Adderall abuse is a common problem. In America it is easily prescribed and can also be obtained illegally. Adderall abuse is widely seen amongst college students. Loved ones who are concerned about Adderall addiction may wonder, “What category of drugs does Adderall fall under?” Read on to find the answer to this question and more about this drug.

What Is Adderall?

Adderall is a prescription stimulant drug that is a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, belonging to the amphetamine drug class. It is available in immediate formulation as well as extended-release formation. The primary function of Adderall is to help people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or to help people with narcolepsy. 

Adderall can deliver somewhat of a calming effect on a person with ADHD when they take the prescription medication. This is primarily due to the way it affects the brain’s neurotransmitters and the central nervous system as a whole. Adderall can help a person to focus and concentrate more effectively while managing their behaviors.

Unfortunately, Adderall is commonly abused in the United States. When a person without ADHD takes Adderall, the drug reacts differently in their bodies, leading to a “high” feeling. Signs of being high on Adderall include:

• Excess self-confidence
• A sense of extra energy or excitement
• Euphoria
• Optimism

Adderall can be helpful for people who need it as a prescribed medication, but there are short-term side effects that are not desirable, including headache, anxiety, nausea, increased blood pressure or fast heart rate. 

Is Adderall Addictive?

Another problem with Adderall is that there is a risk of addiction. The availability of Adderall has become greater due to an increase in the number of prescriptions written every year. Adderall misuse is most common among young adults and college students. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 6.4 percent of students between the ages of 18 and 22 have used Adderall recreationally. 

To further answer the question, “What category of drugs does Adderall fall under?”, Adderall is labeled a Schedule II controlled substance, which means it has a high potential for abuse. This label should serve as a warning for anybody taking the drug as it can lead to physical or psychological dependence that can be severe. Thousands of young adults are sent to the emergency room each year for Adderall abuse and the dangerous side effects, including:

• Stomach pain
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Rapid breathing
• Hallucinations
• Tremors
• Very high fever (of 106.7 or higher)
• Seizures
• Heart attack
• Death

How to Get Help With an Adderall Addiction

It is not easy to admit that you or a loved one has a substance abuse problem. It can be even harder to ask for help. If you or someone you care about are struggling with Adderall addiction, you need and deserve help and My Recovery Source is available to help you find just that. Our caring recovery guides are here to help, regardless of your personal situation, location, background or finances. My Recovery Source is the #1 place to help you find the best help available to you or your loved one for drug and alcohol abuse. Contact us today for free personalized recommendations for you.

If you are concerned that one of your loved ones may be abusing drugs or alcohol, you probably feel scared and wonder what the signs of drug abuse are. 

What Are the Common Signs of Drug Abuse to Look Out for in a Loved One?

By learning to identify the signs of drug abuse, you are better able to determine whether you should take action or begin a conversation about drug abuse with your loved one. Here are the most common physical, behavioral and psychological signs of drug abuse to watch for. 

Physical Warning Signs of Drug Abuse

Physical warning signs can be fairly easy to identify. It is important to keep in mind, however, that some of the changes in your loved one’s appearance may not be indicative of a drug problem or any problem at all. If you notice one or two of these signs in your loved one, they are not enough to suggest a drug problem – but if you see them with other types of warning signs (such as behavioral or psychological), it might be a good idea to remain watchful or consider having a conversation with your loved one or someone who might be able to guide you toward help for the person you are concerned about.

• Bloodshot or glazed eyes
• Restricted or unusually large pupils
• Rapid weight loss or gain
• Poor hygiene
• Difficulty focusing
• Frequent nosebleeds or runny nose
• Extreme hyperactivity or fatigue
• Sweaty, cold or shaky hands and/or palms
• Headaches
• Sores on the mouth or face
• Track marks on legs or arms
• Fidgeting 
• Swollen, puffy face
• Frequent hangovers, including sensitivity to noise and light, fatigue, gastrointestinal distress, headaches

Behavioral Warning Signs of Drug Abuse

Changes in behavior are also common among people who abuse drugs or alcohol. Pay close attention to your loved one and any changes in behavior on a day to day basis. 

• Missing work or school
• Stealing 
• Frequently asking for money
• Lying and making excuses
• Performing poorly at work or school
• Participating less at work or school
• Secretive or suspicious behavior, including locking doors or hiding phone or computer use
• Losing interest in activities they once loved
• Isolation
• Being rude or disrespectful
• Avoiding conversations or eye contact
• Spending less time with loved ones
• Suddenly hanging out with a new crowd of people

Some of these behaviors are serious and may need to be addressed even if you are not certain your loved one has a drug or alcohol abuse problem. 

