The Dangers of Adderall Addiction & Abuse
What is Adderall?
What is Adderall, and why is Adderall addiction so prevalent? Adderall is the brand name for a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It is a prescription medication used for ADHD and narcolepsy. It is commonly prescribed to people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, who have poor impulse control, a problem focusing, remaining still, and being quiet. Adderall is widely prescribed to both adults and children. It is a central nervous system stimulant that modifies certain natural substances of the brain.
Adderall is intended to help treat ADHD symptoms. Adderall addiction and abuse is very common among drug addicts. It is often abused by college students as well for studying, partying, and weight loss.
Signs That a Person May Be Engaging in Adderall Abuse
- Using someone else’s Adderall without having a prescription
- Going to a doctor and pretending that to have symptoms of ADHD to obtain Adderall
- Using Adderall for any purpose other than for which it is prescribed
- Snorting it
- Taking more Adderall than prescribed
For example, if you’re using it to party, study, or lose weight, you engage in Adderall abuse. If you take more Adderall than you’re supposed to, even if you have a prescription for it for the right reason, that would also be considered abuse.
The Negative Side Effects of Adderall Addiction Include:
- Trouble sleeping
- Hostility
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Unpleasant taste
- Impaired judgment
- Inability to operate machinery or cars
- Inability to participate in sports due to feeling faint
- Dry mouth
- Anxiety, even paranoia
- State of mania
- Weight loss
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Increases heart rates and can cause an irregular heartbeat or even lead to cardiac arrest
- Increase in blood pressure
- Increase in body temperature, sometimes to a dangerously high level
Why Do College Students Suffer From Adderall Abuse?
College students often take Adderall to help them study for exams or get school work done. It allows them to concentrate better for a more extended period of time and helps them stay awake to study for longer. Adderall is used as a party drug because it often makes a person feel more confident, provides a feeling of well-being and an increased sexual drive, and lets those who are partying stay awake for a long period of time without sleep.
Adderall Addiction and Alcohol
Adderall and alcohol can be a very dangerous combination of substances. Any time you combine substances, especially a stimulant (Adderall) with a depressant (alcohol), the outcome can be very severe.
Combining Adderall and alcohol is very similar to combining caffeine with alcohol. The Adderall, like the caffeine, will lessen the effects of the alcohol, therefore giving the user the illusion that they can drink more.
The user will continue to drink, but for the time being, will not feel the effects of the alcohol as strongly. This can easily lead to alcohol poisoning because the user is unsure when to stop drinking.
Many people have a prescription for Adderall and can take it and suffer very few side effects, but it is a substance that should be used very cautiously. Adderall, even when appropriately taken for those diagnosed with a condition like ADHD, can cause weight loss and anxiety. These side effects are much more common and more extreme in users who abuse Adderall and do not have a prescription.
Alcohol, even when used alone, can have severe side effects. If people abuse alcohol, it can lead to physical dependence, alcohol poisoning, and even death. The dangers of Adderall and alcohol become so much more significant when the two substances are combined. If you find yourself or a loved one involved in Adderall addiction, it is important to get professional help immediately. Many drug abuse treatment centers can help you overcome your Adderall addiction and may even ultimately save your life.
Drug and alcohol abuse are often signs of an underlying problem. Finding a good therapist can help you uncover these problems and determine why you feel the need to abuse drugs and alcohol. Many treatment facilities and programs can assist you with this as well. If you or someone you love is struggling with prescription pill abuse, please get help.