Adderall is an amphetamine that’s typically prescribed to ADHD. Those with ADHD who have taken Adderall have reported that it enhances their focus and increases their energy levels. These properties have also resulted in Adderall being a drug with high abuse potential and requiring treatment in drug and alcohol rehab.
What Makes Adderall a Desirable Drug?
In addition to its focus-enhancing and energy-increasing properties, Adderall also produces a feeling of euphoria. However, dangerous doses must be consumed in order to achieve a high. Adderall is commonly misused by those needing extra energy for studying, partying, or getting through a long work shift.
Why Is Adderall Addictive?
This drug tends to create tolerance in the body far more quickly than other prescription drugs. As a result, higher doses of the drug are required over a shorter amount of time in order to achieve a satisfying high. The increasing amounts consumed can quickly lead to the development of an addiction, even with intermittent or recreational use.
Another reason that the drug can become addictive quickly is because of the intense initial high that some experience. Unfortunately, because of the fast tolerance that builds in the body, subsequent highs are never as satisfying, causing some to “chase” the initial high by consuming high enough doses to cause heart and mental health problems.
Signs of Adderall Addiction
Adderall addiction can be physical, behavioral, and psychological. Without drug rehab centers, a person can experience uncomfortable physical symptoms, or their typical behavior may change. They may feel nauseous or vomit following taking the drug. Feeling panicked, anxious, and nervousness are also common signs of misuse of and addiction to Adderall.
Because of increased energy levels, those who take Adderall recreationally may speak more quickly and more often, be more sociable than what is typical, or experience racing thoughts. Other common symptoms of abuse and addiction can include:
- Feeling exceptionally healthy, invincible, or grandiose
- Engaging in doctor shopping
- Dread at the thought of running out of Adderall
- Crushing and snorting or swallowing the drug
- Tremors
- Mood swings
- A strong desire to work or keep moving
- Feeling worried or impatient
- Fast heart rate
- Slowed speech
- Muscular or verbal tics
Those who consume Adderall in high amounts typically experience a crash from the drug that’s so devastating they never want to experience it again, and so they continue taking Adderall far longer and in far higher doses than suggested. This can lead to:
- Spending increasing amounts of time to obtain and abuse the drug
- Missing important events to continue the abuse of Adderall
- Experiencing problems at work or being absent from work
- Spending savings, wages, or assets to fund purchases for Adderall
All of the above are signs of addiction that require substance abuse rehab. If a loved one or you are experiencing signs of Adderall addiction, BriteLife Recovery offers treatment for adult men and women. Begin your journey of recovery by calling 888-224-7424.