Symptoms Of A Stimulant Use Disorder
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition classifies an Adderall addiction as a stimulant use disorder and outlines 11 symptoms, including:5
- Taking larger amount of Adderall than planned
- Experiencing unsuccessful attempts to control or quit use
- Spending a significant amount of time obtaining and using Adderall, as well as recovering from its effects
- Experiencing strong cravings for Adderall
- Continuing to use Adderall despite the interpersonal or social issues it is causing or exacerbating
- Giving up hobbies or recreational activities to use Adderall
- Using Adderall in physically hazardous situations
- Continuing to use Adderall despite knowing that it is causing or worsening physical or psychological issues
- Needing higher doses to experience the desired effects
- Experiencing Adderall withdrawal symptoms when you quit
If you suddenly discontinue Adderall use, you may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms that can be difficult to tolerate. As such, many people may take Adderall or another stimulant to relieve these withdrawal symptoms, making it difficult for them to quit on their own.
- Anxiety and irritability
The Need For An Adderall Addiction Treatment Program
How do you know if a loved one is abusing Adderall? You may notice secretive behavior they may slowly withdraw from friends and family. These are common signs of drug abuse in general.
Specific signs that someone is abusing Adderall and needs an Adderall addiction treatment program include:
- Excessive talkativeness
- Anxiety and paranoia
- Long periods of sleep
The problem gets even more complicated when a person mixes other substances with their Adderall use. Users may drink alcohol or abuse marijuana. This can create unpredictable side effects and increase the risks of using.
Some users take Adderall in ways its not intended to be used. They may chew the tablets or crush and snort them to experience a more intense high. This increases the chance of overdose, which is especially dangerous.
When someone is physically and psychologically dependent on Adderall, getting them into an Adderall addiction treatment program gives them a chance at recovery. Otherwise, they may suffer financial, legal, and health problems that could affect them for life.
Finding The Best Possible Adderall Addiction Treatment
Adderall is a stimulant drug that doctors will prescribe to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy. Yet there are also instances where it has been prescribed as an antidepressant augmentation strategy and to treat chronic fatigue. In addition to the drug being used as intended, it is often used for off-label purposes. The reason for this is the medications high potential for dependency and how quickly an Adderall addiction can develop.
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What Influences The Withdrawal Symptoms
When it comes to the withdrawal from Adderall, there are a number of different factors that determine how serious these symptoms are going to be. While Adderall addiction treatment can help ease someone through the recovery process and provide assistance when necessary, there are still some major factors that have to be accounted for.
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
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Can You Recover From Adderall Addiction At Home
Unlike dangerous substances such as alcohol , Adderall addiction treatment is not focused on the physical aspect of detoxification. Withdrawal from stimulants is extremely uncomfortable, but not necessarily physically dangerous. However, for your own safety, inpatient treatment for Adderall addiction has a number of benefits in relation to going through withdrawal.
- If you have pre-existing health conditions, chances are that the stress that withdrawal places on your body can make certain problems worse. This means that while a normally healthy adult would not be in danger, someone who has long abused the medication might be.
- One of the reasons that Adderall addiction help can be so valuable to the patient is because it gives them a chance to get away from their current situation. By eliminating the possibility of using at the drop of a hat, it makes it easier for the patient to remain steadfast.
- When having others around you, some who are also undergoing rehab for Adderall, you have the feeling that you are not alone in having to deal with this situation. This makes it easier for many users to deal with the temporary discomfort that they are going through.
Getting Help
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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Signs And Symptoms Of Adderall Addiction
There are several physical and behavioral symptoms that a person who is addicted to Adderall might display. These symptoms are similar to those of methamphetamine addiction. By recognizing them, you can understand when to seek help.
Some signs of Adderall addiction and abuse may include:2
- Rash or hives
If you notice any of the above changes in someone you care about, its possible theyre struggling with an Adderall addiction. They dont have to struggle alone, thoughprofessional help is available. Call us at 1-800-429-7690 to find a rehab program thats right for them.
Besides the physiological and mood-related signs of Adderall addiction, there are also several behavioral symptoms to be aware ofwhether in yourself or someone you know. Some behavioral signs of Adderall addiction include:3
Common Symptoms Of Adderall Addiction
Adderall addiction is challenging to spot in a person.
