What Does Adderall Do?

What Does Adderall Do to The Body & Brain? Signs & Symptoms, Withdrawal, Detox and Treatment of Adderall Abuse and Addiction


What is Adderall?

Adderall is a prescription drug that contains two major components (dextroamphetamine and amphetamine). It belongs to a class of drugs called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. It is primarily used in the treatment of narcolepsy (sleep disorder) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). One of the significant Adderall side effects is addiction. Adderall is addictive when taken at levels higher than what’s prescribed by a doctor. Addiction to this medication can imbalance a person’s mind, harm their body, and destroy important relationships. Without the proper help, the damaging effects of Adderall addiction will be left to continue.

Please remember that Adderall has side effects such as restlessness, nervousness, headaches, and more. Moreover, Adderall withdrawal is a serious issue, and it is critical to take this prescription drug under the supervision of a physician. According to the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) [1], Adderall is a Schedule II controlled drug because it may lead to dependence or abuse.

This is a serious drug that has serious consequences. Adderall is addictive mainly because of its stimulant qualities. You asked: what does Adderall do to your body? Adderall works by increasing dopamine, a “feel-good” hormone, and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Someone can get used to these “high” over time and feel dependent on the drug.

What Does Adderall Do
Many people mistakenly believe Adderall is “safe” because doctors prescribe it. However, continued abuse of Adderall can lead to long-term side effects and an addiction that can be hard to break.

Signs of Adderall abuse can include: taking more than the recommended dose, mixing the drug with other substances, like alcohol, and injecting the drug.

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What does Adderall do to the brain of the person abusing this drug?

By increasing serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine activity levels, Adderall brings the brain down from a state of overstimulation to a state of baseline stimulation (where most people are, to begin with). Essentially, the drug targets the part of the brain responsible for controlling impulses and hyperactivity while lifting the fog of indecision and inattention. Adderall helps individuals with an ADHD diagnosis slow down and be “still” in their own minds and bodies. This adjustment of dopamine levels in the brain brings greater clarity and focus.

In addition to treating ADHD, the only other FDA-approved use for this prescription drug is to treat narcolepsy, a sleep disorder with no known cure [2]. Characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, the mixture of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine can help individuals diagnosed with narcolepsy feel alert and awake during the day, rather than out of it, sluggish and sleepy.

Adderall is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the country and one of the most abused. Individuals who want to get a lot of work done in a short period of time might turn to this drug for a quick boost to their concentration and memory. The real cause for concern when it comes to amphetamine, which is one of the two active ingredients of Adderall, is its effects on sleep and appetite.

Not sleeping may promote the drug’s psychotic effects, leading to displays of psychosis or paranoia. And not eating can negatively impact someone’s health. Some people also tend to mix drinking alcohol with Adderall use, which can cause problems.

Long-term use of this drug at high doses can cause significant Adderall side effects, including changes in how the brain produces neurotransmitters. Many of these Adderall side effects may be reversible once the individual quits taking Adderall. However, some Adderall side effects, such as heart damage, may not improve over time.

What does Adderall do to the body of the person abusing this drug?

These side effects of Adderall on the body can show even in someone who is taking the medication as prescribed, so it is good to be aware of them. Blatant abuse, including Adderall overdose and other psychoactive drugs, can result in much more severe side effects that can be deadly in some cases. One should never assume a drug is somehow “safe” to use in any dosage or conditions simply because it’s prescribed.

Taking this prescription drug without a prescription is illegal, and distributing or selling the substance is also unlawful. Adderall, when it’s not medically needed, and the dosage isn’t carefully monitored, has its own set of dangerous side effects, including addiction [3].

Here are a few of the more severe consequences of Adderall misuse:

  • Diarrhea
  • Uncontrollable shaking
  • Wide pupils and blurry vision
  • Seizures
  • Panic attacks
  • Fainting or loss of consciousness
  • Stomach cramps
  • Restlessness and irritability
  • Cardiac arrest

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What does Adderall do to the body of college students abusing this drug?

An issue that has received much publicity is the abuse of stimulant medications by college students. Research studies have suggested that perhaps as much as one-quarter of college students have abused stimulant medications that are commonly prescribed for the treatment of ADHD (e.g., Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta, etc.) as study aids. When the drugs are taken in this matter, they are typically ground and snorted in order to receive a much quicker effect than taking the drug orally in its pill form. This would certainly qualify for a potential abuse situation.

Moreover, abusers will very often develop high levels of tolerance and take doses of the drug that are significantly greater than the dose used for medicinal reasons. This practice results in the more rapid development of physical dependence on Adderall and in more severe withdrawal symptoms after the drug is discontinued. The research also suggests that abuse of drugs like Adderall by college students typically occurs in conjunction with the use of other substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs.

Research studies have suggested that men who are members of a fraternity and who are in very competitive college programs are at a higher risk of developing issues with stimulant abuse in college. These individuals typically have lower levels of college achievement, particularly in regard to their grades, than individuals who do not abuse stimulant medications. Most of these individuals get the drugs from a friend or relative or purchase them illicitly. This is according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse [4].

