What is Adderall?
Adderall is a prescribed stimulant medication containing amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. When prescribed by a doctor, Adderall can effectively manage and treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Adderall is frequently misused, leading to various health risks such as tolerance, dependence, and the possibility of developing a stimulant use disorder.
Signs and Symptoms of Adderall Addiction
Common signs of Adderall addiction include:
- Higher doses are needed to experience the effects of the drug.
- Wanting to cut down on use but not having the ability to do so
- Continuing to take the drug despite being aware of the harm it is causing.
- Struggling to complete work without Adderall.
- Investing significant time and money into obtaining, using, and recovering from the drug.
- Experience difficulty feeling alert without the drug
- Prioritizing the use of Adderall over other activities.
- Suffering withdrawal symptoms when not using Adderall
Adderall addiction often starts as a way to increase productivity on a stressful day or while studying for an important test. Some people even fake the symptoms of ADHD to get their prescription for the drug.
Health Effects of Adderall Misuse
Prolonged Adderall use can lead to a range of adverse health effects, including:
- Abdominal pain
- Addiction
- Aggression/hostility
- Anxiety/heightened social anxiety/feeling “jittery”
- Blurred vision
- Cardiomyopathy (enlarged heart)
- Changes in libido
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- Dehydration
- Depression
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth/unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Excessive fatigue
- Feeling “spacey”
- Hair loss (often coming out in clumps)
- Headaches
- High blood pressure
- Impotence
- Irregular/erratic heartbeat; increased heart rate
- Lack of motivation
- Mood swings
- Nausea
- Panic attacks
- Reduced circulation
- Restlessness
- Suicidal thoughts
- Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
Adderall Withdrawal and Addiction Treatment
Withdrawal symptoms from Adderall addiction can make it extremely difficult for users to quit on their own. For some, these symptoms can feel overwhelming. Seeking help from a therapist or treatment center dramatically improves the chances of successfully stopping use.
Treatment for Adderall addiction typically provides therapeutic support and aims to:
- Change a person’s outlook and behaviors related to drug use
- Increase life skills that promote health
- Continue with other necessary forms of treatment or life changes
Common therapies used in Adderall addiction treatment include contingency management and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Individuals who rely on Adderall for studying or work may need to relearn how to function without the medication, a process that can take weeks or months.
In some cases, people in recovery from Adderall addiction who also have ADHD may be prescribed less addictive stimulants or non-stimulant ADHD medications.
Adderall Addiction Statistics
- In 2012, nearly 16 million prescriptions for stimulants like Adderall were written, which is about three times the number that were written in 2008.
- In 2012, more than 116,000 individuals were admitted to addiction treatment for amphetamines such as Adderall.
- Full-time college students are twice as likely to misuse Adderall compared to their non-college peers.
- In 2015, over 42% of individuals aged 12 and older who used prescription amphetamine products such as Adderall did so without a prescription.
- In 2006 and 2007, students aged 18 to 22 who attended school full-time were twice as likely to have used Adderall recreationally compared to their peers who did not attend school full-time.
- In 2015, 7% of college students reported using Adderall non-medically, marking the highest prevalence rate in recent years.
Preventing Adderall Abuse
To help prevent Adderall abuse, it’s important to educate yourself and those around you about the risks of Adderall use, track and monitor Adderall use in your home, and keep medication in a safe place so others cannot abuse it. It’s also crucial to emphasize the dangers of prescription drug abuse, as many teens feel these drugs are not as dangerous as illicit drugs.
Conclusion
Adderall is a powerful prescription stimulant that carries a high risk of addiction and abuse, especially among young adults and college students. Understanding the signs of Adderall addiction, the potential health effects, and the importance of seeking professional treatment can help individuals and their loved ones address this issue effectively. By promoting education, prevention, and access to evidence-based treatment, we can work to reduce the harms associated with Adderall misuse.