Adderall Addiction Guide 

The class of medications known as amphetamines includes the central nervous system stimulant Adderall (the commercial name for dextroamphetamine-amphetamine). With a doctor’s prescription, it is lawful in the US and was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1996. Read on to learn more about adderall addiction and how we can help you.

To learn more about how we can help you overcome all obstacles to a sober and fulfilling life, contact Myrtle Beach Recovery

Understanding Adderall Addiction

Adderall is quite effective at treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD. This is why physicians offer this drug for treatment. It is additionally administered for weight loss. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency has designated Adderall as a Schedule II substance (DEA).

This indicates that there is a “high potential for abuse” of the medication and that it may result in “severe psychological or physical dependence.” 

Adderall Abuse 

The majority of Adderall addicts do not abuse the substance out of a desire for pleasure. Initially, the goal is to carry out daily activities normally, interact with people normally, and perform better at work or school.

Adderall is widely used on high school and college campuses by young adults as a “study drug” for test-taking, which leads to widespread abuse. In order to improve performance, Adderall is also misused by athletes and professionals. 

Abuse of Adderall over time may result in physical dependence, which may pave the way for the emergence of a substance use disorder.

Abuse of Adderall may show up as:

  • Taking more than the recommended dosage or doing so for a longer period of time
  • Taking Adderall outside of the prescribed use (snorting Adderall by crushing pills)
  • Taking medication that was prescribed to someone else
  • Using Adderall to experience a high 
  • Spending a lot of time and money getting, using, and recovering from the drug
  • Being unable to feel alert without the drug

Adderall Abuse Symptoms

Some short-term adverse effects of Adderall include:

  • Insomnia
  • Mood changes
  • Headaches
  • Diarrhea
  • Uncomfortable stomach
  • Anxiety\Mania
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Drowsiness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

Adderall Abuse Statistics

Some prominent facts about Adderall abuse are as follows: 

  • In 2012, about 16 million stimulant prescriptions were written, roughly quadruple the number written in 2008. And over 116,000 people were admitted to rehab in 2012 due to an amphetamine addiction, such as Adderall.
  • Students who attend college full-time are twice as likely to abuse Adderall than their non-college peers.
  • Approximately 614 000 young individuals between the ages of 12 and 17 have used Adderall non-medically at some time in their life, according to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics.
  • Every year, about 1,500 emergency room visits are caused by drug abuse, and there are major side effects like stroke and insomnia.
  • Stimulant abuse is second only to opioid misuse in the US. 

Adderall Withdrawal 

When you stop taking the medication or dramatically reduce your dosage, you experience withdrawal symptoms from Adderall. This is due to the process of readjusting to life without it. These symptoms typically start to manifest within the first few days after the medicine is stopped.

Depending on a number of variables, such as how long you took Adderall for, your dosage, and whether you previously received psychiatric treatment, withdrawal symptoms from Adderall will differ from person to person. Some of the most typical signs of withdrawal are listed below: 

  • Stomach
  • Discomfort
  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Irritability
  • Fatigue
  • Sweating
  • Insomnia
  • Depression

The dip that follows an Adderall high is severe. Higher dosage users are more likely to have suicidal thoughts after stopping Adderall use. You may feel exceedingly melancholy and lethargic after a serious crash. You can get assistance from a rehab facility like Myrtle Beach Recovery to lessen the possibility of these more severe side effects. 

Get Help Today with Myrtle Beach Recovery 

If you or a loved one are struggling with Adderall addiction, let Myrtle Beach Recovery help you with our 12-step immersion program. Our experienced staff will help you work through the steps to help you regain control of your life.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you on your journey to sobriety.