Amphetamine is a powerful stimulant that can lead to addiction if taken outside a doctor’s recommendation. Adderall is a brand-name version of amphetamine prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy. Although this Schedule II drug may boost focus and alertness initially, it can also cause anxiety, obsession, and social development issues.
One of the reasons Adderall can be so dangerous is that the brain responds quickly from the first dosage. If teens take more Adderall than prescribed, they have the potential to develop a tolerance driving them to consume larger quantities of the drug. That dependency can eventually lead teens to seek out more powerful stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine. Destinations for Teens helps teens needing Adderall addiction treatment and provides hope for a more promising future.
Signs of Adderall Addiction
Signs of Adderall use may present themselves through various physical and psychological side effects, including:
- Paranoia
- Rudeness
- Aggression
- Rapid heartbeat
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Obsession
- Anxiety
- Weight loss
Long-term Adderall addiction can take a heavy physical and mental toll on your mind and body. Your brain becomes accustomed to the stimulation of the central nervous system, and people develop difficulties functioning without the medication. You can also end up with Adderall withdrawal symptoms like:
- Headaches
- Lethargy
- Anxiety
- Delusions
These side effects of Adderall addiction can persist for months after taking the drug. That’s because of the structural changes Adderall makes to the brain. You may find your decision-making impaired or unable to control behaviors that are counterproductive to your overall well-being. Changes in thinking are one reason treating Adderall addiction is such a challenge.
Can Adderall Addiction Develop Into Meth Addiction?
People use meth (also a Schedule II drug) for the same reasons people take Adderall or any stimulant. Its ability to keep people awake and focused appeals to people in many professions. Stimulants affect the central nervous system and encourage the brain to produce higher amounts of dopamine in reward areas. The pleasure people experience makes them want to replicate the experience. Adderall is more expensive than meth, but people may turn to meth if they are unable to get Adderall.
Taking small amounts of meth can lead to various effects, including:
- Lack of appetite
- Increase in energy
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heightened blood pressure
- Rapid breathing
The potent effects of methamphetamine are a primary reason the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) classifies the drug as a Schedule II stimulant. That prohibits it from being available outside of a prescription.
How Can You Overcome an Adderall Addiction?
Adderall addiction treatment typically includes behavioral therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. Getting people to seek treatment for Adderall addiction may be difficult. They may fear the idea of going through withdrawal, which can cause them to experience symptoms like:
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Sadness
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia
- Lethargy
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
- Dehydration
Adderall withdrawal symptoms can last up to 15 days, depending on the severity of your addiction. You may find yourself repeating behaviors like picking up pens repeatedly or cleaning everything in sight. A lack of sleep can cause you to experience hallucinations or feel like something is crawling under your skin.
Treatment for Adderall Addiction
Some of the treatment modalities that can aid in someone’s recovery from Adderall use disorder include:
- Inpatient rehabilitation
- Outpatient therapies
- Counseling sessions
- Individual and group therapy
- Family support groups
- Medication management
By taking a comprehensive approach to treating Adderall addiction, teens can regain control of their lives. Evidence-based treatments combined with holistic approaches such as connecting to spirit or nature, yoga, and animal or music therapy can be essential to recovery.
Destinations for Teens is dedicated to helping teens with Adderall addiction through an evidence-based treatment approach. Our team of experts provides individualized care that helps teens and their families find long-term success. Contact us today to learn more about our residential program and how we can help your family.
Addiction Treatment at Destination for Teens
We assist clients looking to overcome substance use disorders, including opiate abuse and excessive alcohol consumption. Our focus is on helping clients find treatments that help them build coping mechanisms they can rely on once they complete a rehab program.
- Residential treatment program
- Intensive outpatient treatment program
- A partial hospitalization treatment program
If you or someone you care about needs Adderall addiction, call Destination for Teens at 877.466.0620. We’re here to help.
References:
Amphetamine-induced psychosis – a separate diagnostic entity or primary psychosis triggered in the vulnerable?
BMC Psychiatry. 2012; 12: 221.Published online 2012 Dec 5.
