Adderall Addiction and Treatment
The issue of Adderall misuse and addiction has become increasingly prevalent across the United States, raising significant public health concerns. A report from 2020 revealed that approximately 5.1 million Americans aged 12 and older had engaged in the misuse of prescription stimulants, including Adderall, within the preceding year. This alarming statistic underscores the widespread nature of stimulant misuse.
Data reveals that the number of stimulant overdose fatalities in the United States escalated by an astonishing 50% between 2019 and 2020. This sharp increase is indicative of a growing public health emergency that requires urgent attention and intervention.4
What Is Adderall?
Adderall is the trade name for a prescription stimulant approved to treat Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, a chronic sleep disorder.5 Adderall combines dextroamphetamine and amphetamine and is a Schedule II controlled substance, meaning it has a high potential for abuse.4 Similar ADHD medicines within this class include dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine), methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse).2
Adderall helps you stay alert and increase focus, which is why it is helpful for treating ADHD. But these reasons also lead to the drug being misused; some teens and young adults without ADHD use Adderall as a “study drug,” even though research shows it does not increase focus in people without ADHD.7 Misusing Adderall in this way can increase your risk of negative side effects, including addiction.
What Are the Signs of Adderall Misuse?
Like many other prescription medications, Adderall and similar stimulant drugs can lead to a range of unwanted side effects. While these effects can occur even when the medication is taken according to a healthcare provider’s instructions, the likelihood increases significantly when the drug is misused. Misuse of Adderall may present in several distinct ways, including:
- Exceeding the Prescribed Dosage: This involves taking a higher quantity of the medication than what has been specified by a healthcare professional. Individuals may do this in an attempt to enhance focus or energy levels, often under the misconception that more is better.
- Altering the Method of Administration: Misuse can occur when individuals manipulate the form of the medication. This might include crushing pills and snorting the powder to achieve a quicker high, smoking the crushed substance, or dissolving the pills in water and injecting the resultant liquid, which can lead to severe health risks.
- Using the Medication Without a Prescription: Taking Adderall without a legitimate prescription from a licensed healthcare provider is a clear sign of misuse. This often includes individuals obtaining the drug from friends, family, or illicit sources.
- Intentionally Seeking a High: Some individuals may misuse Adderall with the primary goal of experiencing euphoria or a heightened state of alertness, which can lead to a cycle of dependency and further risky behaviors.
Recognizing these signs is crucial for timely intervention and support, as misuse can lead to serious health implications and dependence.
Short-Term Adderall Side Effects
Common short-term side effects of Adderall may include:5–7
- Decreased appetite.
- Trouble sleeping.
- Feeling dizzy.
- Dry mouth.
- Headaches.
- Stomach issues, such as constipation or diarrhea.
- High blood pressure and heart rate.
- Increased blood sugar levels.
- Twitching.
Long-Term Adderall Side Effects
Side effects of taking Adderall long-term can include:5–8
- Malnutrition.
- Paranoia (extreme distrust of others).
- Hostile or aggressive behavior.
- Dependence, tolerance, and addiction.
Am I Addicted to Adderall?
Only a doctor or mental health professional can diagnose you with Adderall addiction. Addiction is a chronic disease marked by compulsive drug use no matter the harms it causes.8 The clinical term for addiction is substance use disorder, or SUD. Addiction changes the way you think and behave, and it creates lasting changes in the brain.8, 9
Regular Adderall use or misuse can also cause tolerance and physical dependence.5 Tolerance is when you need higher doses of a drug to get the same desired effects.8 Dependence happens when your brain and body get so used to the drug that you may go through withdrawal if you suddenly stop taking it or greatly reduce your dose.8 Adderall withdrawal symptoms include feelings of fatigue, vivid dreams, and an increased need for food and sleep.6, 10 Both tolerance and dependence can be signs of an SUD.9
How to Treat Adderall Addiction
Adderall addiction can be safely managed with medical help. Addiction affects each person in a different way, so treatment plans should be tailored to meet each of your unique needs.8
Some people may choose inpatient treatment, where you live at the treatment center for the length of treatment and have access to 24/7 care and support.8 Others may choose outpatient care, where you attend set appointments during the week but still live at home.8
No matter which setting you choose, treatment will likely involve some form of behavioral therapy.8 Common behavioral therapy techniques for addiction to Adderall and other stimulants include:6
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps you learn how change the underlying thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that led to your drug use, as well as manage your triggers (the people, places, and things that make you want to use substances).
- Contingency management (CM). CM helps you change your behavior toward drugs through rewards for positive behavior, such as drug-free urine samples.
How to Get Help for Adderall Addiction
Overcoming an addiction to Adderall is entirely achievable, and there’s no time like the present to begin your journey toward recovery. American Addiction Centers stands out as a premier provider of comprehensive Adderall addiction treatment services from coast to coast. Our state-of-the-art treatment facilities are equipped to offer a wide array of care options, including medically supervised detoxification, outpatient therapy, and supportive recovery housing.
Recognizing that each individual’s path to recovery is unique, we take an individualized approach to treatment planning. Our experienced professionals work closely with you to assess your specific needs and develop a customized plan that fits your circumstances and goals. Throughout your recovery process, we are dedicated to providing unwavering support and guidance, ensuring you never feel alone on this transformative journey. Whether you are seeking to reclaim your life or need assistance navigating the complexities of addiction, our compassionate team is here to empower you every step of the way.
To learn more about how American Addiction Centers (AAC) can help you take back control of your life, our free, confidential helpline is open 24/7 at or you can text us.
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