Many people who abuse Adderall and other prescription drugs wrongly assume the drug is safe because it comes from a doctor. Adderall is a dangerous drug because even when used correctly it is known to be habit forming and addictive; but when it is abused it becomes life threatening, especially for an addict.

The use of Adderall is rarely stigmatized compared to that of other drugs, and as such, many people don’t recognize when a loved one has a problem with the dangers of Adderall. Between 2002 and 2012 prescriptions written by doctors for Adderall increased by nearly fivefold, making it even easier for people to get the drug from a friend or family member.

For those in recovery, Adderall has been known to instigate relapse for alcoholics, and has even been touted as the new “gateway” drug for the younger generation who used it for ADD/ADHD. Many young users were given Adderall to “treat” a condition, but they soon find they loved the way the drug temporarily made them feel. They then began to look for other drugs that could make them feel the same way, and lo and behold, waiting for them was cocaine, meth and a handful of others ready to fill that need.

The Dangers of Adderall

Adderall is a prescription amphetamine and a potent central nervous system (CNS) 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 (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). 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.

Adderall: Signs & Symptoms of Abuse

Adderall abuse can cause physical changes in the brain’s “neurocircuitry.” This leads to altered behaviors and even the development of mental disorders like depression. Some Adderall addicts even become suicidal after taking the drug over a prolonged period of time.

It’s no secret that Athletes taking Adderall have died because increased blood pressure lead to heat stroke and cardiac arrest, which is why amphetamines including Adderall, have been banned by the International Olympic Committee since 1968.

Abusing Adderall can cause side effects to occur with higher frequency and intensity and there are several ways that abuse can occur:

• By taking a higher dose of Adderall than prescribed.

• By taking it via a non-approved method, like snorting.

• By taking it for reasons other than a medical need (such as staying awake for long periods of time).

• By using the drug more frequently than prescribed.

• By using someone else’s medication.

• By purchasing the drug from an illicit source for non-medical use.

Here are some of the most well known telltale signs & symptoms of Adderall abuse:

• Being overly talkative

• Loss of appetite

• Social withdrawal/ Secretive behavior

• Financial troubles

• Aggression

• Sleeping for long periods of time

• Headaches

• Dry mouth

• Nausea

• Stomach upset

• Digestive issues

• Diarrhea or constipation

• High anxiety

• Restlessness

• Pounding or fast heartbeat

• Shortness of breath

• Difficulty sleeping and staying to sleep.

Detoxing from Adderall Addiction: Withdrawal and Treatment

The key to recognizing an Adderall addiction, just like with any other addiction, is recognizing certain behaviors. People who get addicted to Adderall prioritize using and obtaining the drug over everything else because they can’t function without it. An addicted person has trouble controlling how much Adderall they take and will eventually start ignoring important social or familial obligations.

People who try to stop Adderall and come down suddenly can cause a mental and physical “crash.” The crash usually comes with a host of unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms from Adderall can make it hard for users to want to quit on their own. If someone addicted to Adderall quits “cold turkey,” they will experience effects that are essentially the opposite of the drug’s positive effects. Unpleasant symptoms can include extreme fatigue, loss of concentration and an unusually slow heartbeat.

These days there are many treatments available for people addicted to Adderall. Rehabilitation centers can help provide detoxification services and will also aid in treating patients for psychological addictions as well as the physical.

An inpatient rehab is often the best option for those with a longer history of Adderall abuse because treatment will be supervised and take place in a setting free of temptations.

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