Adderall Addiction and Abuse

Adderall Addiction and Abuse

If you or someone you love might have a substance or addiction problem with Adderall, then there may be a very challenging path ahead. However, you might be wondering more about what this drug is and what signs to look for. In addition, you might want to know how to reach out for help for you or your loved one if you suspect that you or they have an issue with substance abuse. Here is everything you need to know about Adderall and substance abuse.

What is Adderall?

Adderall is an amphetamine that is prescribed under its brand name. This type of substance will stimulate the brain to create chemicals such as dopamine. This has the effect of making a person’s motor activity more rapid, having higher alertness, and can potentially boost their mood temporarily.

In modern school systems such as high school and college, it is becoming more common to use Adderall. This is due to the pressure to get higher grades. Students use the drug due to its side effects of decreasing your appetite and decreasing your need to sleep (insomnia). The end result is that students often use this to cram for tests or write papers all night.

Adderall first came into use in 1887 when a European chemist synthesized it. Doctors in the U.S. began using it shortly after to treat depression, nausea, and narcolepsy. During the Second World War, all sides were using it for their troops.

They noticed that it made the troops have more energy and wakefulness for longer periods. It was later remarketed and targeted to women who were full-time mothers and homemakers. It was advertised to slim them down and boost their mood. This led to the misuse of Adderall in the 1960’s to a large degree. Still, it began being prescribed yet again in greater quantities to people to treat ADHD in the 1990’s.

Identifying Adderall

There are two basic forms of Adderall. It comes as a tablet and as an extended-release capsule. The tablet will administer the drug more quickly, whereas the extended-release capsule will take longer to break down and distribute the drug throughout the day.

Both versions will contain the number of milligrams within on the outside. Adderall abuse typically occurs through regular oral consumption. However, some people do chew the pills or tablets, snort them, or administer them in other ways to achieve a high.

Adderall Addiction

Some people wonder if Adderall is addictive. After all, it is a substance that is prescribed to a large number of people every year. Surely the pharmaceutical industry wouldn’t prescribe something that can cause substance abuse and addiction?

Well, the sad reality is that the pharmaceutical industry shows no shame in what they will prescribe, even if it is clear that the substance has room for misuse. Adderall is in fact addictive and habit forming. It can cause people to seek the drug, even when they are not going to use it for the intended use.

Who Abuses Adderall?

Adderall can be abused or misused by many different people. One common group that is vulnerable to becoming a victim of substance abuse with regards to Adderall is students. This includes both high school students and college students.

In both of these situations, the students are under a lot of pressure to get better grades, week after week. In addition to the overall pressure of their environment and studies, they also misuse the substance in order to cram for tests.

Adderall allows them to study for long hours without needing to take breaks. It also causes insomnia, so they can stay up longer and override the body’s natural signals that tell the body when it is time to go to sleep.

Many working adults also abuse this substance. Adderall is often prescribed to help with long work hours. People do not want to lose focus and risk having poor performance at work or losing their job. Therefore, what starts as having the best intentions turns into a situation where the person abusing the substance can no longer control their urges.

People who have a history of struggling with substance abuse of other drugs are also among those most likely to misuse Adderall. Given their personality, they may have natural triggers that lead them to be more dependent on this substance once they start using it, whether to supplement their other substance abuse habits or as its own pursuit.

Signs and Symptoms of Adderall Addiction

If you or someone you know might be suffering from substance abuse of Adderall, there are signs that you should know about. If you see these signs, then it should be a warning that this behavior is a telltale sign of potential substance misuse.

First, the person may start to get irritable. They might get angry or short-tempered with situations where they normally wouldn’t. They might also begin to make excuses to leave the room or to visit the bathroom in order to consume more of the drug.

Also, if the person seems to be staying up late at night for no apparent reason, this could be a sign of Adderall abuse. The tendency for this drug to induce insomnia is one of the most common side effects observed in those who are dealing with its powerful grip.

Another telltale sign is weight loss. As Adderall suppresses appetite, it is common for Adderall abuse to cause a sudden and sustained loss of weight while a person is using.

Getting Treatment

Never hesitate to get a treatment plan in place for you or your loved one if you suspect abuse. It is better to be proactive than to wait until things get worse. With the right environment, you can enjoy a plan tailored to your own needs. In addition, you can rest assured that the staff treat their clients like family and will do everything to help them heal and grow in a peaceful, positive manner.

When it comes to serious substances like Adderall, they can take over people’s lives. This may be the case for you or someone you might have in mind that is very close to you. The signs and symptoms of substance abuse can vary, but there are patterns that you can spot. This is a very addictive substance that should be handled with the right kind of treatment plan in the right treatment facility.

Call St John’s Recovery Place admissions department for assistance if you or a loved one needs help with a substance abuse or addiction problem. We can help you overcome your substance abuse in a peaceful, supportive environment.