What Are The Signs Of Adderall Addiction
There are a few telltale signs of someone being addicted to the ADHD drug, but you need proof before you start making changes in their life. Once you have proof, you can consider steps to help them overcome their addiction and move forward with their lives. Here are the main signs that your teen or adult friend is addicted to Adderall:
If your friend has always used hand motions and facial expressions to get attention, he or she is probably using the drug regularly. You may think its cute when a friend gets so worked up over something as trivial as a grade. Yet, if youve observed this pattern in repeated acts, you should talk to them. You may need to ask the teacher if there is any reason why the student is using the hand motions or facial expressions to get attention.
Some of the surest signs of Adderall addiction are:
- An inability to not use Adderall daily
- A reliance on Adderall in stressful or uncomfrtoable situations
- Acute anxiety when the user cannot access the ADHD drug
- Jitters, shaking or twitching when not on Adderall
- Severe mood swings dictated by Adderall dosing
- Frequent headaches
- Anxiety and depression
- Behavior changes/erratic behavior
There are also some less important but equally common signs of potential Adderall addiction. One frequent side effect of amphetamine addiction is rapid weight loss. Users find their appetite is suppressed when on Adderall, and as Adderall consumption increases, body weight can begin to drop dramatically.
How Addictive Are Adhd Meds
No increased risk from medication A study done at UCLA in 2013 found that for kids with ADHD, taking stimulant medication as children neither increases nor decreases their risk of becoming addicted later. The study analyzed 15 long-term studies following thousands of children from a mean age of 8 to 20…. continue reading
Facts About Adderall Addiction You May Not Know
Adderall is a stimulant directed at the central nervous system and is typically prescribed for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder . Many people dont realize this drug can be habit-forming. There are a number of facts about Adderall addiction you should know if any young people in your family are using this drug.
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How Should I Take Adderall
Take Adderall exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Adderall may be habit-forming. Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.
Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
You may take Adderall with or without food, first thing in the morning.
Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release capsule. Swallow it whole.
To make swallowing easier, you may open the capsule and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of applesauce. Swallow right away without chewing. Do not save the mixture for later use.
While using this medicine, your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using this medicine.
Adderall can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using this medicine.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Keep track of your medicine. Adderall is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription.
How Is Adderall Abused
Physicians prescribe Adderall to individuals diagnosed with narcolepsy and ADHD. Interestingly enough, Adderall is prescribed to narcoleptic patients with the goal of decreasing fatigue, while it has the opposite effect in those with ADHD. When Adderall is prescribed it is taken as an oral tablet with a dose anywhere from 5-30 mg. This dosage, no matter how small, has the potential for addiction and abuse. One reason for this is because individuals taking Adderall may want the onset of effects to happen faster and will crush their tablets and snort the drug. This way of bringing Adderall into the body is considered abusing the drug. Adderall abuse can take many forms, including taking more than the recommended dose, mixing the drug with other substances, like alcohol, and injecting the drug. Usually, when Adderall is abused it is referred to by its street names speed, uppers, black beauties, Addys, and pep pills.
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How Extended Adderall Use Affects The Brain
Stimulants increase concentration and energy levels while decreasing the need for sleep and suppressing the appetite. Adderall increases the activity of several neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and especially dopamine. Over time, the changes in dopamine activity can impact our brains reward center, and alter our ability to experience pleasure without the chemical support of continued amphetamine use.. The more often Adderall is taken, the more ingrained these changes become. A tolerance to the drug may form, and more Adderall may be needed at each dose in order to feel the same desired effects.
As Adderall leaves the bloodstream, withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings may occur, indicating a physical and emotional dependence on the drug. The way in which Adderall is abused, along with the amount and duration of abuse can affect the dependence level to the drug. Crushing the pills and then injecting or snorting them, for example, sends the drug into the brain more rapidly than ingesting them whole and having them enter the bloodstream via the digestive tract. As a result, injecting or snorting the crushed pills increases the chances for a life-threatening overdose and the potential for addiction. Addiction is a disease that affects each person individually, and environmental and biological factors may also play a role in its onset.
Signs Of Adderall Abuse
Adderall is a potent stimulant, and it can be hard to recognize when someone is abusing the drug. People often abuse Adderall to enhance alertness and productivity. They are often motivated individuals that dont look like a stereotypical drug user. Most often, those who abuse Adderall are students and young professionals.
