Facts About Adderall
Adderall is the brand name for a prescribed medication that is responsible for stimulating the central nervous system. It contains a compound of both amphetamine and dextroamphetamine and is intended to treat issues such as narcolepsy, cognition issues, and ADHD. It can help users feel alert, present, and motivated.
Doctors only prescribe Adderall for patients who are not at risk of heart defects, high blood pressure, and other issues. When Adderall is abused, even if you have a prescription, the risks of addiction and overdose are present. At Banyan Treatment Center, our drug rehab in Massachusetts can help address Adderall addiction, as well as any other underlying mental health conditions that could be fueling the dependency in question.
How Overachieving Can Result in Addiction
Many people who abuse Adderall are doing so to boost their focus or performance. For instance, students often take Adderall in order to stay awake and study. Even adults, including those aware of the fact that this drug is highly addictive, will rely on this stimulant in order to optimize productivity as an employee. Although the drug is effective in enhancing energy, it presents an even greater risk for dependency. As an individual takes a substance, their body adapts and metabolizes the drug. That means that the next time they need to use it, they could require a larger dose to get the same effect.
This is the process that can easily snowball into a greater issue, one much more severe than a bad grade or job evaluation. Although Adderall addiction presents similar dangers to other substance use disorders, the key difference is the intention behind the abuse. Many people who abuse Adderall are students or working professionals who want to do their best in work or school. For them, the motivation isn’t exactly to get high. The motivation is to be better. This intention, sadly, won’t erase the real dangers that an Adderall addiction presents.
Who Is Most at Risk?
According to the National Library of Medicine, there are certain demographics of students who are more at risk for prescription stimulant abuse.1
They include:
- Male students
- Members of Greek life (sororities and fraternities)
- Students who recreationally consume other substances
A cornerstone of this kind of drug abuse is the way it makes its users feel “invincible.” In competitive cultures, it is understandable that people would resort to the use of a substance to optimize performance. What is crucial to remember is the risk of addiction and overdose.
Signs of Adderall Abuse and Addiction
This form of misuse often appears differently from other addictions. This is likely due to the circumstances that more commonly surround it. As stated before, it is more likely that a person abusing stimulants is doing so from a place of motivation rather than personal gratification. There are, however, some symptoms that can be spotted.
Signs of Adderall addiction include:
- Increased talkativeness
- Loss of appetite
- Aggression
- Unusual energy
- Social changes
- Secrecy
It is important to keep in mind that if someone is, in fact, succeeding academically or professionally, convincing them that their Adderall use is detrimental may not be an easy process. This highlights the fact that the stigma behind drug abuse does not always account for all susceptible to it. The imagery of individuals that are unable to hold a job or fulfill their obligations clearly won’t apply to these cases. Anyone, regardless of their economic, academic, or social status, can struggle with addiction.
If you suspect that a loved one is struggling, the professionals at our Massachusetts addiction treatment center are here to help. We help treat Adderall addiction with a variety of care levels, including partial hospitalization.
The Dangers of Adderall Withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms are a bit different than side effects. For instance, side effects happen during drug use, while withdrawals only happen if you stop said use.
Stopping use after abusing Adderall can result in a number of symptoms, including:
- Cramping and stomach aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping
- Severe mood changes like irritability or depression
These symptoms typically show up a day or two after ceasing use and can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Severity and length will ultimately depend on the physical anatomy of the user. Quitting “cold turkey” without the input of a medical professional can lead to more problems than solutions. With detox centers all around the country, Banyan can assist you through this challenging process and prepare you for any necessary treatments.
Side Effects to Keep in Mind
Countless people think that this drug is safe because it’s prescribed by a number of doctors. However, Adderall is a powerful stimulant that can create dangerous side effects.
These include:
- Liver failure
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Circulation issues
- Paranoia
- Aggression
- Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
An overdose has the potential to be fatal. If someone is showing signs of any of the above symptoms, call 911 or get them to the nearest emergency room.
Adderall Treatment Centers
Although the dangers of abuse are real, overcoming Adderall addiction is possible. It is never too late to get sober. Banyan offers amphetamine addiction treatment in Massachusetts, as well as programs specialized in treating a dependency on prescription pills.
Our clients can find sobriety with the help of inpatient and outpatient treatment options. When addiction is especially pronounced, many patients choose our intensive outpatient program. This IOP program provides therapy and continual support for recovery while allowing patients to maintain their sense of work-life balance. This can be especially useful for overachievers that may have ended up with an Adderall addiction without even realizing it. They may still have the opportunity to meet their obligations while taking care of themselves.
The dangers of Adderall addiction only worsen the longer it persists. If you or someone you know needs help getting sober, it’s time to contact our Massachusetts addiction treatment center. Contact us today at 888-280-4763 for more information on how to overcome your Adderall addiction.
Resources
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The dangers of Adderall addiction only worsen as time goes on. If you or someone you know needs help getting sober, it’s time to contact our Massachusetts drug treatment center. We offer PHP, IOP, OP, and residential treatments for overcoming Adderall addiction. Contact us today for more information on how to overcome your adderall addiction at 888-280-4763.
