Adderall is often safely prescribed for patients with attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). There are other conditions for which this medication is often helpful, such as narcolepsy, depression, and chronic fatigue. But when Adderall is abused by individuals seeking a mood boost or enhanced alertness, Adderall’s side effects can be dangerous. In high schools and colleges across the country, many teens sell Adderall that has been prescribed to them. Adderall is extremely easy to get; all teens have access to Adderall without a prescription if they want it. For this reason, it is important to understand the side effects and risks of Adderall abuse.
Adderall Side Effects Are Varied
Adderall is a life-changing drug when properly used by patients with ADD, ADHD, or other mental health conditions. The medication is a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine that stimulates patient alertness and attention. This is achieved through an increase in the amount of dopamine the brain produces. Because the increase in dopamine can make non-prescribed users feel a “mood boost,” Adderall is often abused for this reason and its stimulant properties. Once patients abusing the medication are physically dependent on Adderall, their brains need the drug to remain alert and productive. They can no longer function well without taking the dose they have in the past. Some signs of Adderall abuse include:
- Aggression & passive aggression
- Insomnia
- Low appetite
- Social isolation
- Excitability
- Financial problems
- Excessive sleep
- Secretive behaviors
Am I Addicted to Adderall?
Over time, taking higher and higher doses causes teens to become dependent on Adderall. As Adderall addiction sets in, patients experience the following problems:
- Need for increasingly higher doses to feel similar effects
- Inability to manage daily life without the drug
- Inability to feel alert without their regular dosing
When patients try to stop abusing the medication, they will likely experience common withdrawal side effects. Some of these can be quite dangerous. Adderall side effects during withdrawal include:
- Intense cravings for the drug
- Severe depression
- Suicidal thoughts and actions
- Low energy
- Disrupted sleep
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Headaches
- Body aches
- Concentration and thought processing problems
- Increased appetite
- Nightmares
Overachievers Tend to Experience Serious Adderall Side Effects
Adderall abusers are not like stereotypical drug users. These users tend to be considered “overachievers,” those with excellent work dedication and attention to education. In fact, business people and students are frequently the ones who abuse Adderall. People misuse Adderall for the following reasons:
- Weight loss
- Studying
- Staying awake longer
- Achievement of more work
- To gain better organization
- For completion of more daily tasks
- As a recreational high
Those with a history of substance abuse may be destined for physical dependence. Such dependence means these overachievers will likely experience serious Adderall side effects, even those commonly experienced through withdrawal when they try to quit. This drug’s tendency to make users suicidal and severely depressed during withdrawal are some of its most dangerous side effects.
Adderall Addiction Can Be Overcome at Destinations for Teens
Destinations for Teens provides treatment for all types of drug and alcohol addiction, including the following:
Patients with Adderall addiction receive engaging care at Destinations for Teens, with comfortable amenities, outings, and a photography program. Our California teen rehab provides teens from across the country with the highest quality addiction treatment programs. If your teen has been on the wrong track and you are looking to offer them a new opportunity, Destinations for Teens can help. If you are looking for renewed hope for the future, contact Destinations for Teens by calling 877.466.0620 or by reaching out to us online. Addiction does not need to define your life.