Can The Adderall Shortage Lead To Addiction?

A prescription stimulant drug consisting of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, Adderall is prescribed to people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to increase attention span, focus, and control of behavioral problems. In October 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported an Adderall shortage and has since announced shortages for other ADHD prescription medications, such as Focalin, Ritalin, and Vyvanse.

Several issues can arise from these shortages. One of the most concerning is an increase in stimulant addiction. Patients who rely on Adderall or similar medications and now can’t access them may turn to unregulated avenues for stimulants. These drugs often are more addictive than Adderall and contain deadly additives.

Addiction specialists such as those at Spring Hill Recovery Center can help identify if you or a loved one is experiencing a substance use disorder (SUD) involving stimulants and provide effective treatment solutions.

Insights From The Opioid Epidemic

Alongside the Adderall shortage, the opioid epidemic is still ongoing, which can provide some insight into how the Adderall shortage could lead to addiction. Similar to opioids, Adderall and other stimulants for treating ADHD are included on the list of controlled substances in the U.S. due to their high potential for abuse and addiction. Possessing Adderall without a prescription is illegal, as is its use. To further limit drug abuse, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) sets manufacturing limits, called quotas, for Adderall and other prescription stimulants.

When prescription opioids became less available after the medical community discovered how highly addictive they were, many people who had been using these medications turned to the black market. Addiction rates and overdoses began to increase with people turning to heroin and other more easily obtainable opioids.

There is a real concern that a similar trend could happen due to the Adderall shortage.

What Happens When Someone Can’t Access Adderall?

When someone can’t take their ADHD medication, they may experience withdrawal symptoms and a return of behaviors associated with their diagnosis, and begin looking for alternatives to control these symptoms and behaviors.

Return Of Previous Behaviors

When someone experiences a disruption to their normal flow of medicine, the first thing that may happen is a return of the behaviors associated with their diagnosis. In the case of ADHD, patients without Adderall may have trouble with everyday tasks.

Signs and symptoms of ADHD may include:

• hyperactivity
• impulsiveness
• daydreaming
• impatience
• irritability
• inability to resist temptation
• inability to deal with stress

When these symptoms return and the appropriate prescription can’t be accessed, someone may turn to other stimulants for relief, including those on the black market.

Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms

Adderall may cause withdrawal symptoms when usage stops, especially when taken in high doses or over a long period of time.

Adderall withdrawal symptoms may include:

• insomnia
• fatigue
• depression
• anger

To avoid these symptoms, someone unable to access Adderall also may turn to the black market or otherwise seek alternative stimulant drugs.

Addiction And Other Risks Associated With The Adderall Shortage

In addition to seeking out other stimulants, such as cocaine, which come with an increased risk of addiction, other dangers exist with the Adderall shortage. Criminal networks have taken advantage of the shortage by mass producing counterfeit pills that look just like Adderall but often contain dangerous additives, increasing the risk of addiction and overdose.

More Powerful Stimulant Drugs

Some people may seek out other stimulant drugs, such as cocaine or methamphetamine, to deal with withdrawal symptoms or a return of ADHD symptoms. However, these substances are much more potent and addictive than Adderall. They also come with a risk of containing fentanyl, the powerful synthetic opioid responsible for most overdose deaths in the U.S. today.

Counterfeit Pills

People unable to access Adderall may also seek out prescription Adderall through the black market, which is also dangerous. These pills are typically manufactured in countries with fewer regulations, or may not be regulated at all, in the case of criminal organizations that produce fake pills. To increase their effects, drug dealers often lace these pills with fentanyl and other powerful drugs, which also increases the risk of addiction along with fatal overdose. Recent DEA testing shows that three out of five fake pills containing fentanyl had a lethal dose of the drug.

Why Is There An Adderall Shortage?

There are many reasons for the current Adderall shortage. As mentioned, the DEA has limited the number of pills pharmaceutical companies can make based on the high risk of abuse and addiction connected to stimulants. A recent study done by Johns Hopkins University found Adderall abuse on the rise among young adults, who primarily obtain the drug from friends or family members and without a doctor’s prescription. With this rise of abuse, federal agencies feel the need to respond by limiting production.

Another reason for the shortage is the increasing overall demand for Adderall, which only became greater during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Talk To Your Doctor About Other Options

If you are concerned about your health related to the Adderall shortage, talk to your doctor. If you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms or a return of ADHD symptoms, alternative treatment options may be available to help during the shortage.

Other Medications

There are other medications for ADHD that your doctor may recommend.

Some of these include:

• Strattera: a non-stimulant ADHD medication that works by selectively inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine
• Intuniv ER: an extended-release form of a high blood pressure medication (non-stimulant) that can also help people with ADHD
• Provigil: a stimulant-like drug that can help some adults with cognitive enhancement and improve focus

Increased Therapy

If you are currently in therapy, your doctor may recommend increasing the frequency of your sessions to help deal with anxiety or other symptoms of ADHD. Therapy can help you develop and strengthen coping skills and stress-reduction techniques.

Mindfulness Practices

People with ADHD may also benefit from practices that include an element of mindfulness, such as yoga, tai chi, or meditation. Look for a teacher with the appropriate credentials, experience working with people with ADHD, and positive reviews from students.

Addiction Treatment At Spring Hill

If you are concerned about your or your loved one’s use of drugs, call Spring Hill for help today. We provide comprehensive treatment solutions to help people find freedom from addiction and live full, healthy lives.

Evidence-based treatment options include:

• drug and alcohol assessments
• individualized treatment planning
• connection with detox services nearby
• residential addiction treatment
• behavioral therapy (CBT, DBT, etc.)
• case management
• group and family therapy
• family psychoeducation
• peer support groups
• comprehensive aftercare planning

Clients stay in gender-separate residences on our beautiful mountainside campus in Ashby, MA, with a wide variety of wellness and recreation activities available to support healing.