Stimulants will help anyone focus better. And a lot of young people like or value that feeling, especially those who are driven and have ambitions. We have to realize that these are potential addicts drug addicts dont look like they used to.
– Clinical neuropsychologist Dr. DeAnsin Parker, New York Times, 2013
Telltale signs of Adderall abuse may include:
- Being overly talkative
- Impulsive behaviors
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The Importance Of Medical Detox In Addiction Recovery
Participating in a medically-supervised detox program is often a critical part of the addiction recovery process for many forms of substance abuse. These allow individuals to be gradually weaned off an abused substance, reducing some of the health risks associated with withdrawal.
When tapering off Adderall in a clinically controlled and supportive environment, this level of addiction treatment can help manage or prevent more severe withdrawal symptoms associated with this stimulant use disorder from occurring.
Furthermore, certain addiction medicines may also be administered to help reduce drug cravings, as well as a persons risk of relapse. Individuals may participate in supervised detox as a stand-alone form of treatment, or as the first of several steps in their recovery process.
Dont Wait Get Help Now
The longer you have been abusing Adderall, the stronger your addiction can become. The withdrawal symptoms that start shortly after quitting can make it hard to stop on your own. There are many options available for treating this addiction, such as therapy and outpatient rehab. Contact a treatment provider to find Adderall addiction treatment today.
Featured Centers Offering Treatment for Adderall Addiction
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Is Adhd A Disability
Yes. Whether you view attention deficit hyperactivity disorder as neurological affecting how the brain concentrates or thinks or consider ADHD as a disability that impacts working, there is no question that the federal Americans with Disabilities Act covers individuals with ADHD…. see details
The Dark Truth About Adderall
What is the dark truth about Adderall? It is a prescription medication that is a combination of dextroamphetamine salts and amphetamines. Adderall is a stimulant it stimulates the central nervous system. Subsequently, it is used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. The drug also has a very real dark side. Adderall has many names such as: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, speed, uppers, black beauties, Addys, and pep pills.
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Why Shouldnt You Take Adderall
Adderall should not be taken recreationally because of its many harmful side effects, both short-term and long-term. Misusing Adderall increases your risk of heart attack, stroke, and sudden death.6
Resources
DISCLAIMER: Better Addiction Care is a third-party information service for consumers who are dealing with addiction or seeking information on addiction treatment. All content and information provided by BetterAddictionCare.com are intended solely for informational and marketing purposes and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always seek medical advice from a licensed caregiver if you are experiencing any condition which may require medical treatment, and in the event of an emergency, please dial 911 immediately. Any advertiser relationships are clearly marked as Sponsored or Ad. Reliance on any content or information set forth within this website is solely at your own risk. Our helpline is offered at no cost to you and with no obligation to enter into treatment. BAC does not provide referrals nor receive any commission or other fee that is dependent upon which treatment a visitor may ultimately choose. See Terms and Conditions for further details.
Is Adderall Misuse Common In School
Unfortunately, Adderall misuse is common in adolescents and teens. While many students are prescribed the drug for ADHD and other conditions, others use it without a prescription to improve their academic performance. Students who misuse Adderall often get it from friends or family members who are prescribed the medication.12
More Adderall Resources
DISCLAIMER: Better Addiction Care is a third-party information service for consumers who are dealing with addiction or seeking information on addiction treatment. All content and information provided by BetterAddictionCare.com are intended solely for informational and marketing purposes and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always seek medical advice from a licensed caregiver if you are experiencing any condition which may require medical treatment, and in the event of an emergency, please dial 911 immediately. Any advertiser relationships are clearly marked as Sponsored or Ad. Reliance on any content or information set forth within this website is solely at your own risk. Our helpline is offered at no cost to you and with no obligation to enter into treatment. BAC does not provide referrals nor receive any commission or other fee that is dependent upon which treatment a visitor may ultimately choose. See Terms and Conditions for further details.
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The Dangers Of Adderall
Adderall is a prescription amphetamine and a potent central nervous system stimulant. It is a schedule II controlled substance because of its strong addictive potential. Doctors most commonly prescribe Adderall to treat narcolepsy and Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder . While working wonders for these disorders, Adderall comes with its share of health risks when taken consistently over prolonged periods of time.
