09 Sep

Signs and Symptoms of Adderall Addiction

Adderal has become a popular drug frequently misused by teenagers and young adults. Thanks to pop culture, television, and movies, Adderall has been portrayed as a drug that helps enhance studying and as a party drug.

However, misusing Adderall without a prescription can negatively impact your body and mind. By learning more about the signs of Adderall addiction and the dangers of misusing this medication, you can make informed decisions and determine when you need to seek help.

What Is Adderall?

Adderall is the brand name for a prescription medication to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, a condition that causes people to fall asleep easily. In fact, Adderall is a stimulant to help people stay awake and focused.

However, it is often misused to enhance cognitive functioning, suppress appetite, and enhance sports performance. As a result, it is easy to get hooked on Adderall when it is not needed to treat ADHD or narcolepsy.

Effects of Adderall Misuse

One of the main effects of Adderall use is forcing the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain associated with pleasure. Also, it increases the release of norepinephrine, another neurotransmitter responsible for improving cognitive functions, focus, and alertness.

For those with a prescription, this increase in the release is necessary to offset the symptoms of their condition. However, for those misusing Adderall, it causes euphoric sensations, as well as:

• Lowering Inhibitions
• Hyperactivity
• Becoming Very Talkative
• Increased Focus
• Increased Energy
• Reduced Appetite
• Overly Excited

As the effects of the drug start to wear off, the person often experiences what’s known as a crash, where they become sluggish and very sleepy. In addition, they may notice they feel extremely hungry.

Symptoms and Signs of Adderall Addiction

Continued misuse of Adderall causes the brain to crave the drug to experience the euphoric sensations. However, the more the drug is abused, the more the body builds a tolerance to it. Unfortunately, to achieve the desired effects, higher dosages of the medication have to be taken to achieve the desired effects.

Symptoms of Adderall Addiction

• Hair Loss
• Nausea
• Skin Problems
• Kidney Damage
• Sexual Performance Issues
• Insomnia
• Panic Attacks
• Mood Swings
• Seizures
• Heart Attack
• Uncontrolled Shaking
• Vomiting
• Extreme Weight Loss

Signs of Adderall Addiction

• Extreme cravings for Adderall
• Continued use despite knowing the negative impacts to health, relationships, and finances
• Engagement in risky and dangerous behaviors, like unprotected sex with multiple partners or theft
• Paranoia or anxiety when not in possession of Adderall
• Hallucinations
• Experimentation with different ways to misuse Adderall (crushing and snorting, injection)
• You become less concerned about what others think of you and your Adderall misuse
• Isolation from family and friends

Who Misuses Adderall the Most?

According to SAMHSA, 15 to 24-year-olds abuse Adderall the most. The number of accidental overdose deaths increased by almost 50 percent from 2019 to 2020. Furthermore, Adderall is one of the most misused prescription drugs by this age group.

Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms

The initial Adderall withdrawal symptoms begin within one to three days of discontinuing the drug. These physical symptoms include cramping, headaches, muscle aches, flu-like symptoms, and increased appetite.

Around day four, the physical withdrawal symptoms intensify and peak in about seven to fourteen days. Also, negative psychological symptoms emerge, include intense cravings for Adderall, depression, anxiety, and mood swings. After they peak, the withdrawal symptoms will gradually subside in about a month or two. However, if psychological symptoms persist, it may be time to consider professional mental health treatment.

How to Safely Withdrawl from Adderall

Quitting Adderall misuse “cold turkey” is never a good idea. By far the safest way to withdraw from Adderall is with medically assisted detox.

Without medically supervised detox, the withdrawal symptoms can be quite intense and even life-threatening, depending on how long you abused Adderall, the amount taken, and the frequency of use. In short, medical supervision ensures your withdrawal process is as smooth and painless as possible.

Find Help for Adderall Addiction with At-Home Detox in Beverly Hills, CA

Here at MD Home Detox, we are waiting with open arms to help you start your at-home Adderall detox. We provide concierge-level customizable detox programs in Beverly Hills and the Los Angeles area. Thanks to our network of preferred professionals, we can help you continue addiction treatment after you complete your at-home detox. For further information about our medically supervised at-home Adderall detox and addiction treatment, contact us today.