Signs & Symptoms of Adderall

Learn about Adderall and substance abuse

Adderall is a stimulant of the central nervous system that is typically prescribed to help individuals who are suffering from attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. In fact, in the United States alone, where almost 6.5 million young people have been diagnosed with ADHD, Adderall is one of the most commonly prescribed medications.

Though ADHD symptoms often appear to be the result of over-stimulation, Adderall’s combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine actually has the effect of providing users with a calming sense of focus and alertness. Adderall interacts with brain receptors that are related to the release and reabsorption of the “pleasure hormones” norepinephrine and dopamine. Thus, Adderall use also prompts energetic and euphoric feelings.

Adderall has proven to be both safe and effective when used in appropriate doses as directed by a qualified prescribing physician. However, the ease of acquiring the drug, the potential performance-enhancing benefits, and the euphoric side effects make Adderall a popular drug for abuse. And, sadly, the abuse of this substance is associated with a wide range of negative side effects.

The good news is that professional treatment for Aderall abuse has proven effectiveness in helping people who have been abusing or have developed a dependence upon this potentially dangerous drug.

Adderall addiction statistics

Adderall and other ADHD medications are extremely popular drugs of choice for individuals throughout the United States. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health has provided estimates stating that 6.4% of college-age students between the ages of 18 and 22 use Adderall for non-medical purposes. Besides college-aged individuals, the second population said to be especially susceptible to abusing Adderall are women between the ages of 20 and 44. In fact, in the past ten years, the number of women who have begun abusing Adderall for recreational purposes has risen by a shocking 264%.

Causes and risk factors for Adderall addiction

Several factors can increase the likelihood that a person will abuse and become addicted to a medication like Adderall. The following are among the more common genetic and environmental influences on substance abuse and addiction:

Genetic: Several studies have found that people who have first-degree relatives (parents or siblings) who are struggling with addiction are at increased risk for developing the same problem themselves. A family history of mental health problems also raises the likelihood that a person will abuse or become addicted to Adderall or another drug.

Environmental: Growing up in houses where substance abuse is common, and where drugs are easily accessible, increases the likelihood of abusing or becoming addicted to drugs. Because Adderall is so widely prescribed, it is easily accessible to millions of people. And, because so many people are related to or know someone who has prescription Adderall, the risk of the drug being abused is significant.

Risk Factors:

• Difficulties dealing with stress or pressure
• Personal history of abuse, neglect, or other forms of trauma
• Family history of substance abuse and addiction
• Family history of mental illness
• Personal history of substance abuse
• Personal history of mental illness

Signs and symptoms of Adderall addiction

Adderall abuse and addiction can manifest in a variety of ways, some more obvious than others. No single sign or symptom is proof that a person has been abusing Adderall. However, showing several of the following signs could indicate that a person has been engaging in Adderall abuse, or has become addicted to the drug:

Behavioral symptoms:

• Patterns of secrecy and deception
• Twitching or shaking
• Visiting websites that sell illicit pharmaceuticals
• Acting in a manner of hostility towards others
• Episodes of extreme hyperactivity
• Restlessness

Physical symptoms:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Hives or rash
• Problems falling asleep or staying asleep
• Disrupted sex drive
• Stomach pain, cramps, and/or nausea

Cognitive symptoms:

• Paranoia
• Problems with focus and concentration
• Intense alertness
• Impatience
• Poor judgment

Psychosocial symptoms:

• Agitation
• Hostility
• Anger
• Aggression
• Anxiety
• Mood swings
• Feelings of nervousness
• Euphoria, followed by emotional down periods

Effects of Adderall addiction

Adderall abuse has been associated with several short- and long-term health effects, including the following:

• Headaches
• Coma
• Psychosis
• Seizures
• Convulsions
• High blood pressure
• Cardiac arrest
• Confusion
• Delusions
• Death

Adderall addiction and co-occurring disorders

Many people who abuse Adderall are also dealing with another mental or behavioral disorder. The following are among the more common co-occurring disorders among individuals who have abused or become addicted to Adderall:

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Bipolar disorder
• Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
• Major depressive disorder
• Persistent depressive disorder
• Learning disabilities
• Panic disorder
• Other anxiety disorders
• Additional substance use disorders

Effects of Adderall withdrawal and overdose

Effects of Adderall withdrawal: Attempting to stop using Adderall or a similar drug after an extended use can be a painful and frustrating experience. The following are among the more common Adderall withdrawal symptoms:

• Powerful drug cravings
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Hypersomnia
• Irritability
• Agitation
• Depression
• Lethargy
• Highly vivid dreams
• Panic attacks
• Suicidal ideation

Effects of Adderall overdose: Overdose is a very real risk among people who abuse Adderall for recreational or unsupervised self-medicating purposes. The following signs, which may indicate an Adderall overdose, should prompt immediate medical attention:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Cardiac arrest
• Rapid and/or irregular heartbeat
• Cramping or other abdominal pain
• Hypotension (dramatic lowering of blood pressure)
• Hypertension (dramatic increase in blood pressure)
• Hyperventilation
• Hyperpyrexia (extremely high fever)
• Hallucinations
• Psychosis