It is starting to get out into the mainstream that patients are more likely to overdose and to cause harm to their bodies when Adderall is misused. The major concern for many people is that abusing Adderall over an extended period is the risk of cardiovascular issues. Since Adderall is a stimulant, it plays a major role in increasing your blood pressure, your heart rate and your body temperature to dangerous levels. These factors combined are linked to serious medical issues like stroke and/or cardiac arrest.
For most people a tolerance builds up after taking Adderall frequently, as with alcohol and other drugs, and it takes larger and more frequent doses to get the same effects as before. Therefore, withdrawal and symptoms are a result of the body trying to function by itself without the drug.
How Do I Stop Relying On Adderall
If you or a loved one addicted to Adderall, seeking Adderall addiction treatment is the best course of action. A rehab program can help you quit using Adderall and build the coping skills you need to obtain and maintain abstinence. If you arent sure where to start, call our helpline at 1-800-429-7690 to find the right rehab for you.
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Adderall Withdrawal And Detox
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What Is The Dark Side
The very real and dark side of prescription Adderall affects many people. Firstly, students are a group that historically runs a high risk of vulnerability to stimulants. Secondly, athletes have been known to abuse of the drug. For example, athletes that have no medical need for it but, instead use it to enhance focus and even increase their stamina and endurance. Additionally, truck drivers also are known to use it to enhance their focus out on the road and also to remain awake for longer periods of time. In addition, others who are addicted to drugs or other substances may also use a combination of Adderall to artificially create the feeling of energy to pick-them-up especially if they are abusing depressant substances. Using Adderall to counter the depressant feeling that substances like alcohol.
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Find Substance Abuse Treatment Centers Nationwide
The Find Addiction Rehabs mission is to help people who are struggling with addiction find the help they need. If you or a loved one is displaying signs of Adderall abuse, we can find a treatment center and recovery services that can provide all of your care needs.
So dont wait call our 24/7 hotline today, and let us help you take the first step in achieving sobriety, and discover a happier, healthier, and substance-free you!
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
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How Addictive Is Adderall
Adderall is an extremely addictive stimulant drug. It is a Schedule II controlled substance, which means it has a very high potential for misuse, dependence, and addiction.1 This is the most severe category for prescription drugs, as denoted by the Drug Enforcement Administration . Other notable drugs in this category include:3
Its easy to see from this list that Adderall joins the ranks of other highly addictive drugs. Not only is Adderall extremely addictive, but it also has the potential for severe physiological and psychological dependence and harmful physical and mental consequences.
Is Adderall Habit Forming
The short answer is yes, Adderall can be habit forming. As mentioned above, Adderall is a brand name for a collection of amphetamine salts. For those of you that dont know, amphetamine is a highly addictive drug. People using amphetamine-based drugs recreationally almost always struggle with addiction and dependency to some degree, whether it is mild withdrawals or full-blown addiction. AMphetamine addiction can completely ruin a persons life, as the drug consumes every second of their day. Unfortunately, many people only end their amphetamine addiction when they overdose and die.
This may sound extreme, but this is the reality of taking amphetamine-based drugs without medical supervision.
But what about addiction when Adderall is prescribed by a doctor?
While this is much less common, patients can still become addicted to Adderall when it is being used for the legitimate treatment of ADD/ADHD under the supervision of a responsible healthcare professional. It is important that you carefully monitor yourself or your child during Adderall use and be vigilant for the signs of Adderall addiction.
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Recognizing The Signs Of Adderall Addiction
Most people would not know if someone was on Adderall unless they themselves understood the drug and the effects it has on users. Someone who is taking the medication as it is prescribed shouldnt show any Adderall addiction symptoms.
However, if the person is self-medicating with larger doses or otherwise abuses Adderall, some changes in their behavior will most likely be noticeable. This may include significant differences in their sleeping habits or re-occurring hyper fixation on tasks and work.
This may also include significant changes in their energy levels, such as random bursts of extreme wakefulness and exhaustion, correlating with the highs and crashes of Adderall.
Most people who are taking Adderall will also experience some level of weight loss. When someone begins abusing the drug, one of the most common Adderall addiction symptoms is weight loss which brings the person to an unhealthy body mass index .
In addition to these indicators, individuals may exhibit several other noticeable signs of Adderall abuse, including:
