Adderall Addiction

Adderall, which has been used since 1996, is controversial because it is often prescribed to adolescents and children and can foster physical and mental Adderall addiction. It is a brand name psycho-stimulant which is comprised of amphetamine salts and is prescribed to people who suffer from ADHD, ADD, and narcolepsy because it increases alertness and concentration.

This stimulant drug is Food and Drug Administration-approved for the estimated four percent of adults in the United States who are diagnosed with ADHD, but for the college students who pop an Adderall without a prescription to get high, stay awake, lose weight or party harder, it’s a risky move that could lead to addiction or health issues. In the past decade we've seen an increase in young people arriving for treatment who have developed physical and mental Adderall addiction problems. Adderall may seem less sinister than drugs like OxyContin, Vicodin, Percocet, and opioids, but we feel that it is an alarming trend. Not only is the abuse of Adderall harmful to the user physically and mentally, but it can lead to the use of drugs like ecstasy and crystal meth, which can cause irreparable damage (even death) in as little as one dose.

The amphetamine cocktail in Adderall increases energy, alertness and enhances concentration for three to five hours. Its reputation has caused Adderall to fall into the hands of people who want it rather than need it. What’s more, some medical professionals say Adderall may not be effective in treating ADHD in users older than 16. However, Adderall is especially popular among college students. Sales have increased more than 3,000 percent since 2002 for Shire Pharmaceuticals, Adderall’s distributor. A study by the University of Wisconsin found that as many as one in five college students have taken Adderall or Ritalin, a similar stimulant, without a doctor’s prescription.

Adderall, which can be swallowed, sniffed, smoked or injected, typically has a calming effect in people with ADHD, but poses major health risks and side effects for those without ADHD. The amphetamines cause increased alertness, excitement and blood pressure. The release of dopamine induces a sense of euphoria that can last several hours, longer than the 15- to 30-minute high of cocaine. The increased brain activity can cause insomnia, anxiety, loss of appetite, agitation, increased body temperature, hallucinations, convulsions and, in extreme cases, even death. The FDA blames Adderall use for 25 deaths in children and adults. The FDA also found 54 cases of serious cardiovascular problems, including heart attack, stroke, hypertension, palpitations and arrhythmia associated with this stimulant.

Here are ten warning signs to watch for if you think someone you know may be experiencing problems with Adderall addiction.

1. Usage Increase - Over time, it is common for individuals taking Adderall to grow tolerant to the effects of their prescribed dose. If someone you know seems to be increasing his/her dose over time, this is an indication that the amount they were taking is no longer providing them relief.
2. Change in Personality - Changes in a person's normal behavior can be a sign of dependency. Shifts in energy, mood, and concentration may occur as every day responsibilities become secondary to the need for the relief the prescription provides.
3. Social Withdrawal - A person experiencing a dependency problem may withdraw from family, friends and other social interaction.
4. Ongoing Use - Continued usage after a medical condition has improved. He or she might also complain frequently about the doctors who refused to write the prescription for one reason or another.
5. Time Spent on Obtaining Prescriptions - A dependant person will spend large amounts of time driving great distances and visiting multiple doctors to obtain the drugs. Watch for signs that he or she seems preoccupied with a quest for medication, demonstrating that the drug has become their top priority.
6. Change in Daily Habits and Appearance - Personal hygiene may diminish as a result of an Adderall addiction.
7. Neglects Responsibilities - A dependent person may call in sick to work more often, and neglect household chores and bills.
8. Increased Sensitivity - Normal sights, sounds and emotions might become overly stimulating to the person. Hallucinations, although perhaps difficult to monitor, may occur as well.
9. Blackouts and Forgetfulness - Another clear indication of Adderall Addiction is when the person regularly forgets events that have taken place and appears to be suffering blackouts.
10. Defensiveness - When attempting to hide an Adderall addiction, abusers can become very defensive if they feel their secret is being discovered. They might even react to simple requests or questions by lashing out.

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