Adderall Addiction Treatment, Side Effects, & Causes

What Is Adderall?

Adderall is a brand name for the combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine.  It’s a prescription drug used principally to treat ADHD or narcolepsy (daytime sleepiness).  The medication adjusts certain naturally occurring chemicals in your brain by enhancing the effects of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine.  However, the combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine can be habit-forming and may cause Adderall addiction.

Dextroamphetamine/amphetamine belongs to a class of drugs known as central nervous system stimulants. The Drug Enforcement Administration/Food and Drug Administration classifies these medications as schedule II drugs with a high potential for abuse in the United States.

Immediate-release and sustained-release amphetamine medications are FDA-approved to treat ADHD and narcolepsy in both adult and pediatric populations.  Non-FDA-approved clinical uses for dextroamphetamine/amphetamine include cerebrovascular accidents.  [1]  Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is the medical term for a stroke.

Dextroamphetamine Effects In Adderall Addiction

Dextroamphetamine is a synthetic substance related to natural sympathomimetic amines and the artificial agent amphetamine.  In the central nervous system (CNS), dextroamphetamine causes the release of dopamine within the mesocorticolimbic system, a significant component of the brain reward system, resulting in measurable behavioral changes such as euphoria. As a CNS stimulant, this agent may raise blood pressure and reduce appetite. Like other amphetamines, dextroamphetamine has a high potential for abuse, dependence, and addiction if used in high doses over extended times.  [2]

Amphetamines Effects In Adderall Addiction

Amphetamines are non-catecholamines, sympathomimetic amines with central nervous system (CNS) stimulant activity.  Amphetamines increase dopamine and norepinephrine in the synaptic space by elevating catecholamines from the presynaptic nerve terminals.  They also block norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake into the presynaptic neuron by competitive inhibition—released norepinephrine affecting alpha-adrenergic and beta-adrenergic receptor sites.

Amphetamines are DEA Schedule II controlled substances with a high potential for misuse and dependence.  Avoid administration for extended terms as it may lead to drug dependence.  Particular attention should focus on the possibility of cases obtaining amphetamines for non-therapeutic use.  Therefore, the drug should not be distributed to others, and healthcare professionals should prescribe or dispense the medication sparingly.

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Adderall Abuse Statistics

Stimulant prescriptions are quite common in the United States. About 16 million U.S. adults take one of these medications, with approximately 5 million having misused a prescription at least once. More than 56% of those who misuse stimulants report doing so because they wanted the benefits of the drugs’ cognitive enhancement. People in stressful school and work environments often abuse prescription stimulants to increase their productivity, without realizing the drugs can be addictive.

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Adderall Addiction Effects On The Central Nervous System

When prescribed and taken as advised, Adderall’s effects on the central nervous system can positive impact.  For instance, you may be more attentive during the day and become more focused and calm.

Potential Side Effects

Severe side effects include fever and weakness or numbness of the limbs.  In addition, an allergic reaction to Adderall may cause swelling of the tongue, throat, or face.  This is a medical emergency and should be treated immediately.

Other Serious Side Effects Include:

• Uncontrollable shaking, tics, or seizures
• Hallucinations, paranoia, and other thought problems
• Worsening mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately.

Adderall Addiction Withdrawal Symptoms

Adderall addiction or overusing the drug, then stopping abruptly can cause symptoms of withdrawal, such as:

Overdose Symptoms Of Adderall Addiction And Misuse

In case of overdose, if the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, immediately call emergency services.  [3]  Yes, a person can overdose on prescription stimulants such as Adderall.  An overdose happens when the person uses enough of the drug to produce a life-threatening reaction or death.

Symptoms Of Overdose Include:

How Do People Misuse Prescription Stimulants Like Adderall?

Most prescription stimulants come in tablet, capsule, or liquid form, which a person takes by mouth.  Misuse of a prescription stimulant means:

• Taking medication in a way or dose other than prescribed
• Taking someone else’s medication
• Taking medication only for the effect it causes—to get high

When misusing a prescription stimulant, people can consume the drug in its standard form.  Alternatively, they can crush tablets or open the capsules, dissolve the powder in water, and inject the liquid into a vein.  Some can also snort or smoke the powder.  [4]

The brain of an addicted person is dependent on Adderall to stimulate alertness and productivity.  Without Adderall, addicted people often feel tired and mentally foggy.  These are symptoms of Adderall withdrawal, a vital sign of an Adderall addiction. [5]

Adderall Addiction ADHD

By lowering impulsivity and enhancing focus and attention, Adderall has an impact on ADHD. By increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, Adderall benefits persons with ADHD by boosting the central nervous system’s activity.

Clinically diagnosed ADHD sufferers have dopamine-deficient brains. ADHD symptoms can be reduced by stimulants like Adderall, which raise dopamine levels in the brain. Among the issues that may be caused by ADHD are:

• Organization
• Task completion
• Concentration and focus
• Listening and following directions
• Hyperactive behaviors
• Short attention span

Detoxifying Your Body From Adderall Addiction

Adderall addiction is a complex issue that requires long-term treatment – not a quick fix.  Therefore, the first step in overcoming Adderall addiction is to seek help from your medical provider or a trained professional.

Clearing prescription drugs from the body and overcoming withdrawal symptoms is the goal of detox, which is the first step of treatment for Adderall addiction.

For anyone who suffers from Adderall addiction, just the thought of having to stop using can cause severe mental distress.  Given that, the medical detox process is managed with the help of a medical detox center.  In addition, a comprehensive team prescribing medications can alleviate your withdrawal pains while monitoring your health 24 hours. Thus, assuring both your safety and comfort. [5]

At We Level Up NJ, our thorough approach to Adderall addiction rehabilitation supports several levels of care to ensure the best possible outcome for every client who enters our doors.

Most Popular Adderall Addiction FAQs

Adderall Addiction Recovery in New Jersey

Our addiction Adderall treatment tailors the program to the individual and the individual to the recovery program and recovering from Adderall addiction. We begin by assessing our client’s history of mental health, drugs, and alcohol-related past.  The needs of each client are specific and personalized, as we aim to provide comprehensive support for mental health, addiction, and dual diagnosis treatment.

Clients in our residential therapy programs will live comfortably within the facility during this crucial and fragile time. This supportive environment is designed to give patients 24-hour care for sobriety, removing temptations for relapse and applying an air of recovery into every component of the treatment timeline.  At We Level Up NJ Treatment Center, we find that when clients are living in a supportive community, especially during their early recovery process, they can truly focus on what matters most: their recovery.

Make this your opportunity to reclaim your life.  Call today to speak with one of our treatment specialists.  We will help you explore Adderall addiction treatment options.  Your call is private and confidential, and there is never any obligation.

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