How to Identify Adderall Addiction Symptoms
Legacy Healing Center Blog
Adderall has a high abuse rate particularly among teenagers and college students.
Identifying Adderall addiction symptoms can be noticed due to a wide array of circumstances. Adderall is a prescription medication that is normally given to youth and young adults that struggle with ADHD or narcolepsy.
Other individuals, particularly college-aged students, use Adderall for its stimulant effects to help them stay awake. Adderall is addictive and because it is a prescription medication, it is federally controlled.
Individuals who are prescribed Adderall can develop an addiction the same as individuals who are not prescribed it. Unsure of how to spot Adderall addiction symptoms?
Continue reading to find out the best ways to identify Adderall addiction symptoms.
If you or someone you love needs help with addiction, call 954-994-2965 today to speak with a treatment specialist.
Identifying Adderall Use, or Abuse Symptoms
Adderall addiction symptoms may not be apparent from the get-go but overtime the individual abusing it will not only need to take more to feel the original euphoria but also have withdrawal symptoms when not using it.
These withdrawal symptoms may lead to a sort of drug-seeking behavior that allows the individual to make reckless decisions such as:
• Spending money they don’t have on it
• Avoiding responsibilities
• Becoming socially withdrawn
• Becoming secretive
• Sleeping during the day & staying awake all night
• Seeking out individuals who are prescribed the medication
• Doctor Shopping to refill prescriptions
• Using Adderall in forms other than the pill form to increase its effects
• Loss of self-care and self-grooming
On top of the changes above, there can also be changes in personality and behaviors due to withdrawal symptoms. Individuals misusing Adderall will experience withdrawal symptoms that can also affect responsibilities and daily life and can be noted as:
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Rapid heart rate
• Restlessness
• Weight loss
• Dizziness
• Seizures
• Panic attacks
• Paranoia
• High blood pressure
• Suicidal thoughts
An unfortunate side effect of Adderall abuse is the development of tolerance, for individuals abusing the medication they will eventually need more and more to satisfy their needs. Needing more Adderall could mean a possible overdose and while most cases of Adderall abuse don’t lead to fatal overdoses, it doesn’t mean that it’s not possible.
Individuals abusing Adderall should understand that by taking more than what is prescribed normally, their body and mind is being put at risk. Adderall can also interact with other medications causing fatal side effects.
Severe Overdose Symptoms
• Panic
• Aggressiveness
• Fever
• Tremors
• Hypertension
• Heart attack
• Hallucinations
And if any of the symptoms are noticed while an individual is knowingly abusing Adderall, a doctor should be notified.
Adderall Use & Popularity
Adderall is not just a drug that is abused among teens and college-aged students but is a drug that is rising in the adult population. Adderall affects everyone differently but legitimately helps individuals diagnosed with ADHD.
Individuals using Adderall without a prescription will experience a much greater effect on the mind, acting as a stimulant making them feel motivated and hyper-focused or charged.
This is the appealing part of the drug to many college students, but what isn’t discussed is the possibility of addiction and the complications of becoming addicted to Adderall.
If you believe that you or someone around you is using Adderall frequently and much more than they should be. Or noticeably feel withdrawal effects when not taking it, an appointment with a doctor should be made.
At this appointment, there can be a discussion of what’s going on, how often the medication is being taken and medical history. The doctor will be able to help guide you through the next steps of either getting help or a second opinion.
Adderall addiction is a real thing and can need therapy if out of control, speak to someone about your addiction before it becomes a severe problem.
If you believe that a loved one or friend is having trouble maintaining their sobriety, speak to them about what you’re seeing and if all else fails, reach out to us for help today and call 954-994-2965 to speak with a treatment specialist.