The Dangers of Adderall Addiction
Although Adderall is one of the most prescribed drugs in the country, it is also one of the most abused.
Often prescribed to people diagnosed with ADHD, the stimulant Adderall is highly addictive and can be misused and abused by those without an ADHD diagnosis. Adults and teenagers without ADHD or under the supervision of a clinical care use Adderall for increased energy levels, although using Adderrall without a prescription causes potentially dangerous emotional and physical side effects, and can progress into addiction.
In fact, taking Adderall outside of the prescribed directions poses a severe risk of developing a substance abuse problem. Adderall is an amphetamine, and deemed by the DEA as a Schedule II controlled substance — a category of drugs known for high risk of abuse.
Medical Impacts of Adderall Addiction
Adderall is an amphetamine drug that is known to be highly addictive because like other stimulants it triggers the brain to produce a high amount of dopamine, which is responsible for activating the brain’s reward system. Dopamine is also produced during activities like meditation, exercise, and listening to music.
Research suggests that people who misuse prescription stimulants, like Adderall, report feeling a “rush” (euphoria) along with dangerous medical side effects:
- Increased blood pressure and heart rate
- increased respiratory rate
- Decreased blood flow
- Increased blood sugar
- Longterm abuse of Adderall can lead to:
- Dangerously high body temperature
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heart failure
- Seizures
Adderall addiction has become a dangerous trend and beyond serious health problems such as heart issues, it can lead to death. If you or someone you know misues Adderall, it is important to seek help to prevent longterm health impacts and premature death.
Learn what steps to take to find help for Adderall addiction.
Mental Health Risks of Adderall Abuse
Although initially Adderall may make you feel better able to complete tasks, focus and be productive, there are severe risks associated with using the stimulant.
Even if it was originally prescribed by a doctor, Adderall can progress into substance use disorder (SUD) and other mental health issues. At high doses, prescription stimulants like Adderall can lead to overdose on a prescription stimulant, they most commonly experience several different symptoms, including restlessness, tremors, overactive reflexes, rapid breathing, confusion, aggression, hallucinations, panic states, abnormally increased body temperature, muscle pains, and weakness.
Long-term impacts on the mental health of Adderall abuse can include:
- Insomnia
- Weight loss and malnutrition
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Aggression
- Headaches
- Panic Attacks
An alarming side effect of stimulants Adderall can include toxic psychosis, which occurs when a person has a psychotic episode due to addiction. This can include an inability to communicate, hallucinations, paranoia, and delusions. However, finding help for Adderall addiction as soon as possible can help prevent the long-term and most severe side effects.
How to Quit Using Adderall Safely
Adderall addiction can have serious, permanent, and irreversible health consequences. That is why clinical addiction treatment may be required to help you find recovery from stimulant abuse. Valley Hope treats substance use disorders using safe withdrawal management practices (“detox”) and evidence-based treatments.
If you or someone you care about is misusing substances, it’s important to seek help as soon as you are able. At Valley Hope Addiction Treatment and Recovery, we use evidence-based best practices throughout our full continuum of care to provide patients with effective addiction treatment, including medically-monitored detox that safely and comfortably minimizes the symptoms of withdrawals. When combined with a full continuum of residential and outpatient addiction treatment, Valley Hope patients can find freedom of substance abuse and enjoy healing in long-term recovery.
Each Valley Hope treatment center has a dedicated, local clinical admissions team that can help determine if clinical treatment is needed for drug and alcohol addiction.
To find a Valley Hope Addiction Treatment and Recovery location near you, explore our 14 programs across six states, including Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas. Our residential programs provide compassionate, evidenced-based therapies, medical detox services, residential treatment, and outpatient treatment centers provide flexible, evidence-based IOP programs.
For immediate help 24/7, call your Local Admissions Team at (800) 544-5101. Remember that you’re not alone, and your life matters. Don’t delay – compassionate, life-changing help is always available.