The Dangers of Adderall Addiction

Adderall is a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) that is used to treat the symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD. Adderall is classified as a central nervous system stimulant, a psychoactive drug, which means that it causes temporary improvements in either mental or physical functions or both. Examples of these kinds of effects are increased alertness and wakefulness. A Schedule II drug, Adderall is in the same category as cocaine, because of its highly addictive properties. Adderall is basically a legal form (by prescription) of crystal meth and methamphetamines. All of these substances are central nervous stimulators and can be extremely addictive.

Accessibility of Adderall

Although Adderall requires a prescription from a doctor or similar health professional, it is quite easily accessible to those without prescriptions. High school and college students either buy it off classmates who have an ADHD diagnosis and an Adderall prescription or they steal Adderall pills from family members who have been prescribed the drug.

Obtaining a prescription for Adderall is also relatively easy. Doctors rely on self-reporting from the patient in order to diagnose ADHD, by having the patient fill out a questionnaire. It is very easy to lie and say that you are suffering from ADHD symptoms such as distractibility, difficulty concentrating, and procrastination.

Statistics of Adderall Use and Abuse

Young adults are by far the fastest-growing segment of people taking ADHD medications, such as Adderall. In 2011, nearly 14 million monthly prescriptions for amphetamines like Adderall were written for Americans ages 20 to 39, which were two and a half times more from just four years before that, with 5.6 million prescriptions, according to I.M.S. Health Data Company. Various studies have estimated that 8 percent to 35 percent of college students take stimulant pills to enhance school performance. The concern is that savvy high school and college students are legally and easily obtaining prescriptions for Adderall from factory-run doctors’ offices.

Dangers of Adderall Addiction

Short term Adderall use causes a lack of appetite and therefore drastic and rapid weight loss, dry mouth, sweats, and anxiety. Amphetamines like Adderall also increase blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, high body temperature, and cardiovascular failure which can cause death.

Adderall use over time is incredibly dangerous can easily develop into Adderall addiction. Adderall addiction causes sleep disturbances and wacky sleep patterns, insomnia, darkening mood, such as depression, anxiety, irritability, mood swings and feelings of paranoia and hostility.

Furthermore, Adderall is a highly addictive medication that can cause serious psychological dangers. In rare cases, people who misuse stimulants such as Adderall become addicts with psychotic or suicidal tendencies.

Adderall Withdrawal

Although not fatal, withdrawal from Adderall is uncomfortable and enough so that someone with an Adderall addiction might be unsuccessful at quitting and go back to using Adderall again. Symptoms of Adderall withdrawal include excessive fatigue, hopelessness, depression, and erratic heartbeat.

Treatment for Adderall Addiction

Adderall addiction is treated similarly to cocaine and methamphetamine addiction. Effective treatment for Adderall addiction involves rehabilitation centers, support groups, and intensive psychotherapy. There are no medications for treating Adderall addiction however, anti-depressants can help alleviate depression during early withdrawal. Tapering off of Adderall is also a typical practice in treating Adderall addiction.

If you or someone you know is abusing Adderall or other ADHD medications, give us a call at 800-951-6135.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/

http://www.nytimes.com/

http://www.treatment4addiction.com/