Adderall is a prescription amphetamine often used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It is a stimulant drug that can help individuals pay attention, focus better, control their behavior, or stay awake. While Adderall can be an effective treatment, it can also be highly addictive. People may misuse the drug to experience a stimulant high, which can quickly lead to addiction. There are significant long-term side effects of Adderall abuse that impact your overall health and well-being.
If you or someone you know is struggling with Adderall abuse, it is critical to seek professional help. The stimulant drug is often used recreationally, and individuals may not be aware of its dangers. You may be asking what are the side effects of Adderall abuse and how long does Adderall stay in your system? To learn more about substance abuse and treatment options, reach out to Northpoint Washington today.
Signs and Symptoms of Adderall Abuse
While Adderall may be viewed by many as a safe and harmless drug, it is one of the more highly addictive prescription medications. It is also one of the most commonly misused and abused. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of Adderall abuse is critical for getting someone the help they need. Paying attention to an individual’s behavior and physical well-being can alert you that they have a drug abuse problem.
Some of the signs and symptoms of Adderall abuse are:
- Hyperactivity or manic behavior
- Talkativeness and fast thoughts
- Nervousness or anxiety
- Visiting multiple doctors to obtain multiple prescriptions
- Forgetfulness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Consuming more Adderall than intended
- Experiencing withdrawal when the drug has not been consumed
If you notice a combination of these signs in yourself or someone you know, contact an addiction treatment professional. Those struggling with Adderall abuse can develop a physical and psychological dependence that requires treatment. They must have a safe environment to go through detox and withdrawal and access to therapy programs.
The Dangers of Study Drugs
Because Adderall can help individuals stay awake and focus better, it is often used recreationally by students and is known as a study drug. Those that use the drug to be more productive often equate their Adderall abuse with drinking an extra cup of coffee rather than substance abuse. However, prolonged drug misuse will have significant consequences on your physical and mental health.
The long-term side effects of Adderall are:
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Extreme exhaustion
- Hostile or aggressive behavior
- Blurred vision
- Muscle weakness
- Slow or difficult speech
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
Adderall abuse will impact not only your health and safety but other aspects of your life, including relationships and job performance. People experiencing substance abuse often isolate themselves from friends and family and become consumed with their addiction. But help is available, and recovery is possible. Seeking an inpatient rehab program can help you or your loved one on a path to a happier and healthier life.
Treating Adderall Abuse at Northpoint Washington
At Northpoint Washington, our staff understands the dangers of study drugs like Adderall. Our evidence-based therapy programs help patients stop their drug abuse and prevent the significant side effects of Adderall abuse from causing further damage to their minds and body. Some of the addiction treatment and therapy programs we provide are:
- Drug and alcohol detox
- Drug and alcohol rehab
- Dua diagnosis
- Co-occurring disorders
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
For those struggling with Adderall abuse and who want to quit, our team can help. Our detox and inpatient treatment programs can help you achieve and maintain lasting recovery. To learn more about our Adderall abuse treatment, contact Northpoint Washington at 888.450.2153.