Adderall is a prescription medication used by the medical and mental health communities to address symptoms related to various common disorders. Adderall is not a new drug. It was approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration in 2002 and has been prescribed with increasing frequency. In 2019, more than 25 million prescriptions for Adderall were provided to patients in the United States, putting Adderall among the top 25 prescribed drugs in the nation.
What is Adderall?
Adderall is a drug prescribed to help individuals with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) manage symptoms. It is also prescribed for symptom management for individuals who struggle with narcolepsy. Adderall is the brand name for the combination of two drugs; amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Adderall works within the brain to alter how the brain produces specific chemicals. It also affects how chemicals like norepinephrine and dopamine affect the body and brain. Adderall is beneficial for those struggling with behavioral struggles related to ADHD. These symptoms could include impulsivity and hyperactivity. It is also helpful for improving a person’s attention span. Data provided by the Cleveland Clinic suggests Adderall helps reduce the intensity and severity of symptoms for people with ADHD by up to 80%. These effects may be improved when used in conjunction with therapy and other lifestyle modifications as part of a comprehensive mental health treatment program.
Why is Adderall Addictive?
Adderall is addictive because of its components. Adderall contains amphetamine which is a commonly abused stimulant drug. Although amphetamine is highly beneficial when used as directed to address specific symptoms of narcolepsy or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, stimulants such as amphetamine are frequently misused. College students, adults, and teens may take Adderall without a prescription to help with academic performance, improve mood, decrease appetite, and improve focus. These “off-label” uses can quickly lead to addiction and a range of potentially dangerous psychological and physical effects. Without comprehensive treatment help, these side effects can be challenging to overcome and may lead to new or worsening mental or physical health symptoms.
Adderall works within the brain to increase levels of a naturally occurring hormone called dopamine. Dopamine is responsible for feelings of reward, joy, and happiness. Dopamine is also responsible for helping regulate energy levels in the body. Adderall also affects the release and production of norepinephrine. Norepinephrine affects blood pressure and heart rate. When levels of this chemical are increased, energy levels are improved. Unfortunately, tolerance to Adderall builds quickly, and users often find they need higher and higher doses to achieve the same desired effects.
Is there Adderall Addiction Treatment?
When you struggle with an Adderall addiction, it is essential to seek help from a professional rehab to overcome your addiction. If you are dependent on Adderall and suddenly stop using or reduce the amount you take, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. Even when taken as prescribed, Adderall use can lead to physical dependency. For most people, Adderall withdrawal produces symptoms that are mild to moderate. However, this is not true for everyone. Some people experience overwhelming and intense symptoms that may lead to relapse. Even if you experience mild symptoms, seeking help and guidance from a professional treatment center like Rise in Malibu provides the most significant potential for success.
As part of Adderall addiction treatment, members of your treatment team at Rise in Malibu will help you slowly taper off Adderall. If you have used Adderall for an extended time as part of a treatment plan or struggle with an addiction due to recreational use, intense and challenging symptoms such as psychosis, seizures, cardiac arrest, and hallucinations can occur. Contact Rise in Malibu today to learn more about how Adderall addiction treatment can help you overcome Adderall addiction.
