an Adderall addiction on your own could also trigger withdrawal symptoms which often mirror the effects of abusing the drug.
Amphetamine addiction has also been shown to have adverse effects in pregnancy, with children being negatively affected well into childhood.
This is why its advisable to seek immediate treatment if you suspect you or someone has an addiction to Adderall.
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An Adhd Medication For A High
Adderall is a Catch-22. The drug is designed to relieve symptoms of ADHD, but people with ADHD are at an increased risk of developing substance use disorders. They are more likely to make compulsive decisions and experience high levels of stress.
Both traits are risk factors for substance abuse. People who have ADHD and dont use their medications as theyre prescribed are at an increased risk for developing co-occurring disorders.
The authors of a 2014 report published by the American Academy of Pediatrics wrote that prescription stimulants can reduce both ADHD symptoms and the risk of developing and simultaneously pose a risk for abuse and diversion.
Dangers And Side Effects Of Adderall
Many people who abuse Adderall wrongly assume the drug is safe because it comes from a doctor. Adderall is prescribed to people, including children, with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder . This leads some people to think the drug is safe because children take it.
In reality, Adderall is a strong stimulant that can lead to serious and potentially deadly side effects. Overdose is one of the worst side effects of Adderall abuse, which can lead to heart attack, stroke and liver failure. Taking Adderall with other substances, such as alcohol, heighten the risk of a fatal overdose.
In 2005, the Canadian government banned sales of Adderall XR due to 20 deaths associated with the drug.
Adderall can also cause physical changes in the brains neurocircuitry. This can lead to altered behaviors and the development of mental disorders like depression. Some Adderall addicts become suicidal after taking the drug for a prolonged period of time.
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Snorting Adderall
Snorting Adderall is common among users looking for immediate effects. They crush up their pills into a fine powder, sniffing Adderall into their sinus cavity. This often leads to a more intense high, but snorting Adderall comes with its own side effects.
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Recognizing An Adderall Addiction
Prescriptions written for Adderall increased by nearly fivefold from 2002 to 2012, making it easier for people to get the drug from a friend or family member. Compared to that of other drugs, use of Adderall is rarely stigmatized as such, many people dont recognize when a loved one has a problem. People addicted to Adderall have even been known to fake the symptoms of ADHD to get their own prescription.
Not everyone who abuses Adderall has an addiction. Although it is a slippery slope, simply taking an Adderall from time to time to stay awake or increase productivity is not the same as needing the drug to function. The key to recognizing an Adderall addiction is spotting certain behaviors. Those who are addicted to Adderall prioritize using and obtaining the drug over all else because they cant function without it. Addicted people have trouble controlling how much Adderall they take and may start ignoring important social or familial obligations.
The Dangers Of Mixing Adderall And Alcohol
Individuals who take Adderall to create a high may take alcohol at the same time to enhance each drugs effects. Mixing an upper and downer together in this way could be dangerous and increase the odds of overdose.
As a stimulant, Adderalls properties can can cover up the depressant effects of alcohol. This can cause the risk of alcohol overdose to be higher. Combining Adderall and alcohol may also raise a persons blood pressure and make them feel more jittery.
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Support Groups For Family And Friends
An Adderall addict may seek recovery in a Twelve Step support group such as Narcotics Anonymous. Because addiction is a disease that impacts the whole family, it will be necessary for friends and family members to seek help, as well.
The Twelve Step support group Nar-Anon is a recovery program for friends and family members of addicts. This support group allows the addict’s friends and family members to work the twelve steps and seek to improve their lives whether or not the addict is still using.
For this reason, Nar-Anon can be especially beneficial if the addict were to experience a relapse into active Adderall use. Many treatment programs will provide information about various outlets for support such as Nar-Anon to family members, as participation in such programs can serve to strengthen the recovery process for everyone involved.
Just as the addict can relapse, friends and family members can experience relapse by returning to behaviors that previously may have enabled the addict to continue using before they got help. Parents of Addicted Loved-ones is a non-twelve-step group that provides education and support to parents.
How Is An Adderall Addiction Diagnosed
If youve noticed that your use of Adderall makes you need higher doses or makes you feel very bad when you stop taking it , make an appointment with your doctor.
During your appointment, your doctor will first take your medical history. Theyll ask you questions about your Adderall usage, including what dose you take and how often you take it. Your doctor will also want to know what other medications youre taking. This includes over-the-counter ones, vitamins, and supplements.
Your doctor will also ask you questions about the symptoms you experience when the Adderall effects wear off. They may also perform a physical exam and measure your heart rate and blood pressure.
To make an official diagnosis, your doctor will likely refer to the latest diagnostic criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
If your doctor determines that you have an addiction to Adderall, they may refer you to a rehabilitation center or detox facility to help you recover.
