Adderall Addiction: What You Should Know
Doing more Adderall than the prescribed amount or changing its dosage for more powerful effects could lead to an increase in addiction. Be aware that it’s normal to build tolerance to Adderall when you take the medication as prescribed, but this shouldn’t be an issue to be concerned about.
Is Adderall addictive?
Adderall is addictive when it’s taken at a higher dose than that prescribed by a physician. Adderall is a prescription drug comprised of a mix of dextroamphetamine as well as amphetamine. It’s approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat ADHD (ADHD) and a sleep disorder called narcolepsy.
Adderall is regarded as a central nervous system stimulant. However, using the right dosage can help people with ADHD focus and reduce stress.
If you’re taking Adderall and experience a withdrawal, you might find that the drug doesn’t control the symptoms as time passes. You may need to take more drug doses to experience the effects.
Many intentionally take huge quantities of Adderall to experience a euphoric “high.” Overusing or misusing Adderall is extremely risky. It could cause withdrawal symptoms, heart issues, or sometimes, even death on the spot.
If you think you may have a dependence or addiction to Adderall, consult your physician. They can assist you with the next steps to take and get treatment.
What is the reason for Adderall’s addiction?
Doctors usually prescribe Adderall with the most effective dosage, that is. If taken as directed, it has the lowest risk of dependence and addiction.
The dosage of Adderall generally ranges from 5-60 milligrams (mg) daily. The typical dosage for adolescents is only 10 mg a day. Their doctor will gradually increase their dosage until ADHD or Narcolepsy symptoms are treated.
Addiction to Adderall may occur when someone uses:
- greater than their prescribed dose
- Adderall for longer durations of time than the prescribed
- Adderall more often than the prescribed
A few people deliberately use Adderall to feel the stimulant effect. It can let them stay awake all night studying or improve their mental performance. Adderall is a prescription drug in pills. Some individuals snort it or inject it to boost its effects.
Due to the high danger of misuse, Adderall is listed as a federally controlled Schedule II substance.
Who’s at risk of Adderall dependency?
Young adults and teenagers are the most vulnerable to Adderall addiction. However, anyone who takes Adderall is susceptible to becoming addicted.
Most people who abuse Adderall seek stimulants, continuous awakens, improved concentration, greater energy, or weight loss. The following categories are likely to develop a dependency on Adderall:
- Students
- athletes
- individuals with someone with an eating disorder such as anorexia or those trying to shed some weight
- People who have stressful jobs
- people who have a history of using drugs
Adderall may interact with other drugs. You’re more at risk of developing a dependency on Adderall if you are also taking any of the following drugs:
- decongestants
- antidepressants
- medication for pain
- antacids
- antileisure medications
- Blood thinners
- blood pressure medications
- lithium
What are the signs of an Adderall dependence?
Users who abuse Adderall might feel happy after they consume the drug. Eventually, they will be compelled to take more doses to feel better. Once Adderall gets rid of them, they begin to experience feelings of nervousness and anger. It is possible that they feel depressed.
The people who use Adderall are likely to exhibit “drug-seeking” behaviors. This could include:
- investing a substantial amount of time and money to obtain the medication
- Avoiding the responsibilities of life
- becoming secretive or socially isolated
- “doctor shopping,” or visiting a variety of pharmacies to fill Adderall prescriptions
- manipulating crushing, snorting, or manipulating Adderall to enhance or speed up its effects
- significantly reducing their levels of grooming or self-care.
When their Adderall dosage wears off, they’ll likely begin experiencing physical signs of withdrawal or an ” Adderall crash.”
The withdrawal symptoms of Adderall can be:
- restlessness
- insomnia
- weight loss
- high heart rate
- dizziness
- fatigue
- seizures
- panic attacks
- fuzzy vision
- hypertension
- paranoia
- Dry mouth
- Suicidal ideas
- depression
Utilizing Adderall could lead to an increase in tolerance. This means that more of the drug is required for the body to feel its effects. This could lead to an overdose that could be fatal.
The signs that suggest the presence of Adderall dose could include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- earthquakes
- The fever
- fainting
- rapid heart rate
- rapid breathing
- chest pain
- seizures
- heart attack
What is the process of getting an Adderall addiction identified?
If you’ve noticed that your usage of Adderall causes you to require greater dosages (tolerance) or causes you to feel awful after stopping using it (withdrawal), Make an appointment with your doctor.
During your visit, the doctor will examine your medical background. They’ll ask questions about your Adderall use, including your dose and how frequently you take it. Your doctor will also need to know which other medicines you’re taking. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications as well as vitamins and supplements.
The doctor may also be able to ask questions about the symptoms you experience after you experience the Adderall effects begin to wear off. They might also conduct physical examinations and measure your blood pressure and heart rate.
Your physician will likely refer to the most current diagnostic criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to determine a diagnosis.
If your doctor decides you are addicted to Adderall or other medications, they might recommend you to a rehabilitation center or detox center to assist you in recovering.
What is the procedure for treating an Adderall addiction managed?
There aren’t any approved drugs to treat Adderall addiction.
Instead, the treatment focuses on guiding patients through an elimination process. Stimulating from stimulants such as Adderall can be very difficult and stressful for your body. Your physician will refer you to an outpatient or inpatient rehab or detox center.
During rehabilitation, medical professionals can assist you with withdrawing and help you to manage withdrawal symptoms. It’s not recommended to stop taking Adderall abruptly. Instead, your doctor will gradually reduce the dosage while under the supervision of a medical professional. This is known as tapering.
The general steps to treatment of an Adderall addiction are the steps listed below:
- Join a detox or rehabilitation program.
- Request a medical examination and a medical assessment.
- Taper Adrenalin under the supervision of a medical professional.
- Control withdrawal symptoms.
- Try psychotherapy or behavioral therapy.
- Aftercare plan. This may include regular individual or group psychotherapy sessions provided by licensed psychotherapists.
The therapists and doctors in the rehabilitation center will aid you in learning how you can live a life free of drugs. They will help you develop new, healthy coping methods to lead a more fulfilling life.
What’s the chance for someone who has the Adderall dependency?
The more time you use Adderall, the more intense the addiction may develop.
The withdrawal symptoms can make it very difficult to stop by yourself. However, it is possible to quit with a bit of assistance. There are a variety of options to treat the symptoms of Adderall addiction. This includes rehabilitation and therapy centers.
The withdrawal symptoms can last between a few days and several weeks. But, likely, detox won’t suffice to ensure complete recovery. It is recommended to follow the treatment of substance use disorders program. It will help avoid relapses and promote long-term recovery.
To prevent an Adderall dependence, adhere to the prescriptions of your doctor. Please do not take a higher dosage; increase the frequency or dosage when taking it for a longer duration.
Make sure you adhere to the guidelines on the label of your prescription. Consult your physician or pharmacist to explain any section you need help understanding.