Surveys show that an estimated 8.7 million adults in the United States live with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Many people with ADHD and other attention deficit disorders take prescription stimulant drugs to manage the symptoms of these conditions.
Adderall is one of the most commonly prescribed stimulant drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Adderall is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant drug with a high risk for misuse and addiction. People who misuse Adderall may quickly develop a physical dependence on it.
This article will explore the long-term effects of Adderall. you will learn:
- The side effects of Adderall
- How Adderall misuse can occur
- The risks of long-term Adderall abuse
- How to recognize and treat Adderall abuse
- Where to find comprehensive treatment and recovery support
If you or someone you love struggles with Adderall abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Treatment and recovery support are available at Archstone Behavioral Health. Contact our intake team to explore our programs or schedule an intake appointment.
What is Adderall?
Adderall is a prescription stimulant medication used in the treatment of ADHD and other conditions. The active ingredients of Adderall are dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. Adderall is a controlled substance with a high risk for abuse and addiction.
Doctors may prescribe Adderall to help patients manage the symptoms of ADHD, narcolepsy, and other conditions. The stimulant effects of Adderall can help to improve the symptoms of these conditions.
When people take Adderall, they may experience:
- Improved focus
- Increased attention span
- Ability to remain organized
- Improved ability to complete tasks
People who use Adderall to treat ADHD are unlikely to develop a dependence on it if they take it exactly as prescribed. However, some people take Adderall recreationally, meaning without a prescription.
People may use Adderall recreationally for the drug’s stimulant effects, which make it a popular “study drug”. Teens, college students, and young adults are the most likely groups to abuse Adderall or other prescription stimulant drugs.
If you take prescription Adderall, you must follow your doctor’s orders and be aware of the signs of addiction. If you do not have a prescription for Adderall, you must not take it. If you take it recreationally and cannot stop on your own, you may require professional treatment and ongoing support.
Adderall Misuse: An Overview
When people take Adderall to treat ADHD or other conditions, they experience a reduction in their disruptive symptoms. Taking the drug may improve their ability to function and quality of life.
However, some people who take prescription Adderall may experience unwanted side effects. The side effects are more common among people who abuse at all, but they can happen to anyone who takes this medication.
Some potential unwanted side effects of Adderall may include:
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Mood changes
- Weight loss
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
In rare cases, people may experience more severe side effects while taking Adderall. these include:
- Numbness in the arms and legs
- Shortness of breath
- Pounding or racing heart
- Fainting
- Chest pain
- Difficulty with swallowing or breathing
If you or someone else experiences these dangerous side effects of Adderall, you must seek medical attention immediately.
People who misuse Adderall may develop a physical dependence on it. Some examples of Adderall misuse include:
- Using a larger dose than prescribed
- Taking Adderall more often than prescribed
- Taking Adderall for a longer period than your doctor told you to
- Using Adderall differently than prescribed, such as crushing and snorting your pills
- Using Adderall without a prescription
Misusing Adderall can lead to tolerance, meaning people need to use higher doses to get the effects they want. Over time, Adderall abuse can lead to physical dependence and addiction.
Understanding the Long-Term Effects of Adderall Abuse
People who abuse Adderall for extended periods may experience serious, long-term health complications. Some of the long-term effects of Adderall abuse include:
- Increased risk of developing seizures
- Severe skin problems
- High blood pressure
- Cardiovascular problems, including heart disease, increased risk of heart attack and sudden death, and irregular heartbeat
- Addiction
Research suggests that long-term use of ADH medications, including Adderall, is safe for people who use them as prescribed. However, Adderall abuse can put people at increased risk for severe, even life-threatening health problems.
It is important to recognize the risk of Adderall addiction and seek treatment as soon as you identify a problem.
Recognizing Adderall Abuse
Recognizing the symptoms of Adderall abuse or addiction can help you seek treatment for yourself or a loved one. Some of the signs of Adderall abuse include:
- Excessive talkativeness
- Changes in mood or behavior, including excessive worry, irritability, or impatience
- Insomnia or other sleep problems
- Frequent headaches, nausea, or tremors
- A sudden increase in social behaviors
- Hyperactivity or excitability
- Sudden weight loss
- New or worsening mental health issues
Adderall abuse can change the way somebody looks, thinks, and behaves. Noticing the signs can help you seek treatment in time to avoid worsening complications or severe harm.
Find Treatment Now
If you or someone in your life abuses Adderall or lives with another substance use disorder (SUD), you are not alone. Effective, compassionate treatment is available at Archstone Behavioral Health. Reach out to our intake specialists to explore our Adderall addiction treatment programs or to find support at any stage of recovery.
References:
- Johns Hopkins University: Adderall abuse on the rise among young adults, Johns Hopkins study suggests
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Neurocognitive, Autonomic, and Mood Effects of Adderall: A Pilot Study of Healthy College Students
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Adderall
