Is Adderall Addictive?

Adderall is widely prescribed to treat ADHD and narcolepsy, but it’s also commonly abused and sold on the street. Many people don’t think that Adderall is a problem drug because of its medical applications, but it’s highly addictive and can have harmful effects when it’s overused.

What Is Adderall?

Adderall is a drug that increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the central nervous system. Norepinephrine increases the brain’s response time to stimuli, which allows users to be more focused and productive. Dopamine is responsible for feelings of pleasure, so users of Adderall experience both increased pleasure as well as alertness.

Adderall Addiction

Adderall is commonly overused by high school and college students to improve their school performance. It is also used illicitly to enhance athletic performance, suppress appetite, or for its euphoric effects.

When Adderall is abused, the brain adapts to the increased dopamine and norepinephrine, and without it, the user becomes mentally foggy and unable to feel the same euphoria. They have become physically dependent on the drug, and that dependence becomes an addiction when they begin to obsessively seek and use Adderall.

Adderall users also develop tolerance to the drug over time and use more to get the same effects. This overuse can lead to physical and mental complications such as increased heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature, as well as insomnia and paranoia. Long term effects can also occur, which include cardiovascular disease, malnutrition, psychosis, and depression.

Overdosing on Adderall is also a notable risk and can lead to death.

Signs of Adderall Addiction

If you think that you have an Adderall addiction, ask yourself the following questions.

• Do you keep needing larger doses of Adderall to get the same effects?
• Have you tried and failed to stop or reduce Adderall use?
• Have you taken Adderall in spite of negative consequences?
• Are you unable to be productive without Adderall?
• Are you spending a lot of time and money seeking and taking Adderall?
• Do you feel withdrawal symptoms like fogginess when you don’t take Adderall?

If you notice any of these signs, you should speak with your primary care doctor about evaluation and treatment resources.

Adderall Withdrawal

When Adderall use is stopped or reduced, withdrawal symptoms occur. These include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Nightmares
• Insomnia
• Increased appetite
• Difficulty concentrating or fogginess
• Achiness
• Irritability
• Headaches
• Suicidal thoughts

These symptoms generally last about two weeks.

Adderall Addiction Treatment

If you are struggling with Adderall abuse, it’s important to understand how the treatment process works.

The first step in Adderall addiction treatment is a medically supervised detox in an inpatient setting. You’ll be supervised to watch for complications from withdrawal and kept comfortable. Typically, you’ll be given Adderall on a tapering basis, with decreased doses over time until they end. This minimizes withdrawal symptoms.

After detox, you’ll continue your inpatient treatment, usually for a total of 28 days, and receive various types of addiction therapies. When inpatient treatment ends, it may be recommended that you continue therapy in a partial hospitalization program (PHP) followed by an intensive outpatient program (IOP).

After the programs are completed, many people continue individual therapy and/or attend regular support group meetings.

Therapies Used in Adderall Addiction Treatment

Several types of therapy have proven to be effective in Adderall addiction treatment.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT involves learning to recognize and manage your negative or irrational thoughts by reasoning through them to come to reality-based conclusions. CBT also involves learning coping skills to deal with challenges without Adderall, as well as relapse prevention strategies.
• Contingency Management: Contingency management involves positive reinforcement for positive behaviors, such as getting a reward for passing a drug test.
• Group Therapy: Group therapy is a critical part of any addiction treatment. Patients share emotions, experiences, and coping strategies, and form mutually supportive relationships.
• Family Therapy: Family therapy is important, particularly for young Adderall abusers. Family members learn how to support the addicted person during the recovery process, and to strengthen their relationships through communication.

Treating Co-Occurring Disorders

A co-occurring disorder, also known as dual diagnosis, occurs when a person has both a substance addiction and a mental health disorder at the same time. People who abuse Adderall often have a co-occurring disorder such as anxiety or depression.

When you seek treatment, you’ll be evaluated to determine the extent of your addiction and to diagnose any co-occurring disorders. For example, at Bridges of Hope, we perform a multi-level assessment to understand your issues in order to create a personalized treatment plan.

Co-occurring disorders must be treated at the same time the addiction is being treated. Treatment will involve cognitive behavioral therapy or other therapies, and sometimes treatment with medications such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications.

Help Is Available

If you are struggling with Adderall, reach out to your doctor, or call a treatment center like Bridges of Hope. Help is available, and you have options. By reaching out, you’ll be taking the first step on a journey to a healthier, more fulfilling life.