Adderall Abuse
What’s Adderall?
Adderall is a mix of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine which is used primarily to treat the signs of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It’s advantages with sleep disorders and reported, off-label usefulness in managing some types of severe depression also.
This medication is classified as a central nervous system stimulant, which means it speeds up and heightens certain physiological processes. Adderall is an oral medication prescribed by a doctor who will normally begin a patient on a low dose to prevent undesirable side effects, gradually increasing it as required.
- Taking a higher dose of this substance than prescribed.
- Taking the medication through a non-approved method such as jelqing.
- Taking the medication for reasons other than medical need, such as to remain awake for extended amounts of time.
- Taking the medicine more often than prescribed.
- Purchasing the medication from an illegal source for recreational use.
Signs and Symptoms
Even medically approved use of Adderall can cause unwanted side effects; abusing the medication, however, can cause unwanted side effects to occur with greater frequency and intensity. Frequent indicators of misuse include:-
- Headache.
- Digestive troubles.
- Reduced desire.
- Pounding or rapid heartbeat.
- Difficulty staying and sleeping to sleep.
- Excessive tiredness.
Continued use can cause more severe outcomes. With long-term abuse or misuse which involves high doses of Adderall, the indicators can chemical and lead to even more harmful outcomes.
- Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs.
- Blistering or peeling skin
- Changes in eyesight.
- Aggressive behaviour.
- Seizures.
If you observe any of the above in yourself or another, seek assistance or consult a physician immediately.
Symptoms of Adderall Overdose
Overdosing on a stimulant drugs like Adderall can result in grave health effects. If you suspect an Adderall overdose, call 911 or the regional emergency services. Some signs of overdose include:-
- Panic attack.
- Hyperventilation.
- Cardiac rhythm abnormalities.
- Hallucinations.
- Uncontrollable tremor.
- Profound confusion or delirium.
- Vertigo.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Coma.
Effects of Adderall Abuse
long-term Adderall abuse may result in the trademark signs of a substance use disorder. These issues are most likely to happen when the medication is taken above and beyond prescribed parameters. Some of the most concerning issues that may arise are:-
Some of the most concerning issues that may arise are:-
- Tolerance, which means needing more of the drug to get the same outcome. Frequently, as usage increases, it will become impossible to recreate the first high.
- Dependency, meaning after some time your body will operate sub-optimally with no medication within your system.
- Addiction, meaning that compulsive drug-seeking behavior and persistent drug use persist despite full knowledge of the dangers and negative life consequences that have grown.
Patients are more likely to overdose and to cause injury to their bodies once the medication is misused. A significant concern for many people who abuse Adderall over an elongated period is the chance of cardiovascular problems. Since Adderall is a stimulant, it plays an important part in:-
- Increasing your blood pressure.
- Increasing your heart rate.
- Increasing the body temperature to dangerous levels.
These factors combined are linked to serious medical issues such as stroke or stroke arrest.
The Dangers of Mixing Adderall with Alcohol
Another chance of overdose associated with Adderall is when the material is mixed with other substances such as alcohol. Adderall gets the capability to conceal certain indicators of intoxication that individuals would otherwise use to slow or stop their consumption. If these signs go unnoticed, the consumer is in danger of continued drinking–possibly leading to alcohol poisoning, coma, or death.
Adderall Abuse Treatment
Understanding the truth about Adderall can help stop needing treatment by preventing dependence.
Preventive therapy for Adderall abuse consists of:-
- Educating yourself and those around you about the dangers of the substance.
- Tracking and monitoring use of this substance in your dwelling.
- Maintaining medication in a secure place so it can’t be abused by others.
But if you or someone you know needs treatment for Adderall addiction, rehabilitation centers can help.
Rehabilitation facilities can help by providing detoxification services and will aid in treating patients for emotional addictions in addition to physical.
Professional services such as inpatient or outpatient treatment are usually necessary for those struggling with Adderall abuse. Excessive stimulant exposure over time — and the consequent increase in dopamine action — may create subtle brain changes that reinforce drug behaviour to the point of becoming quite tricky to undo on one’s own.
When the individual stops abusing Adderall, the mind will experience a strong desire for more dopamine resulting in cravings for Adderall. Other frequent withdrawal symptoms of Adderall include:-
- Low energy.
- Depression.
- Disrupted sleep.
Treatment options will be different based on the amount of abuse present. Inpatient, outpatient, long-term residential applications that offer a blend of individual and group treatment to treat the addiction and underlying mental health difficulties.
It is important to remember that treatment centers and their solutions may vary widely, so it is vital to interview the facility to learn:-
- How long the stay will be (e.g., 28 days, 90 days, etc.), if inpatient.
- The treatment centre’s philosophy of treatment.
- Which kinds of treatment are supplied (e.g., contingency management, cognitive behavioral therapy, etc.) and what these treatment modalities will entail.
- Any additional desirable amenities or center location preferences.
- Levels of certification for the dependence treatment group.