5 Signs Of Adderall Abuse And Addiction

Adderall abuse and addiction can sharply alter a person’s mood, physical appearance, and behavior. Knowing common signs of Adderall abuse can help you identify when someone is struggling and begin the process of seeking substance abuse treatment.

Adderall is a prescription stimulant that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. For people with these conditions, the use of Adderall can help counteract difficulties with concentration and promote wakefulness.

Unfortunately, Adderall is also widely abused for its powerful stimulant effects, especially among high school and college students and people with high-stress jobs.

Prescription drug addiction can turn you into a person you no longer recognize. As a drug that directly affects the brain, Adderall can cause dramatic changes in mood, cognitive function, and behavior.

If you suspect someone you know is abusing Adderall, learning common signs and symptoms of Adderall abuse can help you identify the problem and begin the process of finding treatment.

Signs Of Adderall Abuse And Addiction

Adderall abuse can have major effects on physical, mental, and behavioral health. Here are five common signs of Adderall abuse and addiction:

1. Behavioral Changes

Becoming addicted to prescription drugs can take over your life. This is, in part, because of how drugs like Adderall affect certain chemicals in the brain responsible for managing things such as mood, concentration, and energy level.

When abused, Adderall can have lasting effects on how you feel, think, and behave in your day-to-day life. It can cause you to behave in ways you normally wouldn’t.

Adderall abuse may cause the following changes in behavior:

  • frequent drug-seeking
  • reckless or impulsive behavior
  • sleeping much less or more than normal
  • hanging out with a different social circle
  • acting more irritable
  • talkativeness
  • crushing and snorting Adderall
  • abusing multiple drugs for enhanced effects

2. Physical Signs Of Adderall Abuse

Prescription amphetamines can cause a range of physical side effects, including increased energy, alertness, and loss of appetite.

Abusing Adderall can cause these symptoms to become more pronounced and may cause additional symptoms of drug abuse.

Physical signs and symptoms of Adderall abuse can include:

  • rapid heart rate
  • stomach or chest pain
  • high body temperature
  • high blood pressure
  • vision problems
  • dramatic weight loss
  • excessive fatigue
  • dry mouth
  • constipation or diarrhea
  • changes in sex drive
  • difficulty sleeping

3. Effects On Mental Health

Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant that can cause a range of mental and psychological side effects—some of which can become worse over time.

Psychological side effects of Adderall abuse can include:

  • anxiety
  • depression
  • suicidal thoughts
  • delusions
  • paranoia
  • psychosis
  • heightened self-image

4. Difficulty Keeping Up With Work Or School

Although Adderall can increase focus, alertness, and energy in those who take it as prescribed, abusing Adderall can actually hurt your ability to keep up with things such as work and school over time.

Once addicted to Adderall, your drug use can become a priority over all else, including meeting deadlines, completing school assignments, or regularly attending classes.

These difficulties can become a source of shame for young adults who are struggling with drug abuse. Even so, others can develop a sense of denial where they fail to recognize just how much their drug use is impacting their everyday life.

5. Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms

Another sign of Adderall abuse is drug withdrawal, a consequence of Adderall dependency. Withdrawal symptoms can arise if you’ve suddenly stopped taking Adderall or have gone too long without taking a dose.

Withdrawal symptoms may include fatigue, depression, and difficulty sleeping. Medical detox may be recommended for people with severe addiction or addiction to multiple drugs.

Getting Help For Adderall Addiction

At Spring Hill, we know how difficult it can be to struggle with Adderall abuse or watch a loved one become further entrenched in a cycle of addiction. Drug addiction can make you feel powerless and hopeless about finding a way out.

You’re not alone. If you or someone you know is abusing Adderall, Spring Hill may be able to help. Our Massachusetts rehab center offers a range of inpatient and outpatient treatment programs for substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders.

Call our addiction treatment center today to learn more about how to get help for Adderall addiction and available treatment options.

  1. National Institute on Drug Abuse—Prescription Stimulants DrugFacts https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/prescription-stimulants
  2. U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus—Dextroamphetamine and Amphetamine https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601234.html

Written by Spring Hill Recovery Editorial Team

© 2024 Spring Hill Recovery | All Rights Reserved

* This page does not provide medical advice.

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