Can You Smoke Adderall? Dangers & Effects of Adderall Addiction

Smoking Adderall can have negative consequences on health and increase the risk of fatal overdose. Adderall addiction means your body and mind are dependent on the drug. Read more about the different treatment options for you or your loved ones struggling with Adderall addiction.


Can You Smoke Adderall? Risks & Effects of Adderall Addiction

One of many popular prescription stimulants, Adderall treats attention problems and restlessness in individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The drug is sometimes prescribed to improve alertness in individuals with narcolepsy and other sleep disorders. Adderall can also be abused and has significant addiction potential. Some individuals may choose to abuse Adderall by smoking or snorting it.

How do you smoke Adderall? Smoking Adderall can cause it to enter the bloodstream even faster. The faster a drug reaches the brain and causes intoxication, the more addictive the drug is. Smoking Adderall causes the substance to enter the lungs and be absorbed into the blood through the alveoli (tiny branches of air tubes in the lungs) in a matter of seconds. Within a minute or two, Adderall entered the brain and started to affect dopamine release. Smoking

Adderall can cause lung damage. Chemicals binding to the lungs lead to inflammation, which may become permanent and cause emphysema, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This damage also increases the risk of lung cancer. Regardless of how a person abuse Adderall, taking this drug for no medical reason is dangerous and can lead to addiction. Stimulants can cause heart problems, and lung damage, and even affect memory and cognition.

How to Smoke Adderall?

Searching how to smoke Adderall might leave you with some mixed information. Adderall is a psychostimulant drug that is known to activate the central nervous system and increase the levels of concentration and alertness in those who take it. Like all drugs out there, the questions that sometimes pop up are if you can become addicted to it, and what kind of withdrawal symptoms can be expected when you stop taking it.

Smoking Adderall can be dangerous, as some people who smoke Adderall may not realize how much of it, they are ingesting. Taking too much Adderall within a short window of time can lead to an overdose. This can lead to heart complications, seizures, and other life-threatening consequences.

Side Effects of Smoking Adderall

Abusing Adderall, especially when smoking it, can cause lung damage, higher dependency, and ultimately lead to addiction and then withdrawal symptoms. 

Some of the other serious side effects you might experience from smoking Adderall include the following:

  • Heart rate fluctuations
  • Issues with your central nervous system
  • Psychosis
  • Rapid weight loss
  • ​Heart attack

Why is Adderall Addictive?

Adderall is addictive largely because of its stimulant qualities. People often take Adderall for help with focus and academic performance. It is also used to elevate mood and decrease appetite. The medication works by increasing dopamine—a ‘feel-good’ hormone—and norepinephrine levels in the central nervous system—the brain. People can get used to these high levels of dopamine and norepinephrine over time and feel dependent on the drug.

Adderall is typically reasonably easy to access, may be prevalent within certain populations (for instance, among college students), and may be perceived to carry only mild risk. Adderall abuse stems directly from its addictiveness. As tolerance to the drug grows, many Adderall users will feel the need to take more and more of the drug to achieve similar effects.

Signs of Adderall Abuse

Signs of Adderall abuse can include: 

  • Taking more than the recommended or prescribed dose of Adderall
  • Mixing the drug with other substances, like alcohol or weed
  • Smoking, injecting, or snorting the drug
  • Feeling unable to meet deadlines or complete work without taking the drug
  • Persistently spending time and energy seeking out the drug
  • Withdrawing from professional, academic, or social obligations
  • Unusual mood swings, including strong feelings of aggression, mania, restlessness, or excessive tiredness

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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.


2.1%

2.1% of males and 1.6% of females misuse prescription stimulants.

Source: NIDA

5.7 to 8.9

5.7 to 8.9 of males and 1.6% of females misuse prescription stimulants.

Source: NIDA

59 million or 21.4%

59 million or 21.4% of people 12 and over have used illegal drugs or misused prescription drugs within the last year.

Source: NIDA


 

Adderall Fact Sheet

Adderall

Adderall contains a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine.

Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine is used in the treatment of ADHD; narcolepsy and belongs to the drug class CNS stimulants. Risk cannot be ruled out during pregnancy.

Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine 20 mg is classified as a Schedule 2 controlled substance under the Controlled Substance Act (CSA).


Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine

Availability: Prescription only

Drug Class: CNS Stimulants

Pregnancy Category: C – risk cannot be ruled out

CSA Schedule2 – High potential for abuse

 

What are Amphetamines?


Amphetamines are stimulants that speed up the
body’s system. Some are legally prescribed and used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)


What is their effect on the mind?


