Adderall Addiction Treatment
Adderall is a well-known prescription drug commonly used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. For some, it has also successfully been used in the treatment of narcolepsy (a neurological disease that affects the body’s natural sleep and wake cycle). Adderall contains two drugs, amphetamine, and dextroamphetamine. It is classified as a stimulant drug and, when misused, can have effects similar to that of illegally manufactured methamphetamine.
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Adderall Abuse in the United States
An Introduction to Adderall Addiction
Adderall is a well-known prescription drug commonly used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. For some, it has also successfully been used in the treatment of narcolepsy (a neurological disease that affects the body’s natural sleep and wake cycle). Adderall contains two drugs, amphetamine, and dextroamphetamine. It is classified as a stimulant drug and, when misused, can have effects similar to that of illegally manufactured methamphetamine.
Despite growing and ongoing concerns regarding Adderall misuse and abuse, the drug remains a first-choice treatment option for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Various studies show proper use of the drug helps improve attention and focus and reduces impulsivity, all common and sometimes debilitating symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Research has shown as many as eighty percent of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder will see reduced symptom severity with the use of stimulant medications like Adderall. Although not everyone who uses Adderall as part of a treatment plan will develop an addiction, those who regularly take it at unprescribed doses or use someone else’s medications are at high risk for developing an addiction.
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Understanding the Drug
What Is Adderall?
Although beneficial when used as prescribed, Adderall is a controlled substance with a high risk for abuse and misused. As previously mentioned, Adderall is composed of two stimulant drugs. Adderall works by increasing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the central nervous system. Dopamine, sometimes referred to as a “feel good” chemical, is a naturally occurring chemical in the body responsible for feelings of pleasure and happiness. Although the body produces dopamine naturally, Adderall and other stimulant drugs increase the amounts the body produces. Norepinephrine affects how the brain responds to events and how fast it responds to outside stimuli.
How Is Adderall Addictive?
As with many drugs that impact dopamine production, Adderall affects how the user reacts to stimuli. Increased levels of dopamine produce intense feelings of happiness and contentment. Eventually, the user begins to develop a tolerance to the medication, making them come back for higher and higher doses over time. Also, the brain of someone addicted to Adderall requires the drug to “feel” alert. Because stimulant drugs affect norepinephrine production, someone who has developed a tolerance for Adderall will feel as though they must take increasingly larger doses to maintain feelings of alertness and productivity. When they try to wean off, stop completely, or are unable to obtain the drug, they will feel tired and mentally foggy.
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Adderall Withdrawal & the Need for Detox
Adderall withdrawal can produce intense and sometimes overwhelming withdrawal symptoms making it difficult for someone to withdraw on their own. The severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms will depend on the dose, duration, and frequency of your individual Adderall use. For some, withdrawal symptoms will resolve in as little as five days, whereas others may struggle with symptoms for two weeks or more. Someone who used Adderall at larger than prescribed doses for an extended time can expect withdrawal symptoms to be more intense and last longer.
The symptoms one experiences when withdrawing from Adderall are essentially the opposite of the symptoms that led to their cravings and subsequent addiction. The most common include depression, sleep changes, appetite changes, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, and nightmares. Some will struggle with suicidal thoughts.
Detox is the process of the body ridding itself of a drug. Once the body has removed all of the Adderall, withdrawal symptoms will begin. Because symptoms will vary from person to person, some people need help during the early stages of detox before beginning addiction treatment. Addiction specialists at inpatient rehabs can help you taper down your Adderall use, eventually stopping use entirely. Many rehabs utilize a “taper down” strategy to help reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms. Some choose to withdraw “cold turkey, (meaning they stop use suddenly and completely) and without treatment support. For these individuals, a relapse often occurs. It is possible to withdraw in this manner, but those who have found success have been those who do so in an inpatient rehab with treatment support in place. Without support, withdrawal symptoms can often quickly become overwhelming leading to relapse.
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Are Your College Friends Addicted to Adderall?
Addiction to Adderall can quickly and easily develop as one begins to take higher and higher doses of Adderall to achieve the same “high” they remember from before. Common signs of Adderall addiction mimic many of the same symptoms seen with other controlled substances that affect the levels of neurotransmitters and other chemicals in the central nervous system. Some symptoms or signs of Adderall addiction commonly seen are:
- Needing progressively larger doses to feel the drug’s effects
- Wanting to cut down or stop using but being unable to without treatment and support
- Taking the drug regardless of knowing it has adverse effects
- Not being able to function at school, work, or socially without Adderall
- Feeling lethargic or “out of it” without using
- Neglecting other essential functions or important activities in favor of using or obtaining Adderall
- New or worsening financial or legal problems stemming from Adderall use (or drug-seeking behavior)
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when reducing or stopping Adderall use
Adderall addiction can also produce various physical symptoms, including appetite changes, changes in sleeping patterns, stomach upset, headache, anxiety, and dizziness. It can also produce more severe side effects, including new or worsening mental health symptoms, hallucinations, heart problems, vision problems, and vision changes.
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How to Find an Adderall Treatment Program Near You
Detox and withdrawal from an Adderall addiction are not often dangerous or life-threatening. However, for many, the process is not easily or successfully done alone. Many who choose to withdraw from Adderall without support during the early withdrawal period will relapse as cravings and symptoms increase in intensity and severity. If you or a loved one are ready to detox from Adderall, choosing a setting with a comprehensive treatment plan and strong support structure will enhance your ability to achieve sobriety and ongoing recovery.
Deciding to seek treatment is the first step on your recovery journey. With so many potential treatment settings available, it can be challenging to know where to begin. At My Recovery Source, we have researched the best treatment programs across the nation and can work with you to help you find a program that meets your unique treatment needs and goals. Let the team at My Recovery Source help you find an Adderall treatment program near you today.