There are fewer physical symptoms than with, say, meth or heroin addiction. However, there are similar symptoms that get experienced by the user.
Some of the more common symptoms associated with Adderall abuse may include:
- Needing larger doses to feel the drugs effects
- Not being able to finish work without the help of Adderall
- Spending a lot of time getting the money to buy a prescription drug like Adderall and a lot of time recovering from what is known as an Adderall high.
- Feeling unusually sleepy, tired and sluggish when not using the drug
- Neglecting other normal activities in favor of using Adderall
- Nausea, vomiting and chest pain
- Headaches
- A lack of sexual appetite
- A change in blood pressure
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Types Of Adderall Addiction Treatment Offered At Sierra Tucson
As an internationally known and respected treatment provider of medical, therapeutic, and experiential services, our rehab is pleased to offer the best care for a wide range of concerns that are known to plague adults of all genders. With evidence-based practices that are rooted within the integrative therapies that we offer, our treatment center prides itself on being a leading provider of services that are effective in treating chemical dependency concerns, such as an addiction to Adderall, as well as co-occurring disorders. Holistic and individualized treatment is cornerstone to the premier care offered at our rehab, and the staff of qualified and experienced professionals administers care by utilizing a dynamic approach to treating patients. It is the ambition of Sierra Tucson, a premier Adderall addiction treatment center, to deliver services in such a manner that all who come to us for treatment will be able to transcend the challenges of the past and resume the pursuit of a healthy and productive future.
The types of services you receive will be determined by your treatment team. Using a biopsychosocial and spiritual approach to care, patients engaged in the Addiction Recovery treatment plan can partake in the following treatment methods, which are outlined in each patients individualized treatment plan, as well as in our treatment centers daily treatment schedules:
- Equine therapy
- Adventure therapy
- Psychodrama
Continuing Care
In What Ways Does Adderall Affect The Brain And Body
Adderall contains two central nervous system stimulants: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. These compounds act like the brain chemicals dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine. Since Adderall contains dopamine, it triggers feelings related to reward that can urge someone to keep taking it. Doctors prescribe Adderall in a way that minimizes addiction, but misusing it increases the risk.
Adderall can also cause side effects such as:
- Headache
- Increased blood pressure
- Heart palpitations
With a doctors supervision, Adderall can help relieve the symptoms of ADHD. However, it also has many risks for anyone who misuses it.
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Increased Adhd Diagnoses And Careless Prescribing
During the 1990s and early 2000s, ADHD diagnoses and prescriptions for ADHD medications gradually and consistently increased, per multiple reports. Adderall prescriptions decreased slightly between 2006 and 2011, but rates of misuse among young adults increased, according to a 2016 study.
Many people rely on Adderall to ease symptoms of ADHD, but careless prescribing exposed thousands of people who dont have ADHD to the addictive drug. Loose prescribing guidelines also gave drug users easy access to powerful stimulants.
In a 2010 study designed to test the validity of an ADHD assessment, 22 percent of adults being assessed for ADHD either faked or exaggerated symptoms.
- Anxiety and irritability
- Suicidal thoughts
Tolerance and dependency are warning signs of addiction. Taking a drug for the sole purpose of preventing withdrawal is a classic symptom of addiction. Long-term abuse of Adderall can also cause psychological problems, such as hallucinations, paranoia and suicidal thoughts.
Side Effects Of Taking Adderall Without Prescription
Most of the time, an individual will develop a physical dependence on Adderall after taking amphetamine and dextroamphetamine for about 2-3 weeks on a daily basis. Putting a sudden end to Adderall can result in a number of critical withdrawal effects, as your brain responds to the lack of stimulation which can include the following:
- atypical lack energy
- insomnia
- waves of intense craving
Withdrawal effects may be worsened if you have been using Adderall for a long period of time.
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Effects When Stopping Adderall
When you have been using Adderall in high doses or for a long duration, the body becomes handed-down to operate with it in your system. In order to recompense for the stimulant properties of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, your brain is slowing down some of your bodys processes in order to support homeostasis. As result, when you stop taking in the drug, your brain will still be operating in its regulated form and you will be experiencing a variety of withdrawal symptoms as your brain restores to its usual operation.
