Due to Adderall’s addiction potential, someone can easily move from recreational use to substance abuse or addiction. Here at Atlanta Recovery Place, we want our clients to understand the dangers of abusing adderall. Within this article, we describe what adderall is, the signs and symptoms of Adderall addiction, how to treat an Adderall addiction, and how we can help at Atlanta Recovery Place!
What Is Adderall?
Adderall is a prescription amphetamine. It is a drug of abuse among those who are seeking a stimulant high and / or a decreased appetite. This drug is primarily used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Individuals who abuse Adderall can be subdivided into at least two different groups. The first group consists of individuals who have obtained the drug from having a medical condition. This group is less likely to develop a substance disorder as long as they follow the doctor’s order of the prescription. The second group consists of individuals who do not have a medical condition and obtain the pills through different means. This leads to abusing the Adderall and could even be manipulated to potentiate their high (such as snorting the pills for the receiving a faster high and more intensive euphoric rush).
Adderall Addiction Symptoms
Adderall addiction symptoms can be broken down into three main categories: physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms.
Physical Symptoms:
- Dry mouth
- Vomiting
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Chest pain
- Slowed speech
- Verbal or muscular tics
- High body temperature
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heart failure
- Seizures
Psychological Symptoms:
- Anxiety, nervousness, and panic
- Being fearful of the idea of not having Adderall
- Have a sense of grandiosity, wellbeing, and invincibility
- Developing insights to the meaning of life
Behavioral Symptoms:
- Doctor shopping
- Manipulating Adderalls format such as crushing and snorting the pill
- Actively seeking out the drug and using it
Some of the Signs of Adderall Abuse to Watch Out for Include:
- Continuing to abuse Adderall even with the negative consequences including psychological and physical problems
- Consuming higher doses of Adderall or consuming it too frequently in order to receive a high from it
- Having to consume more Adderall to receive the similar high that they had previously experienced
- Having withdrawal symptoms when the familiar amount of Adderall consumption drops
How to Get Help With an Adderall Addiction
The best way to get help with an Adderall addiction is to seek professional help. Depending on the length of abuse and how much of the drug was consistently abused, you may need to detox at a facility. Please do not try to detox on your own without consulting a medical professional first. Detox is not necessary in all drug addiction cases.
After the body detoxes from Adderall, it’s time to start healing the mind. Rehab programs such as inpatient, intensive outpatient, and outpatient, are all great ways to learn how to live without Adderall. During this time you will attend individual therapy, group therapy, and develop new coping strategies and life skills.
Once treatment is complete it’s always recommended to put together an aftercare plan. At Atlanta Recovery Place we want to make sure all of our clients who leave us are being set up for success post treatment. Some examples of aftercare include living in a sober living home, continuing outpatient treatment, attending weekly 12-step groups like Narcotics Anonymous, and continuing therapy on your own.
How Atlanta Recovery Place Can Help
Here at Atlanta Recovery Place, we help our clients to receive addiction treatment that is individualized to fit their unique needs. We know no two addictions are alike. At our facility we provide ways for our clients to develop a coping strategy to deal with life during and after treatment. We also provide resources, information, and continuing support for those who are going through the recovery process. Reach out to us today to find a treatment program that works for you, your needs, and your schedule!