How many times have we probably commented on other people’s behavior by saying, “They must be on drugs.” You know, the type of person who has increased energy levels, never tires, and is always on the go with minimal effort.
This erratic and energetic behavior may not be far from the truth as more and more individuals resort to taking stimulant drugs to maintain performance and alertness but are putting their mental and physical health at risk while doing so.
One of the main culprits for overstimulating the body’s natural responses is a substance called Adderall, which is becoming a popular choice to help keep up with the demands expected of us in today’s hectic society.
The Adderall Temptation
Adderall is known as a stimulant that has an impact on the central nervous system. It is a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine substances that effectively help individuals suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and is the prime treatment for this condition.
It is also administered for conditions like narcolepsy, which is a type of sleep disorder. Using this drug can boost the central nervous system which speeds up certain functions within the body.
Adderall is usually taken in small doses and is always prescribed by a doctor with precise instructions and the correct dosage to be used.
This is because some adverse side effects can result from using the substance, so minimal amounts can help avoid any serious issues. Using the drug for recreational use or inappropriately without a medical prescription is an illegal practice that can have serious consequences.
However, many individuals ignore the illicit concerns and seek out the substance at whatever cost to fulfill the desired effects the drug has on the body.
Why use Adderall if not prescribed? The temptation lies in the powerful stimulant this substance releases. It is a drug proving popular among students who want to achieve academic recognition while juggling their social lives and who find the demands too difficult.
The use of Adderall by students gives them an elevated resistance to weariness, allowing them to sleep less and stay alert. Partying at night and studying during the day would normally take its toll, and one becomes exhausted, but Adderall makes it possible to keep going relentlessly.
Not just students but other individuals who have demanding jobs or need high levels of concentration are also experimenting with Adderall.
It is also highly used for people wanting to lose weight as the substance is known for having properties that help suppress appetite.
The problem with this particular substance is that it becomes extremely addictive and a potential risk for overdose.
How Do People Use Adderall?
A doctor’s prescription of Adderall will generally appear in the form of a tablet or capsule with a specific dosage of the substance to be taken.
Individuals who abuse the substance prefer to snort it through the nose. The reason behind this is that by snorting, the substance has a more immediate effect and is more potent than in capsule form.
Typically, an individual will crush the tablet into a fine powder and sniff it up into the sinus cavity of the nose.
This action of snorting carries additional risks as, over time, the substance can cause damage to the nasal and sinus cavities as well as making heart-related conditions more probable.
Whether taken intentionally or accidentally, Adderall is a potentially dangerous drug associated with overdose.
How To Spot Signs Of Adderall Addiction
There are several warning signs of abuse when someone is struggling with Adderall.
The first noticeable signs often appear with changes in behavior. As individuals increase their consumption of the drug, they start showing extreme bouts of excitement, talkative, and quick thinking.
They have an intense presence with increased energy to work or participate at elevated levels, sometimes showing off with the pretense of being invincible. This hyperactivity is pretty consistent making it easier to distinguish as not normal behavior in extreme circumstances.
However, these behaviors may seem neutral and may have their uses, but physically, there are negative effects that can prove harmful. Some individuals who use Adderall inappropriately may develop feelings of nausea and vomiting accompanied by phases of constipation or diarrhea. There may be noticeable weight loss, and often, people experience bad headaches, a dry mouth, and some form of hand or foot shaking.
It is not unusual for individuals to see changes in their sexual interests.
Psychologically, the damage can be more profound as this substance can have an impact on mental health. Anyone addicted to Adderall may seem nervous and on edge all the time, with unpleasant episodes of anxiety or depression.
Less common but still a concern is the risk of a person experiencing hallucinations or delusions.
The most significant sign of Adderall misuse is when an individual thinks of nothing else but the addictive substance.
It becomes difficult to ignore when someone prioritizes the approach they must take to get hold of the drug, which becomes obsessive.
An individual needing to take Adderall will often go doctor shopping. This is a tactic used to visit as many doctors as possible to obtain a prescription for the drug.
Once they receive a prescription, they use various pharmacies to avoid possible detection. Like many other substances, Adderall can be purchased on the streets illegally.
Users will spend considerable time working out ways to obtain the substance and will go to extreme measures if needed. They have an overwhelming fear of not having access to the drug, which is the reason for their fixation.
You may notice that people taking the drug begin to neglect responsibilities. Initially, there may be a lack of hygiene and personal appearance, but it rapidly evolves into avoiding activities with family or friends. Losing interest in work or school responsibilities is common when addiction sets in.
What Are The Long-Term Effects Of Adderall?
The sudden effects of snorting Adderall may be obvious even after first-time use, such as being over-talkative and highly excitable, but when someone uses the drug often and develops an addiction, the long-term effects can become harmful, even dangerous.
Some people develop chest pains, skin complaints, eyesight problems, or tingling and numbness in fingers or toes. Mental issues can develop, such as mania, sensations of paranoia, and even seizures.
Sadly, after continued use of Adderall, the purpose intended at the start can revert to having a negative outcome. In other words, what may have started as a way to accomplish more at work or school becomes less appealing and leads to a severe decline in how one performs.
Long-term use will cause poor health both physically and psychologically, breakdowns of social and family relationships, and possible financial problems or legal issues.
Anyone attempting to withdraw from Adderall may experience irritability, a decline in energy, headaches, or insomnia. The withdrawal process is a difficult stage and may involve long-term side effects associated with panic, nightmares, or suicidal thoughts.
Adderall Addiction Treatment
It is sad to think that the number of individuals captivated by this powerful drug failed to recognize the potential risks of abuse and addiction.
Perhaps the warning signs of Adderall abuse need to be more emphasized, and people should be more aware of the dangers and risks of addiction.
That said, there is hope. Fortunately, there are many rehab centers and treatment centers providing solutions for alcohol and a wide range of substance use disorders.
To successfully withdraw from Adderall, an individual needs to participate in a detox process. Most centers offer medication-assisted treatment that allows a highly qualified medical team to supervise the procedure around the clock and intervene should any unpredictable withdrawal symptoms arise.
As with most addictions, people have their unique needs and requirements and all can respond in different ways to treatment.
For this reason, most leading rehabs provide a personalized, tailor-made treatment plan incorporating a series of therapeutical practices and other useful resources to address the addiction and help with the recovery process.
Residential treatment provides a safe environment for recovering addicts where they can participate in talking therapies and counseling sessions to help develop coping strategies and prevent relapse.
It is not unusual today to see most addiction treatment programs incorporating dual diagnosis treatment.
This is a useful practice that helps identify any underlying mental health issue or co-occurring disorder that may be a root cause for developing an addiction.
Seeking treatment for Adderall addiction is the first step and best course of action to avoid further complications or detrimental health consequences.
Effective Treatment For Adderall Addiction
Whether you have turned to using Adderall for eating disorders, professional accomplishment, recreational use, and wanting to get high or just to help stay awake, you may be finding that you are struggling when trying to cut back or stop taking the substance.
If you think you have a substance abuse problem, you may want to talk about it first.
At Luxe Recovery LA, we are non-judgemental, and you can talk to us with confidentiality. We understand the challenges of addiction to Adderall and other substances and recognize the difficulty in taking the first step to finding treatment.
Our dedicated and friendly staff can answer your questions and assist you with the process of admission as well as other concerns you may have.
We will give you all the information you want to know about us, our facilities, and our treatment programs to make your decisions easier.
Making that first move is essential in finding long-term recovery, and you may be assured we will look after you on your heroic journey every step of the way.
Call us today and let us put an end to your struggle with Adderall addiction, find happiness and a healthier way of life.
