Adderall, a prescription medication, is a much more powerful stimulant than caffeine. It’s commonly used by students to increase focus when studying and by young adults and teens to get high. One of the most commonly misused prescription drugs in the US, it can lead to dependency and addiction. Most of those who misuse Adderall get it illegally from a relative or friend. Read on to learn more about this widely misused prescription drug and the risks of abuse.
The Basics of Adderall
Adderall is declared a Schedule II controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) because of its high potential to be abused. According to data from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 5.1 million people in the US aged 12 or older misused prescription stimulants such as Adderall in 2020 [1].
Doctors prescribe the CNS stimulant Adderall for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and for Narcolepsy, a condition which makes you drowsy or fall asleep. It contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine which stimulate the Central Nervous System (CNS).
In people with ADHD, the excitatory neurotransmitter dopamine is removed too quickly, causing their symptoms. Adderall increases dopamine levels to balance them and, together with norepinephrine and glutamate, binds to these receptors in the brain.
Dopamine activates your brain’s reward system. Norepinephrine increases your alertness, focus and cognitive functions. This promotes concentration and a feeling of well-being or elevated mood. Misuse of these drugs leads to a significant increase in the availability of these neurotransmitters.
So dopamine levels are increased in people without ADHD who take Adderall. It can enhance cognitive performance and increase mental focus (why students use it), reduce fatigue (why athletes use it) and produce euphoria (why those seeking the high use it).
From Misuse to Addiction
Adderall can change brain chemistry as the brain becomes used to it. People who misuse Adderall get used to the higher dopamine levels. Misuse of Adderall can lead to dependency and addiction.
You may experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop using Adderall or reduce the dose. This is dependence. But if you build a tolerance for Adderall, you may need higher doses to experience the desired effects and to avoid unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Dependence then becomes addiction.
Dependency on Adderall is more frequent among those who have been prescribed the drug. Addiction to Adderall is more frequent from those obtaining it illegally.
Adderall Abuse Signs
Adderall tends to be misused mostly by students, young professionals with demanding jobs, athletes and those with eating disorders. Typical signs of Adderall misuse include [2] [3]:
- Loss of appetite
- Sleeping difficulties
- Upper stomach pain
- Feeling irritable
- Feeling a rush of euphoria
- Higher blood pressure and heart rate
- Increased breathing
- Decreased blood flow
- Higher blood sugar
Typical signs of Adderall addiction include:
- Feeling agitated, anxious or paranoid
- Irregular heartbeat
- Intense craving for the drug
- Feeling sluggish when not on the drug
- Investing great amounts of time and money acquiring the drug, usually illegally
- Unable to function without Adderall despite the negative consequences on your job, finances and relationships
- Increasing the doses because smaller doses don’t feel strong enough
- Continuing to take Adderall despite the adverse effects on your mind and body
How Can I Safely Withdraw from Adderall?
When you stop using Adderall, its massive release of neurotransmitters is counterbalanced by their massive depletion. This first phase of withdrawal is called the Adderall “crash” or “comedown”, when you are left feeling the opposite of the desired effects of the drug. You may experience sleep disturbances, poor concentration and increased appetite. Following this you enter the main phase of withdrawal.
So the safest way to withdraw is with medically supervised detox. This may be done on an outpatient basis if the addiction is mild, or an inpatient residential detox center.
For many, they can detox at home, but this does not provide the therapeutic context to look at the underlying factors which gave rise to your addiction. The main issue is that you may experience suicidal thoughts or behaviors and being alone can be too risky.
When I Recover, What Happens with My ADHD?
This is a very valid question as most people prescribed for ADHD were put on it for a reason. You may ask if you can stay on task and finish projects without the help of Adderall or other drugs. Most adults who were prescribed medication such as Adderall for ADHD, do best with it, at least some of the time. But it’s a tool, not a cure.
Using non-drug methods is important, such as organizational strategies, supplements such as fish oil and staying hydrated can be helpful. The best advice is to consider why you were initially prescribed Adderall and what may have changed in your daily life. You need to be very self-aware and notice when your brain isn’t working the way you want it to and then adjust. For example, if you lose focus and then apply strategies to stay on task. Some may need help from a therapist, coach or friend to provide constructive feedback
Withdrawal and Treatment
Withdrawal from Adderall is uncomfortable but rarely dangerous. Withdrawal signs usually show within 24-72 hours after you stop taking Adderall. They may last a few days to several weeks, depending on the person.
Symptoms of withdrawal from Adderall include:
- Fatigue with excessive sleeping
- Depression
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating
- Increased appetite
- Diminished mental and physical activities
- Drug craving
- Paranoia
After detoxing, you may enter a residential treatment center such as we have at The Encino Recovery & Detox Center. Trained staff are equipped to provide the support necessary for you to reach your treatment goals. Participating in residential care greatly enhances your success rate at avoiding relapses.
Typical therapy approaches include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- 12-Step Program
- Somatic Experiencing and Body Work
- Mindfulness Meditation
- Exposure therapy
Recovery in Los Angeles, California
At the Encino Recovery and Detox Center in Los Angeles we don’t just treat addiction. We nurture the spirit, heal the mind and help you to regain your life. If you or a loved one is seeking a way out of substance abuse, private, confidential help is just a call away. Reach out to our Admissions team now.
Sources
[1] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 2021. Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (HHS Publication No.PEP21-07-01-003, NSDUH Series H-56).
[2] De Pietro, M. 2022. Adderall addiction: Signs, causes, and treatment. MedicalNewsToday.com
[3] Jones, S. 2022. Adderall Abuse and Addiction. WebMD.com
