Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health condition that is often diagnosed during childhood–commonly around seven years old. People with ADHD may exhibit a range of disruptive symptoms, including challenges in maintaining attention and impulsive behaviors.

ADHD is the most common mental health issue among children in the United States. While there is no cure for ADHD, people with this condition can take medications and make lifestyle changes to manage its symptoms.

For many, the symptoms of ADHD can prevent them from functioning well in their daily lives. Research is still needed into how ADHD affects people’s mental and physical well-being, but people can often manage their symptoms well enough to improve symptoms.

However, there is a link between ADHD and substance abuse or addiction. People with ADHD may be more likely to develop a substance use disorder (SUD), and some of the medications used to treat ADHD have the potential for abuse and addiction.

This article will explore the risk of ADHD medication addiction, the link between ADHD and addiction, and how to find the treatment you need to overcome a substance use disorder. Reach out to the team at Arise Treatment Center now to learn about our comprehensive treatment programs or to find support at any stage of your recovery.

Can You Get Addicted to ADHD Medications?

Medical experts believe that the symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder are caused by a lack of stimulation in a person’s central nervous system (CNS). The majority of the medications used to treat ADHD symptoms are stimulants, meaning they increase CNS activity.

Some common ADHD meds include:

• Ritalin (methylphenidate)
• Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine)
• Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)

When people with ADHD take stimulant medications, they experience a relief of their symptoms. They may be able to focus for longer periods, have less impulsive behaviors, and can maintain concentration and attention.

However, stimulant medications, including those used to treat ADHD, have the potential for abuse. Some people who do not have a diagnosis of ADHD or other attention disorders may take these stimulant medications for their energizing effects. At the same time, people with ADHD may have a heightened risk for addiction.

Generally, people who have ADHD do not become addicted to their ADHD medications if they take them as prescribed under medical supervision. But, people who use ADHD medications recreationally (without a prescription) may develop a physical dependence on them over time.

If you take prescription ADHD medications, you must take them only as prescribed. Don’t change your dose or stop taking them without consulting your doctor first.

How Do People Get Addicted to ADHD Meds?

So, can you get addicted to ADHD meds? The answer is yes, it is possible. About 3.7 million people reported abusing prescription stimulants in 2021 and an estimated 1.5 million had a prescription stimulant use disorder. But an addiction doesn’t develop overnight. Addiction happens in stages. Understanding these stages can help you identify a problem before it becomes more severe and seek treatment to stop using addictive substances.

1. Pleasure-seeking

The first stage of an addiction is the pleasure-seeking stage. People may use drugs–either prescription or illicit–for their pleasurable effects. People may take ADHD medications to feel energized or to maintain focus for a long study session. Over time, they may find that they need to take more of the drug to get the same effects, which is called ‘tolerance.’

2. Withdrawal

After using a drug heavily or frequently for some time, users may find that they experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if they stop. People who misuse ADHD medications might find that they develop depression and insomnia. They may experience stomach pains, nausea, and vomiting. In many cases, people feel fatigued and irritable.

Withdrawal symptoms can linger for days or weeks–and many people feel that they must keep taking the drug to avoid them.

3. Preoccupation

People who get addicted to ADHD medications crave these drugs and may become preoccupied with getting and using more. They may become solely focused on obtaining and using the drug while relationships, responsibilities, and hobbies fall by the wayside.

People with drug addiction do not choose to use drugs. Using these drugs for an extended period changes the way a person’s brain works, making it almost impossible for them to stop using these substances without professional help.

Signs of ADHD Medication Addiction

Recognizing substance abuse is the first step toward getting the help you need to get your life back on track. Some of the signs someone is addicted to ADHD meds include:

• Using ADHD medications without a prescription
• Needing to use more of a drug to get the “high” or effects they want
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking the drugs
• Wanting to stop taking the drug but finding they can’t do it on their own
• Stealing medications from others
• Neglecting responsibilities, interests, and relationships

People who become addicted to ADHD meds need compassionate, comprehensive treatment and continuing support to safely stop using these addictive substances and avoid relapse.

Find Help for ADHD Pill Addiction Now

If you or someone in your life struggles with ADHD med abuse or any substance use disorder, you are not alone. Reach out to the team of specialists at Arise Treatment Center now to learn about our effective addiction treatment programs or to find support at any stage of your recovery from addiction.