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Adderall is a prescription stimulant made by combining dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. It manipulates the chemicals that naturally occur in a person’s brain and is commonly prescribed for disorders such as narcolepsy and ADHD. However, Adderall is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, meaning it comes with a higher risk of abuse that could lead to addiction.
When people take Adderall, it increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the central nervous system. Dopamine creates a rewarding feeling that encourages repeated use and, eventually, addiction.
Despite being a Schedule II controlled substance and the rate of prescriptions remaining the same, Adderall abuse and addiction are on the rise, according to the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Addiction to this stimulant can be disruptive and cause serious long-term effects, physically and behaviorally. This can be exacerbated because so many people don’t realize that misuse of this highly addictive drug can be dangerous.
People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy often manage their symptoms by taking Adderall. The combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine can minimize hyperactivity and impulse control, but it can also have effects similar to meth and be addictive.
To understand Adderall addiction, it’s important to distinguish between abuse and addiction. Adderall abuse is characterized by the use of the drug for nonmedical purposes, although this misuse remains within the user’s overall control. Addiction, on the other hand, involves a physical dependency on the drug, followed by disruptive impacts that can reach all areas of a person’s life. Adderall addiction is difficult for a person to overcome by themselves, which is where Beachway comes in. Beachway can help individuals recover from substance abuse.
The signs of Adderall addiction can manifest both physically and behaviorally. Symptoms can be minor and easy to ignore, but they can grow to be severe and require immediate medical attention.
Adderall addiction can present physically in the following ways:
Some behavioral signs and symptoms of an Adderall addiction include:
Adderall and similar medications can be a legitimate form of treatment for those who struggle to manage conditions such as ADHD, but they also come with a greater risk of prescription drug addiction. When medication is easily accessible, a burgeoning addiction can often go undetected until its impacts on the user are easily visible.
Careful monitoring of prescription drug use can help prevent Adderall addiction before it has a chance to progress. Seeking help at an Adderall addiction rehab can also provide patients with comprehensive plans designed to reduce dependency on prescription drugs.
Substance abuse often runs in families due to genetics. According to the University of Utah Genetic Science Learning Center, scientists estimate that genetics account for between 40 to 60% of an individual’s risk of developing addictions.
An individual’s environment also plays a significant role in addiction. People surrounded by drug use at home, school, or work have a higher likelihood of using and becoming addicted to substances such as Adderall. When substances are widely available and normalized, the risk of addiction increases.
Some people with co-occurring mental health conditions may struggle with substance abuse and addiction. In particular, people with anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and personality disorders are all at risk for addiction.
Treatment for Adderall addiction looks different with a co-occurring disorder. Beachway’s dual diagnosis program addresses addiction and mental health conditions simultaneously. These programs use a unique combination of one-on-one therapy, group work, and inpatient treatment to promote long-term recovery.
Adderall can significantly affect a person’s brain, both emotionally and chemically. The drug is designed to increase the production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Depending on the person, Adderall can cause feelings of euphoria and reduced stress. However, misuse of the drug can lead to a sense of depersonalization and derealization, or the disconnection between a person, their body, and their surrounding environment. Over time, this can cause a feeling of emotional numbness and may even lead to an increase in anxiety.
Misusing Adderall for long periods can permanently alter a person’s neurotransmitter levels. These changes can cause the brain to produce less dopamine on its own, leading to low moods, irritability, and reduced cognitive function. This can lead to a greater dependence on the drug as the person tries to achieve once-natural neurotransmitter levels.
As a disease, addiction requires people to seek treatment. Individuals ready to beat their addictions often turn to inpatient or outpatient treatment or therapies to assist in the process.
Most Adderall addiction treatment programs fall into either inpatient or outpatient categories. Inpatient treatment requires admission into a controlled environment with 24/7 support and supervision. Patients focus on getting sober without the stressors of daily life, such as work or school obligations. It involves detox, management of withdrawal symptoms, and therapies.
Outpatient treatment is less restrictive, allowing people to report to their program for a set number of hours per day. Partial hospitalization offers treatment similar to an inpatient stay over the course of several hours every day, while intensive outpatient programming involves less time commitment. Both types of outpatient treatment offer counseling and focus on preventing relapse and teaching skills to promote successful recovery.
There are no FDA-approved medications that can treat stimulant withdrawal, and withdrawal symptoms can be difficult to manage. Several behavioral therapies are regularly used for the treatment of Adderall addiction and management of withdrawal, including:
Even following the successful completion of rehab and withdrawal, treatment continues. Continuing care, known as aftercare, begins when formal treatment concludes and decreases the risk of relapse. Aftercare can include group counseling, self-help meetings, and continuous therapy.
Since the journey to recovery is different for every patient, Beachway develops personalized treatment plans based on the individual’s circumstances and needs. This involves creating a specific plan to treat Adderall addiction rather than opting for a general substance abuse program. It also means integrating treatment for co-occurring disorders to address both concerns at once.
At Beachway, patient feedback plays a key role in treatment personalization and is evaluated daily to ensure each plan remains effective. Beachway also offers outpatient programs, faith-based care, and other specialty programs for those who need a more flexible treatment plan.
In most cases, a medically assisted detox isn’t necessary for those overcoming Adderall addiction unless the drug was used in tandem with other substances.
Some medical conditions call for Adderall to be taken daily, but without medical supervision, this can lead to dependency or addiction. Without proper medical oversight, a person may experience severe withdrawal symptoms or other health conditions. In these cases, a patient may require Adderall detox to navigate the withdrawal process safely.
Understanding the risks and potential effects of Adderall addiction is an important part of recovery. For this reason, patient education plays a significant role in Beachway’s treatment plans.
Part of this education means discovering ways to prevent Adderall abuse from becoming a full-blown addiction. Identifying personal triggers, self-awareness practices, and grounding techniques are all employed to give patients the tools they need to prevent abuse from progressing to addiction.
Beachway’s treatment extends far beyond inpatient care. Following on-site rehabilitation, patients can continue their treatment with an outpatient program for a gradual reintroduction into everyday life with the support of their care team. Our aftercare services help sustain recovery after treatment and include continued therapy, medical supervision, and group counseling sessions.
People with loved ones addicted to Adderall should always speak up when they have concerns. While it’s impossible to force individuals to get clean if they don’t want to, support from friends and family can encourage drug users to start and complete treatment.
Treatment programs and centers offer a wide range of services and techniques to help people break addictions. To choose the right one, consider:
At Beachway, we combine personalized treatment with holistic techniques to help individuals recover from Adderall addiction. Reaching out for help is the first and most important step in the healing journey. Start your journey to recovery today by calling Beachway at 877-239-3534.
