Adderall, a stimulant drug, is a powerful substance used for treating symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy, and it is a prescription medication that is generally administered in small doses.
Many individuals are misusing Adderall for its effects on the central nervous system by stimulating alertness and increasing energy.
The fact that so many people fail to recognize the devastating harm this substance has on both physical and mental health is a concern and one that can lead to severe consequences.
Suppose you think you are addicted to Adderall or quitting Adderall and finding it difficult. In that case, you may be considering getting help and seeking the type of treatment needed for addiction to stimulants.
Struggling with Adderall addiction can be a real challenge, but fortunately, several rehab treatment programs can assist with the recovery process.
Adderall Use
Adderall is an effective drug used for conditions such as ADHD or narcolepsy, a type of sleep disorder, and stimulates the body both physically and mentally. It is a combined drug consisting of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine and belongs to the category of substances known as stimulants.
Taken as prescribed and in small doses, there is a reduced risk of experiencing serious side effects.
However, the substance has become very popular in recent times and is becoming a major concern for overdose.
Many students are misusing the substance, commonly known as a “study drug,” whereby frequent use of the drug allows scholars to enhance their academic performance while fitting in a hectic social life at the same time.
Partying till late and studying all day would not be possible to withstand after a short time, but with the help of Adderall, their state of alertness and heightened energy ensures relentless activity without the need for rest and sleep.
Not only students, but there is also an incline in the number of professionals taking Adderall who have demanding jobs or need high levels of concentration. Recreational use can produce extreme levels of energy along with the feeling of being high.
In other cases of Adderall abuse, it may be used by athletes for increased performance or those wanting to lose weight, as the components of the substance are known to suppress appetite.
Unfortunately, Adderall is extremely addictive and after a short use, there is a high risk of developing dependency making it highly unlikely to quit, more worrying is because the dosage is not regulated, the chance of overdosing on the substance is a harsh reality.
What Are The Side Effects Of Adderall?
Adderall typically comes in the form of a tablet or a capsule. People using the substance inappropriately crush the tablet into a fine powder and then snort it directly into the sinus cavity.
The reason for this action is because inhaling the powder in this way has a faster reaction time rather than through swallowing. The substance can also be ingested by smoking or injecting it.
Snorting the substance over prolonged use can seriously damage the sinus and nasal cavities as well as cause blistering or peeling of the skin. Some of the common side effects of taking Adderall appear initially in the form of headaches or having a dry mouth with some hyperexcitability or nervousness.
Other symptoms develop in the way of decreased appetite and significant weight loss, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, insomnia, and defined mood swings.
As with most substances, ingestion causes the individual to experience a high state of euphoria until the effects of the drug begin to fade. Constant use of Adderall can lead to dependency and addiction with an elevated risk of overdosing on the substance.
Adderall Dependency Or Adderall Addiction?
When a person is described as having a dependence on a substance, it signifies that the drug is used regularly as the body has become accustomed to receiving it and has adapted to it. When attempting to reduce or completely stop using the drug, the body reacts by manifesting various withdrawal symptoms.
Generally, these withdrawal symptoms are unpleasant and, at times, violent, making the person unable to terminate their drug use.
Addiction develops when an individual who already has a dependence becomes obsessed with obtaining the substance as a way of life and is unable to function normally without it.
With Adderall abuse, one of the most obvious signs of addiction is an individual’s compulsive drug-seeking behavior. People affected by addiction to Adderall will go out of their way to obtain the drug and spend most of their time thinking only about the substance and how to obtain it.
Because Adderall is a prescription medication, people will go doctor shopping, meaning they will try to obtain as many prescriptions as possible through various centers and clinics and then distribute them around various pharmacies to avoid detection of their actions.
It should be mentioned that Adderall is a legal drug when prescribed correctly, but without medical authorization, the substance use becomes illicit with legal consequences. However, as people ignore these legalities, Adderall is easily available and can be bought on the streets illegally.
Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms
Stimulants such as Adderall are extremely addictive, and attempting to stop taking them can induce a series of unpredictable withdrawal symptoms.
