Why adderall is abused

An Adderall dependency is a natural, expected physiological response to the drug. These individuals are usually unable to cope when they stop taking Adderall and will go to any length to obtain more of the medication. Use of the drug becomes the main priority of the individual.

They often run out of their prescription early due to taking more than prescribed, leaving them in withdrawal from the substance, which results in going to any length to obtain more of the substance. Obsessive thoughts about Adderall and cravings are also indicators of addictive behavior. It is a Schedule II controlled substance because of its strong addictive potential.

While it decreases fatigue in narcoleptic patients, it has the opposite effect in those with ADHD. Adderall comes as a tablet to be ingested orally, with doses ranging from 5 to 30 milligrams. Some people looking for immediate effects may crush up their tablets and snort their Adderall. Make a Call However, continued abuse of Adderall can lead to long-term side effects and an addiction that can be hard to break.

People abuse Adderall because it produces feelings of confidence, euphoria, increased concentration, and a suppressed appetite. These effects make Adderall a go-to choice for anyone looking for a boost in physical or mental performance. Taking Adderall without a prescription, or in a way not directed by a doctor, is considered abuse. This includes snorting Adderall pills or taking over large doses to get a stronger effect. Although people tend to associate Adderall abuse with high school and college students, many older people also use the drug.

Most people who have received treatment for an Adderall addiction started taking it when they were approximately 23, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. College students in particular make up a significant population of those abusing Adderall. Athletes Athletes may abuse Adderall to counter fatigue and enhance performance during practice and in competition.

In , Adderall abuse contributed to a record-breaking year of drug-related suspensions in the National Football League. People with eating disorders People struggling with eating disorders may abuse Adderall because it suppresses the appetite. If someone with an eating disorder becomes addicted to Adderall, they will often require treatment that addresses both issues simultaneously.

Adderall abuse can cause severe health-related problems, including potentially lethal overdose. There are several reasons for combining Adderall with other drugs. Some users may do this in an attempt to enhance the effects of Adderall. Some may even take a drug to relax if Adderall is preventing them from sleeping. No matter the reason, mixing Adderall with other drugs increases the risks of overdose and complications such as cardiac arrest.

In , 67 percent of people admitted to an emergency room for complications with prescription Stimulants like Adderall also had other drugs in their system. The chance of getting alcohol poisoning is higher for people taking Adderall. This is because the alertness Adderall produces can mask the effects of severe alcohol intoxication.

Someone on Adderall might not realize how much they have drunk and end up with alcohol poisoning. Studies have also shown that students using Adderall are more likely to abuse alcohol, Marijuana, and Cocaine. Learn More. Almost 16 million prescriptions for Stimulants like Adderall were written in , approximately triple the amount written in In , over , people were admitted to rehab for an addiction to Amphetamines like Adderall.

The longer you have been abusing Adderall, the stronger your addiction can become. According to the American Psychiatric Association, about 9 percent of kids ages nine to 17 and 2. For many individuals diagnosed with ADHD, Ritalin methylphenidate and Adderall amphetamine and dextroamphetamine are two medications that offer symptom relief.

Both medications are central nervous system stimulants, work in similar ways and have similar side effects, but for the purposes of this article, we're focusing on Adderall. By increasing the activity levels of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, Adderall brings the brain down from a state of overstimulation to a state of baseline stimulation where most people are to begin with.

Essentially, the drug taps into the part of the brain responsible for controlling hyperactivity and impulses while lifting the fog of inattention and indecision. It helps those with an ADHD diagnosis slow down and be "still" in their own minds and bodies. This adjustment of dopamine levels in the brain brings greater clarity and focus, like seeing through prescription eyeglasses for the first time. Marked by excessive daytime sleepiness, the mixture of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine can help people diagnosed with narcolepsy feel alert and awake during the day, rather than out of it, sluggish and sleepy.

Adderall is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the country, and also one of the most abused. Many people wrongly assume the drug is safe because it is so widely prescribed by doctors. Yes, it's safe— if it's your prescription, and you're using it as intended. When taking the medication outside of prescribed guidelines, the risk of developing a substance abuse problem is considerable.

Taking this prescription drug without a prescription is illegal, and selling or distributing the substance is also illegal, carrying a minimum sentence of five years in prison. And taking Adderall when it's not medically needed, and the dosage isn't carefully monitored, has its own set of dangerous side effects, including addiction.

If you take any addictive substance often enough, your brain becomes accustomed to it over time. In fact, repeated doses of addictive substances can actually change the chemistry of your brain. This is how the vicious cycle of substance abuse takes hold.

Overdose is unlikely but possible. Whether the orange or blue pills are swallowed, crushed and inhaled as powder, or "parachuted" crushed, wrapped in toilet paper and eaten to avoid the taste , it's rare to overdose on Adderall—but it can and does happen. According to Healthline, the typical prescribed dosage range is from five to 60 milligrams per day. A lethal dose is 20 to 25 mg. To put that in perspective: a lethal dose for someone who weighs pounds is about 1, mg.

However, if you're using a prescription amphetamine recreationally while also taking other drugs or medications, it's possible to overdose on less than the average lethal dosage.

These drugs can interact with blood pressure medications, antidepressants, cold or allergy medications, antacids and a host of other medications. Some people also experiment by mixing "addys" with alcohol, which can lead to alcohol poisoning, coma or a life-threatening overdose. Every year, thousands of young adults are sent to the ER for Adderall abuse and its dangerous side effects.

The tablets and capsules are widely known by high school and college students as "study buddies" or "smart drugs. Adderall can stay active in the bloodstream for four to six hours, and an extended-release capsule can last up to 12 hours. It's no surprise that, according to the National Center for Health Research, nearly 75 percent of prescription stimulant abuse happens on high school and college campuses. Treatments for Adderall are similar to those available for other drugs at the center of addictions.

Inpatient treatment can create an environment free from the normal temptations that led someone to their use disorder in the past. Cognitive behavioral therapy CBT and step meetings can also help. Contact a treatment provider today to explore available options.

After graduation, he decided to pursue his passion of writing and editing. All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional. Theresa is also a Certified Professional Life Coach and volunteers at a local mental health facility helping individuals who struggle with homelessness and addiction.

Theresa is a well-rounded clinician with experience working as a Primary Addiction Counselor, Case Manager and Director of Utilization Review in various treatment centers for addiction and mental health in Florida, Minnesota, and Colorado. She also has experience with admissions, marketing, and outreach.

As a proud recovering addict herself, Theresa understands first-hand the struggles of addiction. There is no limit to what Theresa is willing to do to make a difference in the field of Addiction!

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