Psychological Warning Signs of Drug Abuse

Psychological warning signs are not as easy to identify, particularly because they occur more on the inside than the outside. However, you may be able to identify some of these in your loved one who is abusing drugs or alcohol.

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Low self-esteem
• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Poor motivation

How Can I Get My Loved One Help With Their Addiction?

If you suspect your loved one has a drug or alcohol abuse problem, you might feel uncertain how to help. It can be difficult to talk about your concern. You might be worried bringing up the topic could lead to a conflict – but taking the necessary steps is important for your loved one’s well-being. 

Find a professional interventionist or rehab facility. This is the best and safest way to communicate your concerns with a loved one. Invite other close family members and friends and plan what you will say. 

Detox is an important first step to plan for. Treatment options may include a number of options. Outpatient detox enables your loved one to detox at home while under the care of a professional. Inpatient detox is better for those who require round-the-clock supervision in a medical facility. Medical detox is a withdrawal program that is generally carried out under inpatient or outpatient supervision. 

Realizing your loved one is hiding drug addiction is scary and difficult but there is help available. My Recovery Source has a network of trusted treatment centers for drug and alcohol abuse and is ready to help you find the right place for your loved one. Call us today at 866-929-0179 or fill out a contact form to match your loved one to available treatment options in your area. 

Choosing a drug or alcohol rehab facility for yourself or a loved one can be difficult and overwhelming. Finding addiction treatment has become difficult during the rise of the opioid epidemic with an influx of deceptive and unethical marketing and practices by providers for drug rehab who seek monetary gain alone. Knowing what to look for in a rehab center is important to ensure the best possible treatment. Following are several rehab essentials you or your loved one can look out for when it comes to pursuing effective treatment options. 

What Is Rehab?

The term “rehab” refers to intensive and supervised programs that are designed to help people stop using drugs and alcohol while giving them the necessary tools to live a healthy and normal life. Rehab can help a person step away from addiction to live a safe and sober life after detox. But finding the right rehab essentials program is important. 

What Are the Rehab Essentials to Look Out for When Choosing a Rehab?

Rehab treatment programs can vary. Some focus on treating issues such as drug or alcohol abuse or addiction while others specialize in treating issues like gambling addiction or behavioral problems. Rehab essentials programs may focus on helping people through inpatient treatment programs around the clock or outpatient treatment programs that enable the person in recovery to live at home while still reaping the benefits of counseling and therapy through a treatment center. 

It is imperative that a person who desires to pursue treatment weigh all of the available options while choosing a rehab or counseling program with all of the rehab essentials that fit their individual needs. Choosing the right rehab or counseling program can increase the likelihood of a successful and healthy recovery. 

Important Rehab Essentials to Consider

People looking to go to rehab need to know today more than ever what to look for in a rehab center. Rehab essentials you or a loved one should look out for may include:

• Licensing, certifications and accreditation: Rehab centers that are accredited by The Joint Commission or the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities are nonprofit organizations based on industry performance standards as well as demonstrated results, value and quality. Drug rehabs need to be certified in order to advertise programs offered via certain avenues, which ensures a specific vetting process that ensures a facility is a quality treatment center. This offers consumer protection. 
• Clinical credentials and licensing: Licenses and credentials ensure that the individuals providing rehab essentials programming and services meet standards that are nationally recognized for professional practice. Without accreditation, staff may not be experienced enough to offer the most effective care. 
• Treatment success: Many treatment outcomes are not measured by rehabilitation providers or their successes are not measured consistently. Effective successes may differ among providers. Watch out for providers who claim to offer 100% success rates or “the cure.” Any success rates should be quoted by research-based methods or in peer-reviewed journals. 
• Mental health services: Many people who suffer from drug or alcohol addiction also battle co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety. In order for a patient to receive the necessary treatment, a dual diagnosis that is accurate is important. People with dual diagnosis require the most up-to-date treatment options for co-occurring mental health disorders and addiction. 
• Specialized programs: Rehab programs that offer individualized and tailored treatment options tend to have more positive outcomes than those that are less targeted to specific groups, such as specific populations or young adults. 

Finding addiction treatment is the most important first step of finding a new way of living. The changes that can be expected in your or a loved one’s life can make a significant impact, becoming the foundation of recovery throughout the many challenges of life. Remember this as you look for a treatment center so you can find the best addiction treatment facility to ensure a solid foundation for lasting recovery. My Recovery Source is dedicated to helping those needing help find the best treatment facility based on their individual needs. Reach out to us today to get started on the path to lasting recovery.