Adderall is a highly addictive prescription drug that many people use recreationally. Occasional recreational Adderall use can quickly spiral into abuse and addiction without intervention.

Recognizing the signs of Adderall misuse and the symptoms of addiction can help you seek treatment as quickly as possible. If you or a loved one are addicted to Adderall and ready to begin your recovery, reach out to the knowledgeable team at Arise Treatment Center to learn about our holistic addiction treatment programs or to find support during any stage of addiction recovery.

What is Adderall?

Adderall is a prescription stimulant medication that contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Doctors prescribe Adderall to help people manage the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. However, it is also abused recreationally. Adderall is often abused by college students who want to stay awake to study, socialize, or party. It may also be abused by young adults who are trying to increase their productivity, stay concentrated, or work late hours.

The active components of Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) stimulate the central nervous system and affect parts of the brain related to impulse control and hyperactivity. When abused after long periods of time, Adderall can be physically and psychologically addictive.

The Effects of Adderall

Adderall can help people manage symptoms of ADHD, but it can also cause other side effects, including:

• Stomach pain
• Reduced appetite and weight loss
• Mood changes
• Anxiety or nervousness
• Rapid heart rate
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Dry mouth

People who take Adderall differently than their doctor prescribes or recreationally–meaning without a prescription–are more likely to develop harmful side effects or health complications. Misusing Adderall can cause symptoms that may go unnoticed by others. These include:

• An increased desire to work or be active
• Excitability or hyperactivity
• Being excessively talkative
• Feelings of impatience, nervousness, anxiety, and worry
• Over-thinking
• Being more social

These symptoms can be hard to identify in others. However, prolonged misuse can also lead to other behavioral and emotional symptoms that others may identify.

Signs of Adderall Abuse

Some of the most significant, noticeable signs of Adderall abuse include:

• Difficulty falling and staying asleep
• Headaches
• Tremors in one area of the body
• Changes in libido
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dry mouth
• Weight loss
• Constipation
• Diarrhea

Some of the effects of Adderall abuse may be severe, including:

• Pounding heart
• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Slowed speech
• Numbness in the extremities
• Difficulty with swallowing or breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Verbal or muscular tics
• Peeling skin or blisters
• Seizures

People may also experience side effects in their mental health, including delusional thinking and hallucinations. While these side effects are rare, it’s essential to be aware of them and know how to seek treatment.

Over time, someone who misuses Adderall may develop an addiction to it and may be unable to stop using it on their own. People with Adderall addiction will likely experience withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop taking it. Adderall withdrawal symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Sleep problems
• Confusion

Medications and support in a comprehensive detox program can help people reduce withdrawal symptoms and have a safe, complete withdrawal from Adderall.

Do I Need Adderall Addiction Treatment?

It is nearly impossible to live a healthy, fulfilling lifestyle with Adderall addiction. Adderall abuse and addiction can harm your health, strain your relationships, and prevent you from caring for yourself or others.

Recognizing the signs of Adderall addiction is the first step toward getting the treatment you need to recover. Addiction can cause significant changes in the way a person looks, acts, and thinks. Here are some of the signs that you or someone else is living with an addiction to Adderall:

• Taking Adderall recreationally
• Using Adderall differently than your doctor prescribed–taking it more frequently, in higher doses, or in a different method than your doctor told you to
• Seeking prescriptions for Adderall from multiple doctors
• Worrying if you are running out of Adderall or don’t know how you’ll get more
• Spending a lot of time and energy getting, using, and recovering from using Adderall
• Developing tolerance, meaning you need to take more Adderall to get the desired effects
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it
• Wanting to stop but feeling out of control over your use
• Continuing to use Adderall despite negative effects on your health, relationships, or other aspects of your life

People exhibiting several signs of Adderall addiction may require treatment to stop using the drug and adopt a healthy, sober lifestyle.

What Happens in an Adderall Rehab Program?

Addiction is a complex condition that requires comprehensive, compassionate treatment. While many people with Adderall addiction may begin in a medically-supported detox program, they must also seek treatment that allows them to identify the roots of their addiction and learn the skills they need to avoid relapse.

Treatment plans may include:

• Individual counseling
• Group therapy
• Relapse prevention education
• Holistic therapies like exercise, nutrition support, massage, and mindfulness
• Aftercare planning
• Medications
• Mental health treatment

People struggling with Adderall abuse and addiction must get the treatment and ongoing support they need to address their addiction’s emotional, behavioral, and environmental aspects so that they can live the healthy, sober lifestyle they choose.

Find Help for Adderall Abuse and Addiction Today

If you or someone you love needs help to overcome Adderall abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Reach out to the caring team at Arise Treatment Center to explore your prescription drug addiction treatment options or find support during recovery.

You don’t have to live with addiction. Effective, compassionate treatment is a phone call away. Call us today to get started on your journey to a healthier life.