Adderall Addiction
Adderall is a prescription stimulant; originally used as an appetite suppressant, but now widely prescribed in the treatment of ADHD. Referred to as a composite medication, Adderall is a combination of Dexedrine and amphetamine (or dextroamphetamine). In an age when the abuse of prescription medications is on the rise, Adderall may be the most dangerous and insidious.
A long-term prescription for young adults whose ADHD may have resulted in difficulties in school (and which Adderall is meant to help address by improving concentration), a myth has taken hold that Adderall is the key to better performance on exams. Combined with the euphoric effect of the drug, Adderall holds a special danger of addiction for teenagers and college students.
Effects of Adderall Addiction
Adderall’s reputation as a miracle “study drug,” combined with the euphoric high it produces when used for recreation purposes provides multiple routes to addiction. Both young people and adults may become reliant on Adderall to help them through high-stress periods at school or work, with increasing tolerance requiring higher or more frequent doses of the drug to be effective. Psychological dependency also sets in, convincing the addict that he or she needs Adderall in order to succeed, thus setting up a dangerous, damaging cycle that only strengthens the addiction.
As a stimulant, Adderall raises blood pressure and increases the heart rate. Sustained use of Adderall, even at prescription levels, can lead to insomnia, changes in appetite and mood swings. As addiction worsens, continued use can lead to paranoia, depression, heart problems, hallucinations, seizures, and even stroke or heart attack.
Adderall’s Effect on Men
Some side effects of adderall that pertain to men include the following:
- Increased sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Weight loss
- Trouble sleeping
- Increase in blood pressure/heart rate
- Vision problems
- Dizziness
- Headaches
Adderall is used to treat ADHD, but often times it ends up being abused by many. Unfortunately, this abuse results in disastrous side effects. In men, this may mean experiencing erectile dysfunction.
When taking Adderall, some men may experience erectile dysfunction. In fact, some men have reported a significant decrease in their sex drive. Not only this, but some experience extreme difficulty becoming aroused and keeping an erection consistent. This drastic change can be detrimental to a man’s mental health, as these circumstances often lead to embarrassment or insecurity.
Men aren’t alone in this struggle either. Changes in sexual behaviors may have a detrimental impact on someone’s relationships or marriages. Due to these side effects, women also feel the impact, but not exclusively in this way; there are many more side effects that women also experience.
Adderall’s Effect on Women
Women may experience the following side-effects when taking Adderall:
- Increased heart-rate/blood pressure
- Decreased appetite
- Agitation
- Trouble sleeping
- Increased tolerance for alcohol
People with ADHD taking Adderall to do so to improve their focus and increase their alertness. However, it has the same effect on those who take it and don’t have ADHD. This is why so many people abuse this substance. Abusing Adderall is dangerous and can have negative impacts on mood and even the health of someone’s body in general. Weight loss is common due to the stomach shrinking as a response to not eating much. Symptoms of Adderall abuse like this are dangerous for the body’s well-being.
How Do I Know if I Have an Addiction?
Symptoms of addiction to Adderall include the following:
- Talkativeness
- Sense of invincibility
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Anxiety
- Snorting Adderall
Adderall is extremely addictive if abused. That being said, it can be very easy for somebody to use Adderall recreationally and end up addicted. Using Adderall too much, like any other drug, will cause someone to grow in their tolerance, so over time, they will need more of it to achieve their desired intoxication. When somebody decides to quit, withdrawal symptoms will arise.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a person suffers from substance abuse depending on what kind of symptoms they experience, as well as the number of symptoms they experience. The manual lists 11 different symptoms that a user must have in order to be considered addicted.
People who struggle with substance abuse with Adderall may also end up struggling with mental health disorders. Professionals refer to this as a dual diagnosis. Dual diagnosis is what happens when somebody develops a mental disorder or addiction as a result of either one of those two. Northbound offers dual diagnosis treatment to help those who suffer from both mental health disorders and addiction to Adderall. If you or a loved one are struggling with substance abuse related to Adderall, it may be best to explore your options concerning treatment.
What is the Purpose of Adderall?
Many people use Adderall to curb the symptoms of ADHD. It also has other uses such as sleep disorders in adults and children ages 12 or older. The drug is also classified as a central nervous system stimulant, which alters the number of natural substances in the brain.
Treatment and Recovery from Adderall Addiction
At Northbound, treatment for Adderall addiction begins with a clinical assessment and the creation of an individualized treatment plan, which takes into account the unique needs of the client as well as any co-occurring mental disorders that could otherwise inhibit the recovery process.
Detox Treatment at Northbound
Detox from Adderall could include the following symptoms:
- Sweating
- Fatigue
- Hallucinations
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Seizures
- Restlessness
- Nausea or vomiting
Ending Adderall use quickly can lead to serious withdrawal symptoms. Adderall is an addictive stimulant, and cravings can be difficult to overcome. Northbound’s detox programs use medicine to help wean a patient off of Adderall in a way that is comfortable. Patients will complete this program under the care of our health care professionals.
Withdrawal from Adderall can be dangerous, and those who require detoxification and stabilization begin their stay in Northbound’s one-eighty detox program, where they will receive 24-hour supervision in a safe and comforting setting. Detox should not be taken lightly. It is a very complicated method of treatment that should not be done without being monitored by a professional.
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment includes 24/7 access to medical personnel, allows the patient to live in the care of one of our treatment facilities. This particular method of treatment, used to treat more serious cases of addiction, lasts anywhere from 28 days to six months. Northbound’s inpatient treatment program may be for you if you are experiencing addiction to Adderall.
Outpatient Treatment
Northbound’s outpatient treatment gives patients 10-12 hour weekly access to our professional therapists and physicians. Patients have the ability to have all of their recovery needs met while living in the convenience of their own homes. This treatment option is catered towards those who have mild cases of addiction.
Get Treatment for Adderall Addiction at Northbound
We at Northbound are committed to providing the full continuum of care, from our gender-specific CORE programs to our Christian LINKS program. We offer 30, 60 and 90-day treatment options and attend to the physical, mental and spiritual health of our clients.
Northbound’s ultimate goal is to help those who are experiencing the effects of substance abuse. It is vital to us that you receive the best care and that your health is impacted in a positive way. Our family desires to guide patients to a place of emotional and psychological stability.
We never want patients under our care to receive anything less than the treatment they deserve. The services we provide require the help of medical professionals in order that those who walk through our doors are recovered to their full potential.
It is imperative to us that each patient struggling with addiction feels validated, empowered, and understood. Part of functioning healthily in day-to-day life is being in the right mental state. However, not every person is one and the same, and there is no one-size-fits-all treatment.
Let Northbound Help You Today
At Northbound, we want to treat each individual specific to their needs so that they can eventually live their lives with purpose. All in all, we are nothing short of prepared to help you strive towards a healthy emotional state, equipping you with successful methods of self-care to use outside of our facilities.
Many of those seeking help for an addiction to Adderall have had their education disrupted by the need to seek treatment. The Northbound Academy helps get these students back on track, setting educational and career goals that help keep them motivated and prepare them for life after recovery. At Northbound, we strive to teach our clients fundamental life skills. Our transitional and aftercare programs work to help provide the continued network of support that will lead to successful long-term sobriety.
If you or someone you love is suffering from a dependency on Adderall, contact Northbound today. Our experienced counselors are here, day and night, to answer your questions and help you take the first steps toward a new and healthy life.
References
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601234.html
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601234.html
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/g19682257/adderall-side-effects/
