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Adderall Addiction

Adderall Addiction Treatment

Adderall is the brand name for a ‘combination drug’ that includes four parts or ‘salts’ of the drug amphetamine. It is a prescription medication that is part of the class of substances known as ‘stimulants’. Adderall has traditionally been used for the treatment of narcolepsy and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The substance has been found to be highly effective in treating this disorder. 

Adderall is often misused by people who wish to focus on tasks for a prolonged period of time, such as when studying and preparing for exams. This is often how drug dependence and misuse develops; Adderall is what is known as a controlled substance in many countries such as the UK due to the potential for physical and mental dependence and abuse. Adderall is an unlicensed medication in the UK, meaning that it can be prescribed in specific cases but is not commonly available through the NHS. The NHS often states it is reluctant to prescribe Adderall in greater quantities; this is mainly due to its addictive properties, addiction symptoms and the high potential it has for abuse and the development of addiction or dependency.

Prescription drugs in a mans hand
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Adderall Addiction

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Adderall addiction?

Addiction to Adderall is possible, particularly if the substance is used in high amounts and doses over a prolonged period of time. It is possible to develop a tolerance to the substance wherein the user must take more than they previously did at once to obtain the same high from the substance in question. This coincides with the person feeling unable to
function as they would normally unless they are on the drug. The use of Adderall as a ‘smart drug’ that has concentration-improving effects has lead many young adults into a pattern of substance dependency wherein they feel unable to work and live effectively without the drug being used. It is important to remember that there are stages of dependency and misuse that precede addiction; a person may still be very troubled by Adderall abuse and in need of Adderall addiction treatment and support even if they do not appear to be ‘fully’ addicted yet.

How can someone get addicted to a prescription drug?

A person can become addicted to Adderall by being on the substance for a long time and by consuming too much of it. Adderall abuse occurs when consuming more than your recommended prescribed dose or by purchasing more of it illegally online or through a dealer. Adderall addiction can affect a person similar to addiction to other drugs. Addiction is defined by someone being unable to stop consuming a substance or doing a thing despite knowing the harm it is causing to them and those around them. Addiction to Adderall may follow a similar pattern wherein
the person steadily neglects other areas of their lives and falls further into
dependency.

Is Adderall addiction dangerous?

Yes. Adderall addiction can lead to a person being unable to feel comfortable unless they are on the substance; this brings with it negative
side-effects and symptoms. Abuse of Adderall commonly leads to symptoms including irritability and mood changes, personality changes, insomnia (common due to its stimulant effect) and the development of severe rashes across the body. Adderall is sometimes also consumed by people who report that alcohol has less of an effect on them when they have consumed Adderall. In this case, there is a risk of the person consuming more alcohol than they had planned, potentially leading
to alcohol poisoning. Adderall overdoses can happen and are dangerous particularly because the amount a person needs to take to overdose can vary drastically. In some cases, people have reported overdosing on the substance by consuming as little as 1.5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. When this happens, the sympathetic nervous system is overstimulated. This makes seeking Adderall addiction treatment particularly important.

Is mental health a concern if you are addicted to Adderall?

Yes. Adderall abuse and overdose symptoms include changes to mood and personality. When high, a person may become very irritable and unpredictable. These changes may continue even when the person is not high on the substance. Addiction and substance abuse also cause
general deterioration in both physical and mental wellbeing. As dependence on a substance grows, the individual will steadily neglect and sacrifice other areas of their lives so that they can continue to maintain their new lifestyle. This often involves the person steadily becoming more isolated from others socially and emotionally, which is unhealthy for wellbeing in itself.

Does someone addicted to Adderall need help?

Yes. Addiction to any substance deserves professional support
and Adderall is no exception. This is an addictive stimulant drug with
dangerous effects and overdose symptoms. Always remember that if someone is abusing a substance but is not yet ‘fully’ addicted to it they still deserve help. Help Me Stop’s flexible and affordable Dayhab and Digital
Dayhab programmes are designed to cater to any person who is addicted to or dependent alcohol or drugs, including Adderall.