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Drug Rehab For Adderall Addiction
If you are severely addicted to Adderall, you may also benefit from long-term drug rehab, which will provide continued medical and clinical care, life skills development, and behavioral therapy to address addictive behaviors. Drug rehab will also work to address the underlying causes of your Adderall addiction and help you cope without it.
Depending on the severity of your addiction and your circumstances, a treatment provider may recommend a residential drug rehab program or an intensive outpatient program for the best chance at a full recovery.
If youre ready to end your Adderall addiction and move forward with your life, call 605-2955 to speak with a Nova Recovery Center admissions representative about your treatment options. We provide comprehensive addiction treatment services and accept most insurance for drug rehab.
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Is My Privacy Protected
Adderall rehab centers are legally required to protect the privacy of those receiving treatment. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, substance abuse treatment providers that violate privacy laws are subject to a fine of $500 for a first offense and up to $5,000 for any further offenses.5
The treatment program should have clear written procedures for how any patient information is accessed and used. In general, your information will not be released without your consent however, there are certain instances, such as medical emergencies in which some of your information may be disclosed as necessary. Information about the disclosure, including the type of emergency, the name of the disclosing person, and the date and time of the disclosure, must be documented in your record.5
In terms of your day-to-day privacy in treatment, you may be concerned about having your own room. This is not standard in all rehab centers. Often, private rooms come at a premium, so you may have to pay extra for this benefit.
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Ways To Cope With Adderall Comedown
Here are 10 ways to minimize the effects of an Adderall crash without over-the-counter medicines or outside treatment. Be mindful, however, that a supervised detox is the safest way to come down from any drug.
1. Follow Your Doctors Instructions
When your doctor ends your prescription, follow his or her instructions to the letter. Often, a doctors goal is to make the process as tolerable as possible, so it benefits you to listen. If you start having trouble, reach out before making any changes to the plan. Never take the drug without a prescription.
2. Remember, Adderall Comedown Is Temporary
Remind yourself that any Adderall comedown symptoms you experience wont last forever. Moreover, the longer you stay away from the drug, the less intense your symptoms become. By sticking it out, you arent just heading toward recovery, but with each day, youll feel a little bit better, too.
3. Focus on Hydration and Nutrition
Coming down off of Adderall can have a dramatic impact on your appetite and hydration levels. Make sure to drink plenty of water and eat nutritious foods. If you are experiencing any digestive distress, try to eat more small meals during the day instead of three large ones.
4. Practice Self-Care
Indulge in soothing activities and self-care to help you manage any bad sensations you might experience. Drink herbal teas, relax in warm baths, meditate, do yoga, or take part in other activities you find rejuvenating.
5. Prioritize Sleep
6. Limit Other Stimulants
What Happens During Treatment
There are multiple components of an Adderall addiction treatment program. You may engage in some or all of the following as you seek recovery:
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Intervention And Next Steps
Interventions are a good way for friends and family to persuade an addicted person to get help.
The most important aspect of an intervention is for loved ones to explain that they care about and want to help the addicted person.
Staging an intervention for someone who has an Adderall problem may seem like a drastic approach for some. Yet, it could save their life as some people addicted to Adderall dont realize they have a problem.
Adderall users are also likely to start abusing other drugs like cocaine and meth. If it turns out your loved one has a polydrug addiction, its imperative to get them into treatment as soon as possible.
Interventions are carefully planned meetings between loved ones and the addicted individual. An intervention specialist can help you find the right words to say and outline consequences if the addict doesnt accept treatment. Because people addicted to Adderall can become violent or self-destructive, its important to plan for a worst-case scenario.
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Consequences Of A Gaming Addiction
Because video games are considered harmless by many people, gaming addiction is not really understood. Nevertheless, gaming addiction can have serious consequences, both physically and mentally. Those with an addiction to gaming may develop a number of physical health issues, which could include:
- migraines
- backache
- poor personal hygiene.
Nonetheless, it is not just physical problems that occur among those with a gaming addiction. There are a number of social consequences too. Those who become preoccupied with gaming may become isolated and unable to interact with the real world. This can affect this persons ability to develop strong relationships in the future.
Adults with a gaming addiction may find that their personal relationships suffer. Married gaming addicts will experience a strain in the relationship with their spouse. Children of gaming addicts may also feel neglected and suffer emotional problems as a result.
Those who become obsessed with gaming to the point where they have nothing else to talk about may find that others simply do not want to be around them. They are unable to sustain healthy relationships with others and may descend even further into the virtual world of gaming.
Gaming addiction can also affect the prospects of teenagers. Those who spend all of their free time playing games may neglect their studies, which can result in a poor performance at school. This will, in turn, affect their ability to secure a good job.
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