These symptoms can vary between individuals; how they manifest depends on several factors such as the severity of addiction, age and overall health of a person, frequency of use, and amount taken.
Most mild symptoms will appear as having flushed skin, a lack of appetite, dilated pupils, or signs of restlessness. However, there is a likelihood of developing more serious symptoms of hyperactivity, nausea or vomiting, or shaking of the lower limbs.
Life-threatening symptoms affect blood pressure, causing rapid heartbeat and fast breathing. These symptoms need urgent medical attention to prevent the risk of respiratory depression, heart attack, or stroke. Severe cases can show signs of psychosis, aggressive behavior, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts and are not unusual.
Recognizing Adderall Addictive Behavior
As with most drug addictions, there are certain behaviors to look out for if you have any concern for someone you care for. It’s not easy to confront someone about their drug use, and more often than not, the person approached will be in denial. Sometimes, the signs may not be clear until an addiction has developed and when a person finds themself struggling to quit or cut back.
As a guide for considering the need for help, when a user begins taking the substance in larger amounts and continues use when not intended, that indicates a tendency to use the drug, leading to dependency. Constant use is accompanied by cravings and a heightened desire for the drug without heeding to specific places where its use can cause harm, such as in the workplace or while driving.
Physical appearance and hygiene can deteriorate, as can failure to perform responsibilities like work and neglecting interpersonal relationships. The individual may be fully aware of the health consequences but continue using regardless and spend considerable time trying to obtain the substance.
Strangely, one may witness an individual behave with a persistent urge to consume the drug with intense cravings or may show a significant repetition of unsuccessful attempts to either quit the drug completely or reduce their intake.
This behavior may relate to individuals wanting to cease use but finding they are unable to endure withdrawal symptoms, so they resort back to habitual use to avoid unpleasantness or discomfort.
Adderall Addiction Treatment
Treatment options for Adderall addiction can either be through residential treatment as an inpatient at a reputable rehab facility or as an outpatient. The option considered the best course of action will depend on the severity of addiction and what best suits an individual’s needs.
The first stage of treatment is the detox process. This procedure is an important phase of ridding the body of harmful substances. Drug detox is generally carried out by a medical team that supervises withdrawal symptoms and can intervene in the event of any unpredictable complications.
In severe cases of Adderall addiction, users are generally tapered off the substance little by little. This gradual elimination makes withdrawal symptoms less unpleasant and minimizes intense cravings.
After a successful detox program, the individual commences a series of modalities and therapeutic sessions for ongoing support to help achieve a successful recovery.
Identifying any root cause or underlying issue leading to addiction can also be treated simultaneously through dual diagnosis treatment.
Learning new coping strategies and changing thought patterns and behaviors are part of the comprehensive treatment program conducted by qualified therapists and counselors.
Applying a holistic approach within the treatment plan also addresses the physical, psychological, spiritual, and emotional aspects of addiction and contributes to achieving a healthier and more rewarding lifestyle.
Find Adderall Addiction Treatment
When it comes to finding professional help to stop using Adderall, one may be assured that many rehab centers can treat Adderall addiction with high rates of success.
Many rehabs are capable of treating people addicted to the substance, each having its unique specialties and amenities, some are more basic while others offer luxurious facilities for patients to indulge in.
One should always consider the needs and requirements best suited to the individual requiring treatment and match the expectations for long-lasting recovery with ongoing care and support.
There are many splendid rehab facilities providing solutions for alcohol and substance abuse located in Southern California and are worth checking out for treating an Adderall addiction.
Learn More About Adderall Abuse With Luxe Recovery LA
Luxe Recovery LA is a premier luxury rehab center providing treatment for alcohol and most substance use disorders. You can find our addiction treatment center at 3787 Prestwick Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027.
We’re in Los Feliz, just a short drive from the Hollywood Hills area. We offer inpatient treatment for Adderall abuse and other co-occurring substance or mental health issues.
Reach out to us for more information on how we can help you or a loved one overcome the grip of addiction.