The effects of amphetamines are similar to cocaine, but their onset is slower, and their duration is longer.


In contrast to cocaine, which is quickly removed
from the brain and is almost completely metabolized, methamphetamine remains in the central nervous system longer, and a larger percentage of the drug remains unchanged in the body, producing prolonged stimulant effects.


Chronic abuse produces a psychosis that
resembles schizophrenia and is characterized by
paranoia, picking at the skin, preoccupation with one’s own thoughts, and auditory and visual hallucinations. Violent and erratic behavior is frequently seen among chronic users of amphetamines.

Is Adderall Addictive If You’re Using it for ADHD?

ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health disorder that includes a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. Adult ADHD can lead to unstable relationships, poor work or school performance, low self-esteem, and other problems.

As a general rule, Adderall can be addictive whether or not you are using it to treat ADHD. However, if Adderall is being prescribed by a doctor for ADHD, its use will be monitored and moderated over time, helping to prevent addiction, and allowing for adjustment as needed. In fact, the use of Adderall in a prescribed setting can actually lessen the risk of addiction to Adderall or other stimulants. 

For people with ADHD, stimulants serve to create balanced brain chemistry that’s similar to a typical brain. When the drug is taken as directed, it’s unlikely to cause significant substance use problems. You may start to become tolerant of a stimulant if you use it for a long time. 

Can you smoke Adderall? Smoking and snorting drugs are two ways that people misuse drugs, so they affect brain pathways more rapidly.
 Can you smoke Adderall? Smoking and snorting drugs are two ways that people misuse drugs, so they affect brain pathways more rapidly.
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Can You Smoke Weed on Adderall?

Although Adderall has viable medical uses, it can also be abused and is addictive. Some individuals will take Adderall without a prescription to improve their focus. Others will simply take it for its euphoric effects. Its abuse can be dangerous regardless of the reason, but some individuals will go one step further and mix Adderall with weed in a combination sometimes known as weederall. This act is referred to as polysubstance use, where two drugs are mixed without medical supervision.

Can you smoke weed while taking Adderall? Those who have experienced mixing weed and Adderall sometimes report that the drugs can decrease unwanted effects of the other. Weed, for example, is sometimes said to reduce undesirable emotions related to Adderall like distress and agitation. In contrast, Adderall may help with fatigue or lowered cognitive functioning from weed.

Mixing a stimulant such as Adderall and a depressant like marijuana can come with serious consequences. Because everyone is unique, effects can be unpredictable, and not everyone will experience a harmonious interaction. Alone, long-term abuse of Adderall can lead to arrhythmia, increased blood pressure, and addiction. A prescription drug detox can help addicted users quit, but some of the other health problems may be irreversible. Can you take Adderall and smoke weed? Long-term marijuana abuse can be problematic as well and affect brain development leading to impaired thinking and memory problems.

Dangers Of Mixing Weed and Adderall

Adderall is a prescription medication that affects the central nervous system (CNS), and weed, or cannabis, is a psychoactive drug that provides a euphoric high. When combined these two substances can cause a range of health issues, particularly among people with pre-existing heart problems.

Arrhythmia (Irregular Heartbeat)

Both marijuana and Adderall can lead to increased heart rate and arrhythmia. Over time, using the two together may result in the development of more serious cardiovascular problems.

Increased Overdose Risk

Another potential danger of mixing the two substances is the increased risk of Adderall overdose. Some strains of weed are CNS depressants and may mask the stimulant effects of Adderall. As a result, people may be inclined to use more Adderall than they typically would.

Increased Risk for Mental Health Issues

Mental health issues may be exacerbated when Adderall and weed are combined, especially if a person has a pre-existing mental illness such as schizophrenia. Using Adderall and marijuana may also trigger paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions.

How do you smoke Adderall? Smoking Adderall can cause it to enter the bloodstream even faster. The faster a drug reaches the brain and causes intoxication, the more addictive the drug is.
How do you smoke Adderall? Smoking Adderall can cause it to enter the bloodstream even faster. The faster a drug reaches the brain and causes intoxication, the more addictive the drug is.

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Side Effects of Smoking Adderall

Adderall has a long list of adverse drug interactions and possible side effects. While the side effects are generally not severe enough to offset the benefits for someone with ADHD, they can be pretty serious when the drug is used outside of a prescription. These are some of the short- and long-term side effects of Adderall that you may experience if you use this stimulant drug without the oversight of a trained doctor.

Can you smoke Adderall? Smoking Adderall can have negative consequences on health and increase the risk for fatal overdose. 
Can you smoke Adderall? Smoking Adderall can have negative consequences on health and increase the risk of fatal overdose. 

