People abuse both illegal and prescription drugs all the time, including Adderall. On college campuses across the nation, Adderall addiction is on the rise. Below are a few things that people need to know about Adderall addiction rehab, substance use treatment, and the drug itself.
What Is Adderall?
Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant that combines dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. Its purpose is to improve attention and reduce hyperactivity. In fact, doctors prescribe Adderall to people who suffer from narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Adderall triggers a chemical release of dopamine, which causes hyperactivity and a sense of euphoria in the user. While this may seem harmless to those who do not have ADHD, those who have been diagnosed with it are at risk of developing an addiction to the substance.
For people with ADHD, Adderall improves focus and concentration. It also decreases impulsiveness and hyperactivity. However, for people who do not have ADHD, Adderall can cause restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia. In some cases, it can also lead to addiction.
Adderall is a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States. This means that it has a high potential for abuse and addiction. If you or someone you know is taking Adderall without a prescription, it is important to be aware of the risks involved. Taking Adderall without a prescription is illegal and can result in serious health consequences.
Why Do People Abuse Adderall?
People abuse Adderall for a number of reasons. In general, they start taking it to improve sociability, focus, and wakefulness. However, when Adderall is used to achieve these goals, it can easily spiral out of control.
On college campuses, people take Adderall as a study drug. Students use it before a big test so that they can stay up all night and cram. Adderall helps them stay awake and focused.
But poor academic performance isn’t the only reason people might take it. There are plenty of other reasons like: socializing, partying and clubbing.
It’s important to note that abusing Adderall can lead to serious health problems and substantially interfere with daily life. It also fuels the risk of addiction getting out of hand and ruining relationships.
There are a number of signs you can watch for if you think someone’s abusing Adderall. These include:
- Lies about prescription drug use
- Starts stealing the medication from family and friends
- Needing more than one refill on an existing prescription
- Frequently paying or trading sexual favors for prescription drugs
- Unusual silence, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, etc.
Why Do People Need Adderall Addiction Treatment?
Adderall messes with the chemical balance in the brain and causes a sense of euphoria. When people develop tolerance or dependence, it’s important that they go to an Adderall addiction rehab to stop using.
Those that don’t receive treatment early enough can develop a severe addiction to this stimulant. Then, it’s even harder for them to quit using Adderall. To make matters worse, it’s fairly easy for people to get their hands on this drug.
Adderall addiction treatment can help people overcome addiction safely and quickly. However, the prolonged use of Adderall can cause heart and central nervous system problems. The chemical imbalance that it creates can also lead to other mental health disorders.
Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms
When people with tolerance or dependence try to stop taking Adderall, they usually experience withdrawal symptoms. Like with other drugs, the symptoms vary in intensity. The most common problem that people experience is a “crash.” An Adderall crash causes different problems, including:
- Panic attacks
- Irritability
- Lack of energy
- Depression
- Intense hunger
The crash can also cause suicidal thoughts. Young students often take their own lives after they try to stop using Adderall on their own. This is another reason why it’s so important for people to seek Adderall addiction treatment.
Adderall Use Is on the Rise
Unfortunately, Adderall abuse is on the rise in the United States. One reason for the increase is the number of prescriptions that doctors give. It’s common for parents and doctors to mistake their children’s high energy levels for ADHD. Because of the misdiagnosis, many kids develop a dependence on Adderall at early ages.
Why do parents keep their kids on Adderall? Mostly because the drug improves focus for everyone, including people who don’t have ADHD. The improved concentration makes parents and doctors believe that the drug works.
With so many kids receiving Adderall prescriptions, it’s easy for others to get their hands on the pills too. On college campuses, it’s common for students to sell their pills to others.
Find Out How to Beat Adderall Addiction at Crestview Recovery
If you need Adderall addiction treatment, turn to the talented staff at Crestview Recovery. We offer several addiction rehab programs, including treatment for Adderall addiction. We strive to create unique and custom treatment plans for all of our guests. Some programs that we offer include:
- Dual diagnosis treatment: If you suffer from addiction and a mental health disorder, we can treat both at the same time.
- Outpatient rehab: If you need more flexibility, our outpatient treatment program may be a good fit for you.
- Family therapy: Addiction affects not just the person suffering from it, but also their loved ones. Our family therapy program helps to heal families.
- Aftercare: Once you complete our program, we will help you transition back into your life with our aftercare program.
We also focus on providing gender-specific treatment. Our programs cater to the individual needs of men and women. Focusing on the differences between genders allows us to create plans that help people recover faster.
Don’t suffer at the hands of this addictive drug any longer. Find out how to overcome Adderall addiction at Crestview Recovery. Call us today at 866.262.0531 for more information.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