Signs of an Adderall Addiction

The brain of an addicted person is dependent on Adderall to stimulate productivity and alertness. Without this drug, addicted individuals often feel mentally foggy and tired. These are symptoms of Adderall withdrawal, a strong sign of an addiction.

Common signs of an Adderall addiction include:

  • Needing higher doses to feel the drug’s effects
  • Being unable to feel alert without the drug
  • Want to cut down on use but not have the ability to do so
  • Taking Addelajj despite knowledge of the harm it’s causing
  • Neglecting other activities in favor of using Adderall
  • Not being able to finish work without Adderall
  • Spending a lot of time and money getting, using, and recovering from the drug
  • Suffering withdrawal symptoms when not using Adderall
What does Adderall do
No matter the reason, mixing Adderall with other drugs increases overdose risks and complications such as heart attack.

No one intends to become addicted to Adderall. Usually, the problem starts as a way of increasing productivity on a stressful day at work or studying for an important test. Some individuals even fake the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to get their prescription for the drug.

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Symptoms of Adderall Addiction

The physical dependence on Adderall happens when someone has reached a situation where if they stop taking Adderall or reduce the dosage they take, they start to experience unpleasant Adderall withdrawal symptoms. Addiction to these drugs starts when the user begins to act in ways that are damaging to them in order to continue its use.

An Adderall addiction also refers to a person’s psychological or physical reliance on this drug, along with a specific set of behaviors. These people are usually unable to cope when they stop taking Adderall and will go to any length to obtain more of the prescription drugs

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. in addition, a person who is abusing this drug may become uncharacteristically talkative or active. In group settings, they may also lose their inhibitions and appear extremely happy.

Addiction to Adderall can occur when someone takes:

  • More than their prescribed dose
  • Adderall for longer periods of time than prescribed
  • Adderall more frequently than prescribed

Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms

In addition to Adderall’s side effects, there are also debilitating symptoms that result from the discontinuation of its use and a resulting withdrawal period:

  • Low energy
  • Inability to focus
  • Dry mouth
  • Tremors
  • Body aches
  • Mood swings
  • Overwhelming anxiety/panic attacks
  • Uncontrollable crying
  • Short-term memory loss
  • Intense cravings
  • Depression

Adderall Withdrawal Detox and Treatment

A qualified treatment center can monitor a person addicted to Adderall through detox, ensuring withdrawal symptoms are safely managed. Adderall detox often includes a taper-down strategy. This helps gradually expel the drug from the body to reduce uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms such as depression and fatigue.

A doctor should always be involved in an Adderall detox process. Uncomfortable side effects can take hold if a person quits the drug too fast. A doctor can set up a tapering schedule, typically lasting a few weeks or a few months, so a person can get sober safely.

Steps in Adderall Detox

  • With the help of a medical professional, set up a slow weaning schedule.
  • Seek emotional support and guidance from a mental health professional during detox.
  • Keep busy to distract from drug cravings.
  • Maintain a healthy eating and sleeping schedule, and take all prescribed medications or supplements.
  • Attend support groups, meetings, counseling sessions, family therapy, and aftercare programs.

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Adderall Withdrawal Detox and Treatment

A qualified treatment center can monitor a person addicted to Adderall through detox, ensuring withdrawal symptoms are safely managed. Adderall detox often includes a taper-down strategy. This helps gradually expel the drug from the body to reduce uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms such as depression and fatigue.

A doctor should always be involved in an Adderall detox process. Uncomfortable side effects can take hold if a person quits the drug too fast. A doctor can set up a tapering schedule, typically lasting a few weeks or a few months, so a person can get sober safely.

Steps in Adderall Detox

  • With the help of a medical professional, set up a slow weaning schedule.
  • Seek emotional support and guidance from a mental health professional during detox.
  • Keep busy to distract from drug cravings.
  • Maintain a healthy eating and sleeping schedule, and take all prescribed medications or supplements.
  • Attend support groups, meetings, counseling sessions, family therapy, and aftercare programs.

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The inpatient treatment approach works best as it aims to change the person’s behaviors. Also, help them establish social support systems and better methods of coping with stress. A person will likely experience many different side effects from their drug use. These side effects may be emotional, physical, or mental. For example, someone in withdrawal will likely experience many uncomfortable feelings and negative thoughts about life during the process of detox. Unfortunately for those with dependency, detox is an unavoidable first step of Adderall treatment, towards recovery [5].

Now that you’ve learned the answer to the question: What does Adderall do to your body? Please, do not try to detox on your own. The detox process can be painful and difficult without medical assistance. However, getting through the detox process is crucial for continued treatment. We Level NJ provide proper care with round-the-clock medical staff to medically assist your recovery. So, reclaim your life, call us to speak with one of our treatment specialists. Our counselors know what you are going through and will answer any of your questions.

What does Adderall do
Obsessive thoughts about Adderall and cravings are also an indicator of addictive behavior.

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Sources:

[1] DEA – https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/

[2] FDA – https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2007/011522s040lbl.pdf

[3] NIDA – https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/prescription-stimulants

[4] NIDA – https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/trends-statistics/infographics/drug-alcohol-use-in-college-age-adults-in-2018

[5] We Level UpAdderall Treatment