Short-Term Side Effects

Short-term effects are those that happen right after or during the use or abuse of Adderall.

Short-term effects of Adderall include:

  • High blood pressure
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Fever
  • Dry mouth
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Insomnia
  • Euphoria
  • Anxiety
  • Unstable blood sugar
  • Changes in respiration rate

Long-Term Side Effects

People who take Adderall for an extended amount of time or abuse it in high doses for a long time due to addiction may experience more damaging effects.

Some long-term effects of Adderall misuse may include:

  • Lung cancer
  • Cardiovascular damage
  • Damage to the respiratory system
  • Heart attack
  • Seizures
  • Psychosis
  • Stroke
  • Paranoia
  • Weight loss
  • Mental illness

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Can I Overdose on Adderall?

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. A lethal dose is 20 to 25 mg. per kilogram of weight. (To put that in perspective: a lethal dose for someone who weighs 154 pounds is about 1,400 mg., or 25 times higher than what would be recommended.) 

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. 

Can you smoke Adderall? Adderall is one of the most abused prescription stimulants, in particular by young people
Can you smoke Adderall? Adderall is one of the most abused prescription stimulants, in particular by young people

Signs and Symptoms of an Overdose 

  • Vomiting 
  • Rapid breathing 
  • Stomach pain
  • Headaches 
  • Hallucinations 
  • Heart attack 
  • Fever of 106.7 or higher 
  • Tremors 
  • Death

 

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Adderall Addiction Treatment Options 

Many options are available to help the person stop taking Adderall and avoid serious side effects from substance abuse. Many Adderall users respond well to residential rehab programs. If you are experiencing Adderall addiction, it’s crucial first to get an accurate assessment of all the symptoms. When the symptoms have been evaluated by a mental health professional, it may be determined that another form of mental condition is present and needs a particular type of treatment. 

Medically Assisted Detox

Medical detox is often considered the first stage of treatment. It will help you navigate the complicated Adderall addiction withdrawal process but doesn’t address patterns of thought and behavior contributing to drug use. Various treatment approaches and settings can help provide the ongoing support necessary to maintain long-term sobriety after you complete detox.

Cravings are very common during detox and can be challenging to overcome. This often leads to relapse. Constant medical care provided during inpatient rehab treatment helps prevent relapse. Clinicians can give the necessary medication and medical expertise to lessen cravings and the effects of withdrawals.

Psychotherapy 

Several different modalities of psychotherapy have been used in the treatment of mental health disorders along with addiction, including:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – is an effective treatment that involves changing both the patterns of negative thoughts and the behavioral routines which are affecting the daily life of the depressed person for various forms of depression.
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) – is a comprehensive mental health and substance abuse treatment program whose ultimate goal is to aid patients in their efforts to build a life worth living. The main goal of DBT is to help a person develop what is referred to as a “clear mind.” 
  • Person-Centered Therapy – is a strategy that allows and encourages clients to understand and resolve their concerns in a safe, supportive environment.
  • Solution Focused Therapy – is an approach interested in solutions that can be quickly implemented with a simple first step leading to further positive consequences.
Can you smoke Adderall? Due to Adderall's addiction potential, a person can rapidly move from Adderall recreational use to misuse and to addiction
Can you smoke Adderall? Due to Adderall’s addiction potential, a person can rapidly move from Adderall recreational use to misuse and to addiction

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Drug abuse and mental health disorders often co-occur. In many cases, traumatic experiences can result in mental health disorders and substance abuse. Dual-diagnosis rehabilitation treats both of these issues together. The best approach for the treatment of dual diagnosis is an integrated system. This strategy treats both the substance abuse problem and the mental disorder simultaneously. Regardless of which diagnosis (mental health or substance abuse problem) came first, long-term recovery will depend mainly on the treatment for both disorders done by the same team or provider.

Medication-Assisted Treatments

Medication-Assisted Treatments (MAT) for substance use and mental health disorders are commonly used in conjunction with one another. This includes the use of medications and other medical procedures. During your rehab, the staff from your treatment facility will help you identify what caused your addiction and teach you skills that will help you change your behavior patterns and challenge the negative thoughts that led to your addiction. Sometimes, the pressures and problems in your life lead you to rely on substances to help you forget about them momentarily.

If you or a loved one are struggling with long-term drug abuse and a co-occurring mental health condition such as depression, contact one of our helpful treatment specialists today. We Level Up NJ can provide information on dual diagnosis and detox programs that may fit your specific needs.

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