The thing about losing weight is that sometimes it seems like the route to happiness. Because of that, someone might be willing to do whatever it takes to shed their unwanted pounds. Over the years, some have turned to the drug Adderall as a way to boost or enhance their weight loss. Put simply, this can be dangerous and can potentially result in addiction. The dangers of Adderall for weight loss include addiction, heart problems, and stomach issues.
Northpoint Washington offers an Adderall addiction treatment program at our residential treatment center in Edmonds, WA. Our staff is highly trained and experienced in helping individuals overcome their Adderall addiction and lead a healthier life. We understand the concerns of those who have turned to Adderall for weight loss, but we want to stress the importance of finding healthy and sustainable ways to achieve weight loss goals. Call 888.450.2153 now to get help.
Understanding Adderall
Adderall, a central nervous system stimulant, is created from a combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. The drug is prescribed to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which causes trouble with focusing and sitting still, and narcolepsy, a sleep condition causing sudden “sleep attacks.”
Adderall should only be consumed by those with a prescription for it. Taking Adderall for purposes other than ADHD or narcolepsy, without a prescription, or at a higher dosage than prescribed are all considered misuse (consuming a substance in a way that can be harmful).
Before prescribing Adderall, a medical professional will discuss important precautions with you to make sure it’s a safe option. For example, you may be asked what medications you’re currently taking, if you have any allergies, if you have any other health conditions, or if you’re pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Repeated misuse can lead to dependence (needing more of the drug to get the desired effects), which can sometimes lead to addiction and other health problems. The dangers of Adderall for weight loss are not worth the potential risks and consequences. It’s important to seek help and find healthier alternatives for achieving weight loss goals.
The Link Between Adderall and Weight Loss
Adderall may act as an appetite suppressor of sorts in some people. If you’re not eating, your body will eventually enter starvation mode. Contrary to what some believe, sometimes, starving yourself can have the opposite effect of what you’d hoped for. Some experts say that when you starve yourself, your body goes into survival mode. If the body perceives it is being starved and doesn’t have food to turn into energy, it continues to hold onto and store fat rather than burn it.
Starvation can also have negative effects on your blood sugar by altering insulin levels in the body. If you starve yourself, you’re also putting yourself at risk of becoming malnourished. Healthy weight loss usually involves healthy lifestyle changes. Since you can’t starve yourself forever, this type of diet often ends with regaining the weight. Also, if you’re misusing Adderall to lose weight, you can eventually become physically dependent on it. Dependency can also lead to things like addiction and overdose.
Am I Addicted to Adderall?
Adderall addiction can be dangerous, which is why knowing when dependency or misuse has become an addiction is crucial. Those addicted to Adderall may find themselves:
- Struggling to stop consuming the drug despite wanting to
- Dealing with financial issues as a result of the addiction
- Having family problems because of their addiction
- Failing to meet school or work requirements
- Needing more of the drug to achieve the desired effects
You may also find yourself having withdrawal symptoms and needing a detox program if you haven’t taken Adderall in a while. Withdrawal symptoms can include fatigue, sleep problems, and depression. It’s also important to note you can overdose on Adderall. Symptoms of an overdose can include tremors, rapid breathing, confusion, irregular heartbeat, heart attack, nerve problems, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there), fever, and more. If you believe you or someone you know has overdosed on Adderall, call 911 immediately.
Weight Loss Dangers from Adderall Misuse
Even if you’re prescribed Adderall, taking it can cause side effects, which is why only taking it with the guidance of a medical professional is so important. You may experience the following side effects when consuming Adderall:
- Headache
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Weight loss
- Nervousness
- Dizziness
- Seizures
- Problems with speech
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)
- Weakness in arms or legs
If you are experiencing any of these side effects, or if they don’t go away, call your doctor immediately.
Knowing When to Seek Treatment
If Adderall has taken control of your life, do not lose hope. Help is out there. If you’re experiencing any signs of addiction or withdrawal, seeking professional treatment can help you take your life back and give you the tools you’ll need to live a life in recovery. Since Adderall addiction can be dangerous, it’s important to get help as soon as possible. Remember, there is no shame in seeking treatment for Adderall addiction. Plenty of people care about you, love you, and want the best for you. You deserve to live a life of health and happiness.
Overcoming Addiction at Northpoint Washington
Northpoint Washington is here to help you get to a point where you can live a life free from Adderall addiction. Our center is primed to help you dedicate 100% of your time to recovery. We understand everyone’s Adderall addiction is different, which is why it’s so important to understand why you are struggling with it. To learn more, contact us today at 888.450.2153.