Who Is At Risk For An Adderall Addiction
There is a higher risk for Adderall misuse and addiction among certain populations. Students, especially those in college, and working professionals who must function in situations requiring a high level of focus and concentration, are among those with an increased risk of developing an Adderall addiction.6
Other people who may be at risk for Adderall misuse or addiction include:6
- Athletes
- Someone with an eating disorder
- Someone who is trying to lose weight
- Those with stressful jobs
- Those with a history of drug misuse
Adderall can interact with several medications. Those taking the following medications may also be at higher risk for developing an addiction to Adderall:6
- Blood pressure medication
- Lithium
Reasons for taking other drugs and Adderall include enhancing the effects of the medication or combining another drug to relax in an attempt to sleep. This can result in increased physical complications such as a heart attack.6
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Fighting Through The Withdrawal Process
Quitting can be extremely difficult if you are addicted to Adderall. Withdrawal side effects are so significant that even individuals who actively want to stop taking the drug have a hard time.
Like other drugs, the duration and dosage of Adderall will determine how long the process is. You may stop experiencing symptoms in just a few days. But for more serious instances, you may experience the withdrawal process for several weeks.
During this time, there is a high probability of relapse. Even drugs designed for lower rates of abuse like Adderall XR still have a lengthy and difficult withdrawal phase.
Hear more about the fight against Adderall addiction by clicking here:
How To Treat Adderall Addiction
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Aftercare And Ongoing Support
Once youve successfully completed your Adderall addiction treatment program, youll want to consider your options for aftercare and ongoing support. While some may choose to attend Narcotics Anonymous meetings, others may opt to enter a sober living home.
Sober living programs provide a safe and structured environment, which may be the most beneficial option for those who arent ready to fully transition back into their old environment. Every sober living home has different rules, but one rule they all have in common is that you cannot use Adderall or any other substances. These programs may also help you obtain a job.
Other options for aftercare and relapse prevention include:
- SMART Recovery meetings
- Step-down care at an outpatient facility
Why The Adderall Crash Happens And What Its Like
As a stimulant, Adderall increases energy and heightens concentration for those who need it. Unfortunately, many people also take the drug without a prescription, believing it will aid in work or school. When you stop taking Adderall, whether or not you have a prescription, this energy rush subsides. In its place, you may feel exhausted, fatigued and depressed. After a few days, your symptoms may also include body aches, increased appetite, mood swings and cravings. These symptoms can persist for up to three months, although most people start to feel better within a few weeks. Here are more common symptoms of Adderall comedown:
- Intense frustration or irritability
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Adderall Dependence Vs Adderall Addiction
Adderall dependence is a naturally occurring physiological response to the drug.
Like all drugs, the more frequently you take them, the less effect they have since the body builds a tolerance to the chemicals ingested.
Consequently, a users tolerance level will likely increase over time, requiring them to increase the use of Adderall to achieve a similar high.
All this is how the potential for abuse and dependency occurs.
Due to the nature of addiction that often occurs with excessive use of Adderall, people usually experience severe withdrawal and cravings, all of which may result in erratic behavior to acquire the drug .
Adderall Vs Other Adhd Drugs
Richwood Pharmaceuticals began marketing immediate-release Adderall in 1996, nearly a decade after the American Psychological Association concluded that ADHD was a mental health disorder. The drug was marketed as an improvement over Ritalin , which was the most popular ADHD medication during most of the 20th Century.
Immediate-release Adderall lasts for four to six hours, and Ritalin lasts two to three hours. However, Ritalin takes less time to work. Both drugs affect the brain in similar ways.
Vyvanse is an amphetamine thats similar to Adderall, but Vyvanse takes up to two hours to work. Its effects can be felt for up to 14 hours. Shire Pharmaceuticals bought Richwood Pharmaceuticals in 2006, and the company introduced Vyvanse in 2007. Most people who abuse ADHD medications prefer Adderall because it takes less time to work compared to Vyvanse.
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