Adderall is a prescription amphetamine used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). For people who struggle with ADHD, Adderall can be a great treatment method. However, Adderall can also be abused and create an addiction if not used properly. It can also have a negative effect on your mental health if used incorrectly or prescribed incorrectly. If your teen seems like they might be addicted to Adderall, Destinations for Teens is here to help with Adderall addiction treatment for teens. Reach out to one of our healthcare professionals today via 877.466.0620 to discuss your options.
What Is Adderall?
Adderall is a combination of the drugs amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, which are stimulants that target the central nervous system. These drugs combined increase a person’s ability to focus, pay attention, and control their behavior. Many young adults and teens take Adderall recreationally, especially in school settings.
Why Misuse Adderall?
There are several reasons why somebody might misuse Adderall. Most people use it in academic settings to maintain focus or finish projects they might be behind on. One survey noted that 25% of college students who are prescribed stimulants such as Adderall used their prescription to get high. Stimulants such as Adderall are especially popular at the end of a school term, during final exams. Most students use Adderall to enhance their ability to study outside of class.
Signs of Adderall Addiction
There are a number of different ways to see if your teen is abusing Adderall. Some signs and symptoms of Adderall addiction include:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Eating less due to a lack of appetite
- Exhibiting increased agitation, anxiety, or paranoia
- Engaging in uncharacteristic, risky behaviors
- Taking somebody else’s Adderall
- Using a higher dose than prescribed
- Mixing pills with other drugs or alcohol
Understanding the signs and symptoms of Adderall can help you recognize if somebody you love is addicted to Adderall. It is also important to understand that not everybody who uses Adderall is addicted. Those who are addicted to any substance will put using it above everything else. Any combination of signs and symptoms of Adderall addiction are the key to recognizing addiction in teens. If your teen is showing any of these signs, especially in response to schoolwork, they might be addicted to Adderall. However, Adderall can also have a negative impact on one’s mental health.
Adderall’s Effects on Mental Health
Adderall can affect the body and mind in a number of different ways. Some examples of short-term physical side effects are:
- Racing heart or high blood pressure
- Anger, restlessness, or irritability
- Sleep problems
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Weight loss
- Muscle twitching
Adderall can also affect a person’s mental health if used over an extended period of time. Many studies have been done addressing the effect of Adderall on mental health. As a result of these studies, stimulant medication labels must state that their drug might cause psychosis. Psychosis is most commonly known as experiencing delusions or hallucinations. Adderall can also cause mania or aggressive behavior. The risk is significantly higher in stimulants such as Adderall than other stimulants such as Ritalin. The risk of new mental health problems as a result of Adderall is relatively low but not impossible. It is more likely if you have a history of psychosis or a family history of psychosis. Always be sure to enclose all of your medical history with your provider before they prescribe you a new drug.
Adderall Addiction Treatment for Teens with Destinations for Teens
Adderall addiction is becoming increasingly common and can be dangerous for a person’s physical and mental health. If you believe that your teen is abusing either their prescription or somebody else’s, reach out to Destinations for Teens today via 877.466.0620 to discuss treatment options or complete our form.