Adderall is a medication commonly used to treat ADHD. When used properly, this medication can help a person with ADHD to focus better and to have fewer overall symptoms of their condition. Yet the drug can also be addictive, especially when misused.
In the U.S., about 62% of children with ADHD are taking medication for it, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These individuals shouldn’t stop taking their medication. They are not likely to develop an addiction to it unless they misuse the drug outside of the prescription. How, then, does addiction occur, and in whom?
How Adderall Addiction Happens
A person with ADHD isn’t able to relax easily. Their brain is constantly stimulated by things around them – social media, the internet, television, conversations, and much more. Those with this condition have a lower level of dopamine present, which causes their brains to constantly seek stimulation. This can cause numerous symptoms, including irritability and impulsive behavior.
Adderall helps provide symptom relief by working within the central nervous system. Specifically, it increases the amount of key hormones and chemicals in the brain, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These hormones help reduce the state of overstimulation.
However, Adderall is a Schedule II controlled substance for a reason. This drug is an amphetamine. That means there is a risk of addiction and a relatively high potential for abuse in some situations. Using Adderall for nonmedical reasons and without a prescription puts you at risk for health complications.
A person misusing Adderall may do so because it provides stimulation. It can help you to feel like you have more energy. At the same time, this drug also causes a euphoric response. Over time and with consistent use, that leads to tolerance. The body becomes used to the drug at the current dosage and needs more to feel the same results. As a result, a person may take more of the drugs over time, increasing the risk of health complications, including overdose.
Signs of an Adderall Addiction
The first step is to recognize the signs of dependence on Adderall. Some of the most common include:
- Using more than prescribed or using a drug not prescribed to you
- Running out of a prescription too soon
- Being talkative and excitable
- Aggressive behavior
- Trouble with memory loss or struggling with incomplete thoughts
- Social withdrawal and isolation
- Overworking or overstudying
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking the drug
If you are noticing these symptoms of Adderall dependence, it is critical to seek help. Even short term use can lead to complications, including the development of addiction. Once addiction takes hold, it becomes psychologically and physically very difficult to stop using the drug even though you may want to and are no longer getting pleasure from your use.
Side Effects of Adderall Misuse
A person misusing Adderall, especially when using it to get high, may exhibit a number of side effects. Injecting it, for example, can increase the potency and lead to a higher risk of complications such as heart attack or stroke. Most people experience other side effects of Adderall misuse, such as:
- Insomnia
- Convulsions
- Irregular heartbeats
- Hallucinations
- Lack of appetite leading to weight loss
- Loss of muscle tone, leading to weakness
- Sexual dysfunction
- Depression and anxiety
- Heart disease
Extended use of Adderall impacts the function of the brain. It can lead to less need for sleep, leading to changes in the way the neurotransmitters work. Over time, the brain becomes so reliant on the drug that it needs it to function properly.
The longer a person uses Adderall without proper prescription and medical use for them, the more likely it is for that individual to suffer from health complications. Even if you’ve used the drug for a long time without risk, this can change with the next dose.
How to Get Treatment for Adderall Addiction
If you’re worried you may have an addiction to Adderall, know you’re not alone. Professional consultation and treatment can help.
