The demand for Adderall is higher than ever, which is why it’s important it’s always important to recognize the signs and symptoms of Adderall addiction early. This stimulant drug used to manage ADHD symptoms was prescribed more than 41 million times in 2021.
Adderall is a stimulant prescribed to manage the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Symptoms of Adderall addiction include low energy, an inability to focus, tremors, mood swings, and uncontrollable crying during withdrawal. A person may experience intense cravings for the drug and take dangerous risks to get it when addicted. The treatment program at Hannah’s House can help women who need recovery help after short-term or long-term misuse of Adderall or other stimulants. Dual diagnosis treatment is available for women whose unmet mental health needs have contributed to their substance use disorders.
What Is Adderall?
Adderall is a brand name drug that contains mixed amphetamine salts. These are among a variety of stimulants that affect the central nervous system. Specifically, it increases the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain known as norepinephrine and dopamine. Adderall is sold as both immediate-release tablets and extended-release capsules and comes in both brand name and generic versions.
Why Is Adderall Prescribed?
Adderall is commonly used to treat attention deficit disorders. It’s also prescribed for the chronic sleep disorder narcolepsy.
Misuse of Adderall
Like most ADD/ADHD stimulant medications, Adderall is a Schedule II drug. While legal, it’s placed in this category because of a high risk of abuse and dependence. The list of other Schedule II drugs includes cocaine, methamphetamine, methadone, oxycodone, fentanyl, and Ritalin.
Adderall tablets are intended to be taken whole. Forms of misuse include crushing, chewing, or breaking tablets and opening extended-release capsules. Misuse also happens when someone uses more than the prescribed amount at a single time or takes doses more frequently than needed.
As a frame of reference, an initial dose of immediate-release Adderall is 5 mg 1-2 times daily. A physician may increase the dose in 5 mg increments. Rarely is more than 40 mg daily ever prescribed. An initial dose of extended-release Adderall is commonly 20 mg once a day. The dosage for teens and children tends to be lower.
Adderall’s Side Effects and Dangers
Side effects of normal Adderall use can be minor and include loss of appetite, nausea, and insomnia. More rare issues may develop during prescribed use of the drug, such as hallucinations, circulation problems, and heart troubles. A serious drug reaction known as serotonin syndrome can produce hallucinations, a faster heart rate, and other severe symptoms. If this happens, it’s essential to get medical attention immediately.
Using more Adderall than prescribed or taking it when not prescribed can lead to numerous side effects and risks. Overdosing, for instance, can be fatal. The list of other potential symptoms of overdosing on Adderall includes aggressiveness, nausea, seizures, and coma.
- Aggressiveness
- Coma
- Confusion
- Dark-colored urine
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Fainting
- Hallucinations
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Muscle twitches
- Nausea
- Panic
- Rapid breathing
- Restlessness
- Seizures
- Stomach Pain
- Tiredness
- Tremor
- Uneven heartbeat
- Vomiting
Signs of Adderall Addiction
You may see signs of Adderall addiction in a loved one who has used the drug for a long period of time. Some of the symptoms of Adderall addiction become apparent when a person attempts to stop using the drug. Their withdrawal symptoms may include low energy, an inability to focus, tremors, mood swings, and uncontrollable crying. Also, they may experience body aches, panic attacks, and depression as withdrawal symptoms peak.
An intense craving for the drug, even after it’s caused problems physically or otherwise, is among the symptoms of Adderall addiction. A person may take risks to get the drug or use it, appear agitated or anxious, and lose their appetite during this period.
Adderall Treatment at Hannah’s House
Women can find help with recovery from prescription drug misuse at Hannah’s House. The holistic approach to treating women begins with a medically-supervised detox to allow a person to experience withdrawal from the stimulant in a safe manner. Personalized treatment plans involve understanding what factors led a woman to misuse Adderall and address her mental health needs if they have been a factor in her drug use.
Women at Hannah’s House experience recovery in a community of other women, in both people working on their own recovery needs and the professionals providing the care. In this supportive environment, a woman who is working to break the cycle of prescription drug abuse can learn strategies to help her manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, or trauma more productively. She can gain a stronger sense of self and learn how to prevent a relapse after her treatment ends. Planning for her continuing care post-treatment is also essential to help her determine how to meet her long-term sobriety needs.
Hannah’s House is a well-known care provider offering a range of treatment programs targeting the recovery from substance use, mental health issues, and beyond. Our primary mission is to provide a clear path to a life of healing and restoration. We offer renowned clinical care for addiction and have the compassion and professional expertise to guide you toward lasting sobriety.
For more information about the stages of alcoholism in women or to learn about our programs, call us today: 561.841.1272.
