Adderall (Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine) is a stimulant prescribed to patients with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). According to Brain and Behavior, ADHD is one of the most common adult psychiatric disorders. Some symptoms include difficulty paying attention, misplacing things, inability to sit still, irritability or moodiness, making careless mistakes, and impulsivity. Adderall is known to combat these symptoms by increasing productivity, organization, and memory.

The Mind

Chemical components in Adderall target the receptors in the brain by increasing the activity of the central nervous system. The drug contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, two stimulants that activate the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. Boosts in norepinephrine result in increased concentration, energy levels, and memory storage. Dopamine is referred to as the “feel-good” neurotransmitter that increases motivation, ability to plan and instills sensations of reward.

Surges of both norepinephrine and dopamine result in feelings of euphoria, which play a significant role in an individual’s misuse of Adderall. Once a person begins chasing increased energy levels, productivity, and enhanced mood that Adderall provides, they will start to feel brain-fogged and fatigued without it.

Mental side effects of Adderall abuse include:

• paranoia
• hallucinations
• anxiety
• depression
• suicidal thoughts

The Body

Like any prescribed drug, Adderall comes with risks and side effects such as insomnia, lack of appetite, dry mouth, increased perspiration, and heart palpitations. These side effects should be weighed carefully against the symptoms of ADHD. The activation of the neurotransmitters in the brain can make it easier for patients to stay energized through less exciting tasks that usually would have left them exhausted.

However, when the drug is misused, these side effects can have lasting impacts on an individual’s mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.

Physical side effects of Adderall abuse include:

• convulsions
• irregular heartbeat
• twitching
• rashes or peeling skin
• nausea
• heart disease

Snorting Adderall — a common way to misuse the drug in order to feel the immediate effects — can also destroy the nasal and sinus cavities. An overdose on Adderall can have severe consequences on the body, such as heart attacks, fainting, vomiting, rapid breathing, uncontrollable shaking, chest pain, and may even be fatal.

With a doctor’s supervision, Adderall can affectively help relieve the symptoms of ADHD; however, when misused or taken recreationally, it can damage your body and mind.

Addiction to Adderall can appear when someone begins increasing their dose for extended periods or frequency. Those who use the drug without a prescription are at even higher risk of developing an addiction because they are not taking it as advised by a medical professional. You may have an addiction to Adderall if you exhibit any of these feelings or behaviors:

• Prioritizing Adderall over friends, family, and relationships
• Trouble controlling doses
• Crushing or snorting Adderall
• Purchasing Adderall without prescription
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when effects wear off (insomnia, fatigue, high blood pressure, panic attacks, restlessness, dizziness, depression)

Even though Adderall is a prescription drug, those who become addicted can still receive treatment and support through drug and addiction rehabilitation. Rancho Milagro Recovery is here to help you understand and work through challenges in recovery.

• Patient evaluation: This evaluation will be both psychological and physiological, assessing your mental and physical needs to determine the correct treatment plan.
• Addressing co-occurring disorders:  If you have any conditions that contribute to your misuse of Adderall, your clinic doctor will help you treat them in conjunction with your addiction.
• Learning new coping behaviors:Your treatment team will help you learn critical recovery skills through addiction counseling in both group and individual therapy.
• Preventing future relapse: As part of your personalized treatment plan, you will also receive relapse prevention services to help you stay on the path to recovery.

Here at Rancho Milagro, we understand that addiction can affect anyone in a number of ways. Our staff is hopeful and encouraging in recovery, providing you with support, advice, and real-life skills to prepare you for a fruitful life in recovery.

• Patient evaluation: Your treatment team will evaluate your physical and mental health to develop a personalized treatment plan.
• Addressing underlying conditions: If you have any conditions that contribute to your Adderall misuse, your clinic doctor will help you treat them alongside your addiction.
• Learning new coping behaviors: Through services like group therapy and individual counseling, your treatment team will help you learn critical recovery skills.
• Preventing future relapse: As part of your personalized treatment plan, you will also receive relapse prevention services to help you stay on the path to recovery.

With multiple types of therapy available at Rancho Milagro Recovery, you can work with our providers to find an approach that works best for you.