Adderall Abuse: What You Need to Know
Learn more about Adderall abuse and determine whether or not it's time to seek treatment options and centers.
This prescription drug has a high risk for addiction, especially when used for recreational and non-medical purposes. It is a Schedule II controlled substance due to its strong potential for abuse and addiction. Scientists have found that Adderall abuse is a growing problem among young adults, especially within the college-aged population. What does Adderall do to attract college student use? The simple answer is that this drug is often used with the objective of improving focus and attention while students are studying to improve their grades. It also enables students to stay awake for longer periods of time, especially when cramming for tests and enduring all-night study sessions. The truth is that Adderall abuse with the intention of improving exam results has the opposite outcome, with students who abuse Adderall having lower grade point averages than those who do not abuse this drug. Other may take this drug with the intention of achieving quick weight loss or producing an euphoric high. The results of taking Adderall medication that has not been prescribed by your physician, however, can lead to significant medical problems and emergency room visits.
What Does Adderall Do?
Adderall is a medication that is mainly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This drug is a stimulant that is made up of a combination of an amphetamine and dextroamphetamine to enable someone to remain focused on an activity and to control behavioral problems that often accompany those suffering from ADHD. This treatment can also improve one's listening skills, and it can help those who have a sleeping disorder, such as narcolepsy, as the drug helps to keep you awake and alert.
You need a doctor's prescription in order to legally obtain this drug. However, Adderall abuse and misuse is on the rise, with some individuals purchasing the stimulant illegally on the streets and secretly or openly obtaining it from family members or friends who have a legitimate prescription. Taking Adderall while not under a doctor's care can lead to an addiction and subsequently require treatment for addiction recovery.
Adderall Side Effects
Adderall, even when taken as prescribed by a physician, can cause some side effects, such as decreased appetite resulting in weight loss, dry mouth, stomach pain, nausea, dizziness, headaches, diarrhea, increased body temperature, nervousness, or sleeping difficulties. This drug may also result in raised blood pressure readings.
When someone is participating in Adderall abuse, the consequences can become much more intense. Adderall side effects are more dangerous in those who abuse this drug because they are using Adderall in different ways than prescribed or taking it in higher dosages. These stimulants affect dopamine levels in the brain, and when taken without a doctor's guidance, can disrupt neural communications and produce feelings of euphoria that increase the risk of addiction.
Adderall, when used continually or in an abusive manner, can cause symptoms of withdrawal when the drug is discontinued without supervision. A detoxification process is necessary when attempting to cease an addiction to Adderall or other stimulants. Withdrawal symptoms can include increase blood pressure and heart rate, fevers, insomnia, and loss of appetite. More serious consequences include malnutrition, hostile feelings, paranoia, and serious cardiovascular issues, including stroke.
Adderall abuse becomes more dangerous and addictive when someone crushes and injects the pills to achieve a high. The insoluble contents in the tablets have the ability to block small blood vessels, possibly leading to eventual heart disease and other cardiovascular complications.
If you have been using Adderall recreationally or for purposes other than those prescribed by a physician, it is in your best interests to seek help in dealing with this issue as soon as possible, before Adderall side effects become dangerous to your overall health.